Psalm 58 Meaning Explained

A fiery imprecation against unjust judges. It addresses 'gods' or rulers, accusing them of meting out violence from the womb. Their venom is like that of a deaf cobra. The prayer is for God to break their teeth, make them vanish like water, and let the righteous rejoice in the washing of their feet in the blood of the wicked—a stark, visceral cry for poetic justice.

A clear explanation of Psalm 58, its meaning, context, and message for believers today

Psalms Chapter 58 | KJV

1. To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?
2. Yea, in heart ye work wickedness; ye weigh the violence of your hands in the earth.
3. The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.
4. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;
5. Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.
6. Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.
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.
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.
9. Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath.
10. The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
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.

Historical Context

Psalm 58, attributed to David, addresses corrupt judges and leaders, calling for divine justice against wickedness.