PSALM 58

CONSIDER

• David’s heart was steadfast because he was convinced ‘there is a God who judges the earth’

• David was well aware this world is filled with wicked men who ‘devise injustice’ and ‘mete out violence’

• Yet he knew there is a God who judges the earth

• The day is coming when the wicked will be swept away and the ‘righteous will be glad when they are avenged’  <R1795>

NOTES BY VERSE

Note: each ** comment in this document is listed in numerical order according to the verse(s) from this chapter

** Why do we look to the nations for help and exemplary behavior when they follow evil?

• These nations will only temporarily reign on the earth until the return of Christ

• David knew the nations will one day face the judgment of God and be swept away

Psalm 58:1-2 NIV

[1] Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? [2] No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth.

** Why is it that every child, from the first moment they begin to act, manifests a corrupt temper and disposition?

Since this has been the state of every child that has been born into the world, we are constrained to acknowledge that our very nature is corrupt; and that, as David tells us, we are estranged from the womb and go astray as soon as we are born!  <S179>

Psalm 58:3 NIV

[3] Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies.

Psalm 51:5 NIV

[5] Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Genesis 8:21 NIV

[21] The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.

** The verses in Psalm 58 confirm there are those born of evil and have no intention of switching their allegiance to follow God

• As Christians, we are not to compromise our position in Christ inviting our opponent into our trenches with the hope they will change their allegiance

• Rather, wearing the full armor of God, we are to battle in the spiritual realm by praying that the Spirit of God would change the hearts of our opponent while we stand against the forces of evil

Psalm 58:3-5 NIV

[3] Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies. [4] Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, [5] that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.

Ephesians 6:12 NIV

[12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

** David sought victory over God’s enemies during his lifetime; we know that God will deal with His opponents in His perfect timing!

Psalm 58:6-8 NIV

[6] Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; Lord, tear out the fangs of those lions! [7] Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short. [8] May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun.

Romans 3:13-14 NIV

[13] “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” [14] “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”

Romans 1:18-19 NIV

[18] The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, [19] since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.

** Christians look forward to the day when God avenges His enemies and vindicates His followers  

Psalm 58:10-11 NIV

[10] The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked. [11] Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.”