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Psalms 58

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1Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones? Do you judge blamelessly, you sons of men?

2No, in your heart you plot injustice. You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.

3The wicked go astray from the womb. They are wayward as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

4Their poison is like the poison of a snake; like a deaf cobra that stops its ear,

5which doesn't listen to the voice of charmers, no matter how skillful the charmer may be.

6Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, Yahweh.

7Let them vanish as water that flows away. When they draw the bow, let their arrows be made blunt.

8Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun.

9Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns, he will sweep away the green and the burning alike.

10The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance. He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;

11so that men shall say, "Most certainly there is a reward for the righteous. Most certainly there is a God who judges the earth." For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him.

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Psalms 58:1-5 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.

Psalms 58:6-11 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.

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Arrow: Figurative Psalm 58:7

May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted.

Being Born in Sin Psalm 58:3

The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth.

Blood of Victories Psalm 58:10

The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

Charmers and Charming of Serpents Psalm 58:4, 5

Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, / refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.

Death of the Wicked Psalm 58:9

Before your pots can feel the burning thorns—whether green or dry—He will sweep them away.

Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Psalm 58:1–5

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? / No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth. / The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth.

Destruction Psalm 58:10

The righteous will rejoice when they see they are avenged; they will wash their feet in the blood of the wicked.

God: Grace of Psalm 58:11

Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!”

God: Judge, and his Justice Psalm 58:11

Then men will say, “There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!”

Impenitence: General Scriptures Concerning Psalm 58:3–5

The wicked are estranged from the womb; the liars go astray from birth. / Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, / refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.

Injustice: Saints should Testify Against Psalm 58:1, 2

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? / No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Psalm 58:1, 2

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men? / No, in your hearts you devise injustice; with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

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