Psalms 58
BSB1 Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? 2 No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth. 3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth. 4 Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, 5 refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell. 6 O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions. 7 May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted. 8 Like a slug that dissolves in its slime, like a woman’s stillborn child, may they never see the sun. 9 Before your pots can feel the burning thorns— whether green or dry— He will sweep them away. 10 The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked. 11 Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!"
Study Notes — Psalms 58
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 58
- Themes from Psalms 58
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 58
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The psalmist begins by addressing the wicked, condemning their corruption and violence. In Psalms 58:1-2, he asks rhetorical questions, highlighting the futility of their actions. He then turns to God, asking Him to break the teeth of the wicked and to punish them for their evil deeds. The psalmist expresses his trust in God's justice and His ultimate triumph over evil. In Psalms 58:10-11, he looks forward to the day when the righteous will rejoice in God's victory and the wicked will be punished. Throughout the chapter, the psalmist emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and justice.
Context for the Chapter
Psalms 58 is part of the larger collection of Psalms, which are poetic expressions of worship, praise, and prayer. The chapter fits into the biblical narrative as a expression of the psalmist's trust in God's justice and sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His character. The chapter is also connected to other biblical themes, such as the concept of justice and righteousness in (Isaiah 61:8) and the ultimate judgment that Christ will bring in (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
Heart Application
As we reflect on Psalms 58, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty. We can apply this to our lives by trusting in God's goodness and righteousness, even in the face of evil and injustice. We can also pray for God's justice to be established on earth, asking Him to punish the wicked and vindicate the righteous.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Psalms 58 is a prayer for God to judge the wicked and vindicate the righteous. The psalmist trusts in God's justice and sovereignty, asking Him to punish the wicked and establish justice on earth. In (Psalms 58:10-11), he looks forward to the day when the righteous will rejoice in God's victory. This chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's goodness and righteousness, even in the face of evil and injustice.
Voices from the Church
“The psalmist's trust in God's justice is a testimony to the power of faith, which can overcome even the greatest challenges.”
— John Calvin
“The ultimate judgment that God will bring is a reminder of the importance of living a righteous life, trusting in God's justice and sovereignty.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- The wickedness of humanity (Psalms 58:1-5) — The psalmist condemns the wicked for their corruption and violence, asking God to punish them for their evil deeds.
- The psalmist's trust in God's justice (Psalms 58:6-9) — The psalmist asks God to punish the wicked and vindicate the righteous, demonstrating his trust in God's justice and sovereignty.
- The ultimate judgment (Psalms 58:10-11) — The psalmist looks forward to the day when the righteous will rejoice in God's victory and the wicked will be punished.
- Conclusion (Psalms 58:12) — The psalmist concludes by affirming God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity.
- Application (Psalms 58:1-12) — The chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty, and living a righteous life in light of the ultimate judgment that God will bring.
Core Doctrines
- The sovereignty of God
- Psalms 58 emphasizes God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity, highlighting the importance of trusting in His justice and righteousness.
- The justice of God
- The chapter highlights God's justice and righteousness, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His character and living a righteous life.
- The ultimate judgment
- The psalmist looks forward to the day when the righteous will rejoice in God's victory and the wicked will be punished, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life in light of the ultimate judgment.
- The importance of faith
- The psalmist's trust in God's justice is a testimony to the power of faith, which can overcome even the greatest challenges.
Lessons from Psalms 58
- The importance of trusting in God's justice — The psalmist's trust in God's justice is a reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and righteousness, even in the face of evil and injustice.
- The ultimate judgment — The chapter reminds us of the ultimate judgment that God will bring, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life in light of this judgment.
- The power of faith — The psalmist's trust in God's justice is a testimony to the power of faith, which can overcome even the greatest challenges.
- The importance of living a righteous life — The chapter emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life, trusting in God's justice and sovereignty, and looking forward to the ultimate judgment that God will bring.
- The sovereignty of God — The chapter reminds us of God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity, highlighting the importance of trusting in His justice and righteousness.
