What does Psalm 58:5 mean?

Continuing his comparison of Israel's wicked rulers and judges (Psalm 58:1–3) to venomous snakes, David expands on the idea that these snakes are "deaf" (Psalm 58:4). But this is a deliberate lack of hearing: they themselves have chosen not to hear what God has to say. Instead of hearing a charmer's music, and acting accordingly, they remain hostile.

Snake-charming is an illusion using a venomous serpent and music. This trick makes it seem as if the charmer's music hypnotizes the snake into obedience, making it safe to handle. Actual snakes perceive sounds differently than people, and at best react to the music with a defense mechanism. In David's symbolism, however, the snakes purposefully ignore the music. These evil human rulers choose to plug their ears to the voice of God, and His will, as they create lies and enact injustice. The later prophet Jeremiah would make similar comments about Israel's enemies (Jeremiah 8:17).

Much human sin is rooted in deliberate rebellion (John 5:39–40). What God reveals (Romans 1:18–20; Psalm 19:1) is often ignored by those who prefer sin and don't want to find truth (Matthew 7:7–8). Jesus admonished His audience: "Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away" (Luke 8:18). Unfortunately, as Paul writes, "The time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions" (2 Timothy 4:3).