Psalm 58 Study Notes

58:7 The vanishing water here may be a reference to a wadi, a seasonal stream that flowed only during the rainy season. The rest of the time it was nothing more than a dry river bed (or valley).

58:8 The image of the slug and its slime seems to reflect a common perception in the ancient world that the slug was melting away as it moved along.

58:9 Thorns were often used as fuel to heat food in pots. Therefore, this implies the swiftness of God’s judgment (see notes at 37:10,36).

58:10 Seeing retribution and washing one’s feet in . . . blood (spilled blood or death) are parallel concepts. Though the second image is more vivid, the point is the same—the righteous will witness God’s judgment on these wicked rulers.

58:11 God’s judgment on the wicked will be a lesson for all people. The lessons are that the Lord is a God of justice, and he is not distant and removed but is involved in matters on earth (82:8; 94:2; Gn 18:25).