Psalms 58 Life Application

Psalm 58:1

This is called an imprecatory psalm (see the note on Psa_35:1 ff). It is a cry for justice so intense that it seems, at first glance, to be a call for revenge.

The Old Testament is filled with references to justice—it is a key topic in the psalms. Unfortunately, many judges and rulers in ancient times took justice into their own hands. They had complete authority with no accountability and the power to make their own laws. When earth's judges are corrupt, there is little hope of justice in this life. But God loves justice, and those who obey him will experience perfect justice in eternity.


Psalms 58:6-10

Shifting from prayer to prediction, David fervently calls for justice that veers into grisly judgment. Broken fangs and smashed jaws give way to the godly wading in the blood of the wicked. The words convey ugly pictures of the gruesome results of sin. Even uglier pictures of the darkness are often revealed by our own demands for justice and more. This is certainly not the only time David's forceful sense of justice turned back on him (see 2Sa 12:1-15). Ironically, David himself would eventually occupy the throne and be subject to the very imprecation he called down on others. We can be grateful that God hears our prayers, but we can also be grateful that God doesn't have to abide by our requests.

Psalms 58:11

Of all people, our national leaders should be just and fair. When they are unjust and unfair, people suffer as politicians wrest power from the people, national morality deteriorates, and God is ignored. When right triumphs at last, "the godly will rejoice" (Psa 58:10). Be assured that there will be a day of accountability and that God judges fairly. Be careful never to side with injustice lest you find yourself standing before an angry Judge.