Psalms - Chapter 58

Psalms 58.1 Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Psalms 58.2 Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. Psalms 58.3 The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. Psalms 58.4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear; Psalms 58.5 Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely. Psalms 58.6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD. Psalms 58.7 Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces. Psalms 58.8 As a snail which melteth, let every one of them pass away: like the untimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sun. Psalms 58.9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath. Psalms 58.11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Psalms : Chapter 58

Psalm 58: A Curse Against Injustice

Psalm 58, attributed to David, presents itself as a powerful curse against unjust judges. This text, often considered controversial, uses strong language to denounce the corruption of rulers, comparing them to poisonous snakes. David calls for divine intervention, asking God to punish the wicked and vindicate the righteous. This psalm addresses essential themes such as divine justice, judgment, and the certainty that God reigns over all.

Righteous Indignation Against Institutionalized Evil

Psalm 58 expresses deep indignation at institutionalized evil and the injustices that affect the community. In this context, it is crucial to reflect on the tension between human and divine justice, as this thought-provoking psalm illustrates. We invite you to meditate on five biblical passages that shed light on this reality.

Enlightening Bible Passages

Romans 3:10-12

"As it is written: 'There is none righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands God, there is no one who seeks after God. They have all gone astray and become unprofitable together; there is no one who does good, not even one.'" » » This passage reflects the theme of Psalm 58 on the universal wickedness of men.

Proverbs 11:21

"Take heart: the wicked will not go unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous will go free." » This proverb echoes the theme of divine judgment against the wicked, just like Psalm 58.

Revelation 6:10

"They cried out with a loud voice, 'How long, O holy and true Lord, will you judge those who dwell on the earth and avenge our blood?' » » This call for divine justice in Revelation mirrors the psalmist's earnest plea in Psalm 58.

Ecclesiastes 3:17

"I said to myself, 'God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every purpose and for every action.'" This reflection on divine judgment aligns perfectly with the central theme of Psalm 58.

2 Peter 3:9

"The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some count slowness. Rather, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance." This verse offers a complementary perspective on the apparent delay of divine justice evoked in Psalm 58.

Meditating on these passages, we are invited to seek divine justice in a world where injustice sometimes seems to triumph. May our prayer be informed by the wisdom of Scripture, and may we, like David, trust in God's justice.