Themes from Psalms 58
- God's justice — The chapter highlights God's justice and righteousness, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His character and living a righteous life.
- The sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity, highlighting the importance of trusting in His justice and righteousness.
- The ultimate judgment — The psalmist looks forward to the day when the righteous will rejoice in God's victory and the wicked will be punished, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life in light of the ultimate judgment.
- The importance of faith — The psalmist's trust in God's justice is a testimony to the power of faith, which can overcome even the greatest challenges.
- The contrast between the righteous and the wicked — The psalmist contrasts the righteous with the wicked, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty, and living a righteous life.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the psalmist mean by 'the wicked' in Psalms 58:1-5, and how does this relate to our understanding of sin and evil?
- How does the psalmist's trust in God's justice relate to our own trust in God's sovereignty and righteousness?
- What does the ultimate judgment in Psalms 58:10-11 mean for our understanding of God's character and our own responsibility to live a righteous life?
- How can we apply the principles of Psalms 58 to our own lives, trusting in God's justice and sovereignty in the face of evil and injustice?
- What does the chapter teach us about the importance of faith and trust in God's justice and righteousness?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction (Psalms 58:1-2)
| Psalms 58:1 | The psalmist addresses the wicked, condemning their corruption and violence. |
| Psalms 58:2 | The psalmist asks rhetorical questions, highlighting the futility of the wicked's actions. |
2. The psalmist's trust in God's justice (Psalms 58:3-5)
| Psalms 58:3 | The psalmist describes the wicked's corruption and violence, asking God to punish them for their evil deeds. |
| Psalms 58:4 | The psalmist asks God to break the teeth of the wicked, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty. |
| Psalms 58:5 | The psalmist asks God to punish the wicked, demonstrating his trust in God's justice and righteousness. |
3. The ultimate judgment (Psalms 58:6-11)
| Psalms 58:6 | The psalmist asks God to punish the wicked, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty. |
| Psalms 58:7 | The psalmist looks forward to the day when the righteous will rejoice in God's victory and the wicked will be punished. |
| Psalms 58:8 | The psalmist describes the ultimate judgment, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life in light of this judgment. |
| Psalms 58:9 | The psalmist asks God to establish justice on earth, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty. |
| Psalms 58:10 | The psalmist looks forward to the day when the righteous will rejoice in God's victory and the wicked will be punished. |
| Psalms 58:11 | The psalmist affirms God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity. |
4. Conclusion (Psalms 58:12)
| Psalms 58:12 | The psalmist concludes by affirming God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 58?
The main theme of Psalms 58 is the psalmist's trust in God's justice and sovereignty, and the ultimate judgment that God will bring. As seen in (Psalms 58:6-9), the psalmist asks God to punish the wicked and vindicate the righteous, demonstrating his trust in God's justice and righteousness.
Who are the wicked in Psalms 58:1-5?
The wicked in Psalms 58:1-5 refer to those who are corrupt and violent, and who reject God's justice and sovereignty. As seen in (Psalms 58:2), the psalmist condemns the wicked for their corruption and violence, asking God to punish them for their evil deeds.
What does the ultimate judgment in Psalms 58:10-11 mean for our understanding of God's character?
