"Description passes into imprecation, with an 'Elohim' emphatically placed first" (Cheyne). Metaphors are accumulated. Menace follow menace. The wrath of God is first invoked upon the evil doers (Psalms 58:6-8); then (Psalms 58:9) coming judgment is announced.
Bible Commentary
Psalms 58:6-9
The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:6-9
The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain
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The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:1-11Psalms 58:1-11 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION A PSALM of condemnation on unrighteous judges. Some suppose the judges to be superhuman beings, entrusted with the government of the earth (Cheyne). Others suggest heathen rulers of Israel, in Babylonia, duri…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:1-11Psalms 58:1-11 · The Pulpit CommentaryUnjust judges. There is a contrast in this psalm between the unjust judges of the earth, and God the righteous Judge of all men (Psalms 58:1, Psalms 58:2, and Psalms 58:11). "Do ye really, O ye gods, speak righteousness…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:1-11Psalms 58:1-11 · The Pulpit CommentaryA bold protest against unrighteous judges. I. THE INVETERATELY WICKED. (Psalms 58:1-5.) 1. Wicked within and, without. (Psalms 58:1, Psalms 58:2.) In heart and deed. 2. Wicked by nature and by habit. (Psalms 58:3.) Go a…Matthew Henry on Psalms 58:6-11Psalms 58:6-11 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryDavid 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 powe…The Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:6Psalms 58:6 · The Pulpit CommentaryBreak their teeth, O God, in their mouth. Serpent charmers sometimes, when they have caught their snake, proceed to beat out the poison fangs with a stone or stick. The psalmist, in the first clause, seems to allude to…
commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:1-11EXPOSITION A PSALM of condemnation on unrighteous judges. Some suppose the judges to be superhuman beings, entrusted with the government of the earth (Cheyne). Others suggest heathen rulers of Israel, in Babylonia, duri…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:1-11A bold protest against unrighteous judges. I. THE INVETERATELY WICKED. (Psalms 58:1-5.) 1. Wicked within and, without. (Psalms 58:1, Psalms 58:2.) In heart and deed. 2. Wicked by nature and by habit. (Psalms 58:3.) Go a…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:1-11Unjust judges. There is a contrast in this psalm between the unjust judges of the earth, and God the righteous Judge of all men (Psalms 58:1, Psalms 58:2, and Psalms 58:11). "Do ye really, O ye gods, speak righteousness…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryMatthew Henry on Psalms 58:6-11David 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 powe…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:6Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth. Serpent charmers sometimes, when they have caught their snake, proceed to beat out the poison fangs with a stone or stick. The psalmist, in the first clause, seems to allude to…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:7Let them melt away as waters which run continually; i.e. "let them waste away, and go to naught, like water, that runs off and accomplishes nothing." When he bendoth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pi…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:8As a snail which molteth, lot every one of them pass away; or, "let them be as a snail, which melteth and passeth away" (Revised Version). Snails in Palestine, during dry seasons, often shrink, shrivel up, and disappear…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Psalms 58:9Before your pots can feel the thorns, he shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living, and in his wrath. This "difficult and obscure verse" has been variously explained. Professor Cheyne translates, "Before you…Joseph S. Exell and contributors