Psalms 58

Psalms 58:1-11

The administration of justice is a mark of good government. God expects nothing less from his people. The psalmist condemns Israel’s leaders for abusing their power, and he calls on the Lord to rain down his curses upon the wicked. The demonstration of divine justice will reassure the godly that God is just.

Psalms 58:1-5

The administrators of justice were furthering their own interests rather than those of the needy. The absence of justice gradually resulted in a violent society.

Psalms 58:1

rulers (or gods): People used this term for high officials and administrators of justice (Psalm 82:1, 6). In other contexts, it might refer to angelic creatures (Psalm 89:7) or the gods of other nations (82:1; Daniel 11:36).

Psalms 58:3

All humans are born with a tendency to sin (see Psalm 51:5). However, the wicked follow their sinful desires, while the godly struggle against them (Romans 7:19–23; James 4:1–10).

Psalms 58:4

Venom here means harmful speech (see Psalm 140:3).

Psalms 58:6

The psalmist calls on God to break the destructive power of the wicked.

Psalms 58:8

When moving over dry ground, slugs dry up.

Psalms 58:9-10

God’s judgment will come suddenly. The certainty of vindication brings joy to the godly.

Psalms 58:11

Being shown to be right is the reward for those who live for God.

Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.