Psalm 58 Commentary
The psalmist is describing his world. It is not different from ours. It is dog-eat-dog out there. There is injustice and violence.
The term ruler may refer to anyone having authority or some form of power over the other. Could be parents, older siblings, superiors at work, church, in the community, or even at some social club. We may include individuals having special abilities on the list. The physically powerful, beautiful, handsome, or talented.
From this position of privilege, do we speak justly? Are we sensitive to our own weight over others?
This psalm is full of graphics. The cobra that has stopped its ears may refer to individuals who cannot tell violence from peace. They don’t care about the consequences.
But the LORD has planted righteousness in the saint’s heart. It hurts at the sight of ungodliness everywhere. “Tear out the fangs of those lions,” they pray. They long for a time of peace and tranquility like it was back in the Garden.
They cannot wait for a moment when the LORD makes everything square. Then they can safely say, “It’s worth it to play by the rules!”
This psalm is reflecting on the wishes of the saint for the complete rule of the Christ in the world. Then evil and the perpetrators of evil will be destroyed by the power of His word. At the same time, it provides a mirror for the saint’s daily walk with the LORD. Mine shouldn’t be like theirs.
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