Bible Commentaries
Psalms 58

Verses 1-11

This is a fine setting forth of the certainty of the judgment of God against wickedness. The psalmist declares its reason (verses Psa 58:1-5 ), its process (verses Psa 58:6-9 ), and its effect (verses to, Psa 58:11 ).

The whole psalm will be misunderstood save as we carefully note its opening questions. The reason of the judgment is not personal wrong. It is rather the failure of the rulers to administer justice. They are silent when they should speak. Their judgments are not upright. Evil in heart, they lie in word, and poison like serpents, and no charming wins them.

The process of judgment is described in the form of prayer, which shows the sympathy of the singer with the God who is forever against the oppressor. The terms are fierce and terrible, but not more so than are the wrath and stroke of God against such evil men. The effect of the divine judgment is to be the rejoicing of the righteous, the destruction of the wicked, and His vindication among men. It is a sickly sentimentality and a wicked weakness that have more sympathy with the corrupt oppressors than with the anger of God.