Psalms 58

1 in finem ne disperdas David in tituli inscriptione quando misit Saul et custodivit domum eius ut interficeret eum

2 eripe me de inimicis meis Deus et ab insurgentibus in me libera me

3 eripe me de operantibus iniquitatem et de viris sanguinum salva me

4 quia ecce ceperunt animam meam inruerunt in me fortes

5 neque iniquitas mea neque peccatum meum Domine sine iniquitate cucurri et direxi

6 exsurge in occursum meum et vide et tu Domine Deus virtutum Deus Israhel intende ad visitandas omnes gentes non miserearis omnibus qui operantur iniquitatem diapsalma

7 convertentur ad vesperam et famem patientur ut canes et circuibunt civitatem

8 ecce loquentur in ore suo et gladius in labiis eorum quoniam quis audivit

9 et tu Domine deridebis eos ad nihilum deduces omnes gentes

10 fortitudinem meam ad te custodiam quia Deus susceptor meus

11 Deus meus voluntas eius praeveniet me

12 Deus ostendet mihi super inimicos meos ne occidas eos nequando obliviscantur populi mei disperge illos in virtute tua et depone eos protector meus Domine

13 delictum oris eorum sermonem labiorum ipsorum et conprehendantur in superbia sua et de execratione et mendacio adnuntiabuntur

14 in consummatione in ira consummationis et non erunt et scient quia Deus dominatur Iacob finium terrae diapsalma

15 convertentur ad vesperam et famem patientur ut canes et circuibunt civitatem

16 ipsi dispergentur ad manducandum si vero non fuerint saturati et murmurabunt

17 ego autem cantabo fortitudinem tuam et exultabo mane misericordiam tuam quia factus es susceptor meus et refugium meum in die tribulationis meae

18 adiutor meus tibi psallam quia Deus susceptor meus es Deus meus misericordia mea

Psalms 58 Commentary

Chapter 58

Wicked judges described and reproved. (1-5) A prayer that they may be disabled, and their ruin predicted. (6-11)

Verses 1-5 When wrong is done under the form of law, it is worse than any other; especially it is grievous to behold those who profess to be children of God, joining together against any of his people. We should thank the Lord for merciful restraints; we should be more earnest in seeking renewing grace, more watchful over ourselves, and more patient under the effects of fallen nature in others. The corruption of their nature was the root of bitterness. We may see in children the wickedness of the world beginning. They go astray from God and their duty as soon as possibly they can. And how soon will little children tell lies! It is our duty to take pains to teach them, and above all, earnestly to pray for converting grace to make our children new creatures. Though the poison be within, much of it may be kept from breaking forth to injure others. When the Saviour's words are duly regarded, the serpent becomes harmless. But those who refuse to hear heavenly wisdom, must perish miserably, for ever.

Verses 6-11 David prayed that the enemies of God's church and people might be disabled to do further mischief. We may, in faith, pray against the designs of the enemies of the church. He foretells their ruin. And who knows the power of God's anger? The victories of the Just One, in his own person and that of his servants, over the enemies of man's salvation, produce a joy which springs not from revenge, but from a view of the Divine mercy, justice, and truth, shown in the redemption of the elect, the punishment of the ungodly, and the fulfilment of the promises. Whoever duly considers these things, will diligently seek the reward of righteousness, and adore the Providence which orders all thing aright in heaven and in earth.

Chapter Summary

To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. According to the Syriac version, this psalm was written when Saul threatened the priests, because they did not show him where David was, when they knew it. Dr. Lightfoot thinks that the title "Altaschith" refers to David's not destroying Nabal, as he threatened; and that the venom of Nabal's tongue in reviling him, and the deafness of his ears in not attending to the messengers that told their errand wisely, are designed in this psalm; and in which the psalmist prophesies of his sudden death, before the pots for his feast could be warmed by the thorns under them, and while he was lively and jovial. Jarchi is of opinion that it was composed after David had been in the trench where Saul lay, and took away the spear and cruse, and went his way, and called to Abner, saying, "answerest thou not?" which is as if he should say, hast thou it not in thy power now to convince Saul, and show him that he pursues me without cause, since, if I would, I could have slain him? Kimchi says it was written on account of Abner, and the rest of Saul's princes, who judged David as a rebel against the government, and said it was for Saul to pursue after him to slay him; for if they had restrained him, Saul would not have pursued after him; and indeed they seem to be wicked judges who are addressed in this psalm; "do not destroy." Arama says, it declares the wickedness of Saul's judges.