Psalms 58:6

6 God, break the teeth in the mouths of those sinners! Lord, tear out the sharp teeth of those lions!

Psalms 58:6 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 58:6

Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth
From the description of the wicked, the psalmist passes to imprecations on his enemies; whom he represents as cruel and bloodthirsty, and as being stronger than he; and therefore he applies to God, who could, as he sometimes did, smite his enemies on the cheekbone, and break the teeth of the ungodly; which is done by taking the power and instruments of hurting from them: and it may be by "their teeth in their mouth" may be meant their malicious words, calumnies, and detractions; teeth being the instrument of speech; and by "breaking" them, preventing the mischief designed by them;

break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord:
Saul was the old lion; his princes, nobles, and courtiers, the young ones; whose jaw teeth were as knives to devour David and his men, unless plucked out; or God in his providence should interpose, and hinder the performance of their mischievous and cruel designs; and who could easily destroy them by his blast, and by the breath of his nostrils, ( Job 4:9 Job 4:10 ) .

Psalms 58:6 In-Context

4 Their words are like the poison of a snake. They are like the poison of a cobra that has covered up its ears.

5 It won't listen to any tune of a snake charmer, even if the charmer really plays well.

6 God, break the teeth in the mouths of those sinners! Lord, tear out the sharp teeth of those lions!

7 Let those people disappear like water that flows away. When they draw their bows, let their arrows be dull.

8 Let them be like a slug that melts away as it moves along. Let them be like a baby that is born dead and never sees the sun.