Psalm 58: A Rebuke of Unjust Judges
A sharp confrontation of corrupt rulers and a plea for God's justice.
Psalm 58 questions a 'congregation' of judges who work wickedness instead of righteousness, describing the wicked as 'estranged from the womb' and comparing them to 'the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear.' The tone contrasts with the settled praise closing Psalms 57.
<To the chief music-maker; put to Al-tashheth. Michtam. Of David.> Is there righteousness in your mouths, O you gods? are you upright judges, O you sons of men?
The purposes of your hearts are evil; your hands are full of cruel doings on the earth.
The evil-doers are strange from the first; from the hour of their birth they go out of the true way, saying false words.
Their poison is like the poison of a snake; they are like the adder, whose ears are shut;
Who will not be moved by the voice of the wonder-worker, however great are his powers.
O God, let their teeth be broken in their mouths; let the great teeth of the young lions be pulled out, O Lord.
Let them be turned to liquid like the ever-flowing waters; let them be cut off like the grass by the way.
Let them be like an after-birth which is turned to water and comes to an end; like the fruit of a woman who gives birth before her time, let them not see the sun.
Before they are conscious of it, let them be cut down like thorns; let a strong wind take them away like waste growth.
The upright man will be glad when he sees their punishment; his feet will be washed in the blood of the evil-doer.
So that men will say, Truly there is a reward for righteousness; truly there is a God who is judge on the earth.