The ultimate judgment in Psalms 58:10-11 emphasizes God's justice and righteousness, and highlights the importance of trusting in His sovereignty and living a righteous life. As seen in (Psalms 58:11), the psalmist affirms God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 58:1 → Genesis 6:5 | The corruption and violence of the wicked in Psalms 58:1 is reminiscent of the corruption and violence of humanity in Genesis 6:5, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty. |
| 2 | Psalms 58:6 → Romans 3:25-26 | The psalmist's trust in God's justice in Psalms 58:6 is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God's justice and righteousness, as seen in Romans 3:25-26. |
| 3 | Psalms 58:10 → 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 | The ultimate judgment in Psalms 58:10 is fulfilled in the ultimate judgment that Christ will bring, as described in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10, highlighting the importance of living a righteous life in light of this judgment. |
| 4 | Psalms 58:11 → Revelation 20:11-15 | The psalmist's affirmation of God's sovereignty in Psalms 58:11 is fulfilled in the ultimate judgment that God will bring, as described in Revelation 20:11-15, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's justice and righteousness. |
| 5 | Psalms 58:3 → Isaiah 61:8 | The psalmist's description of the wicked's corruption and violence in Psalms 58:3 is reminiscent of the corruption and violence described in Isaiah 61:8, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty. |
| 6 | Psalms 58:5 → Matthew 25:31-46 | The psalmist's trust in God's justice in Psalms 58:5 is fulfilled in the ultimate judgment that Christ will bring, as described in Matthew 25:31-46, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life in light of this judgment. |
| 7 | Psalms 58:7 → 1 Peter 2:23 | The psalmist's description of the ultimate judgment in Psalms 58:7 is reminiscent of the description of Christ's suffering and death in 1 Peter 2:23, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's justice and righteousness. |
| 8 | Psalms 58:9 → Psalm 96:13 | The psalmist's affirmation of God's sovereignty in Psalms 58:9 is fulfilled in the ultimate judgment that God will bring, as described in Psalm 96:13, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's justice and righteousness. |
| 9 | Psalms 58:10 → Isaiah 2:4 | The ultimate judgment in Psalms 58:10 is reminiscent of the description of God's judgment in Isaiah 2:4, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty. |
| 10 | Psalms 58:11 → Romans 11:36 | The psalmist's affirmation of God's sovereignty in Psalms 58:11 is fulfilled in the ultimate judgment that God will bring, as described in Romans 11:36, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's justice and righteousness. |
Sermons on Psalms 58
| Sermon | Description | |
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Few Find the Way to Life - Part 6 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of living a life of purity and truth, following Jesus wholeheartedly, and desiring to be in His presence at all times. It challenges believers |
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The Relationship of Authority and Control by J. Hampton Keathley III | J. Hampton Keathley III delves into the relationship between authority and control, emphasizing that authority involves the responsibility and right to direct others and establish |
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(New Wine in New Wineskins) 10. Overcoming the Spirit of the Antichrist by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the urgency of recognizing the spirit of the Antichrist that has infiltrated Christendom, warning that we are in the final moments before the Antichrist's eme |
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Why People Oppose the Doctrine by Harmon A. Baldwin | Harmon A. Baldwin addresses the various reasons for opposition to the doctrine and experience of entire sanctification. Some oppose due to false ideas of holiness standards, while |
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Deliverance From Sodom by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that Sodom represents the wickedness within our own hearts rather than just external cities. He explains that we are all born with a sinful nature, but G |
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John 1:1 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom emphasizes the divine inspiration behind the words spoken by the Apostle John, highlighting the heavenly wisdom and power that transcends human understanding. Despi |
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Philemon I. 17-19 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, using the letter of Paul to Philemon as a powerful example. He emphasizes the need to extend grace and |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 58
Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 58 emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty, even in the face of evil and injustice. Henry notes that the psalmist's trust in God's justice is a reminder of the power of faith, which can overcome even the greatest challenges. He also highlights the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life in light of the ultimate judgment that God will bring. As seen in (Psalms 58:10-11), the psalmist looks forward to the day when the righteous will rejoice in God's victory and the wicked will be punished, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's justice and righteousness. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The psalmist's trust in God's justice
The psalmist is confident that God will punish the wicked and vindicate the righteous, demonstrating his trust in God's justice and sovereignty. This is seen in (Psalms 58:6-9), where he asks God to punish the wicked.
The contrast between the righteous and the wicked
The psalmist contrasts the righteous with the wicked, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's justice and sovereignty. In (Psalms 58:10-11), he looks forward to the day when the righteous will rejoice in God's victory.
The emphasis on God's sovereignty
The psalmist emphasizes God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate Judge of all humanity, highlighting the importance of trusting in His justice and righteousness.