Psalm 58:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David. Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly?

NIV: For the director of music. To the tune of 'Do Not Destroy.' Of David. A miktam. Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity?

NASB: Do you indeed speak righteousness, you gods? Do you judge fairly, you sons of mankind?

CSB: Do you really speak righteously, you mighty ones? Do you judge people fairly?

NLT: Justice — do you rulers know the meaning of the word? Do you judge the people fairly?

KJV: {To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David.} Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

NKJV: {To the Chief Musician. Set to “Do Not Destroy.” A Michtam of David.} Do you indeed speak righteousness, you silent ones? Do you judge uprightly, you sons of men?

David begins this short psalm with a question: whether a particular group of human judges was applying justice correctly. He uses an obscure Hebrew word which, depending on how it is pronounced, can make this phrase refer either to silence or to human nobility. Those are drastically different concepts, but either option works for his essential point. The first interpretation suggests David sarcastically asking if these men can say nothing in the face of injustice and call it good judgment. The second translation would be David calling out the judges as self-important among the world of men.

The question will be answered immediately (Psalm 58:2). These men are immoral and harmful to others (Psalm 58:3–5). For that reason, David will pray for them to fall under the Lord's judgment (Psalm 58:6–9).

At the time David is thought to have written this psalm, Saul was Israel's king. Moral and spiritual decline in the land were significant. The rulers and judges did not care about the people they were supposed to protect. Instead, they cared only for themselves and acted out of their desire to get rich. Likely, the men who joined David in exile had suffered loss at the hands of unscrupulous rulers and judges. First Samuel 22:2 describes them as being in distress or in debt. In that way, Israel under King Saul was headed towards the example of Israel in the times of the judges, when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

As with psalms 57, 59, and 75, this passage is probably meant to be sung as lyrics to a tune known as "Do Not Destroy." It is also referred to as a "miktam," likely a style of song. The "chief musician" or "choirmaster" would have been the person who led group worship sessions. Because of David's vivid prayers for punishment against evil, this is considered one of the "imprecatory" psalms.

Psalm 58:1–5 contains David's accusation of Israel's rulers and judges for their injustice. This was probably written during the rule of King Saul when David was still a fugitive. David indicates that these officials are guilty of injustice and violence. He says that evil originates in their hearts from birth and compares them to poisonous snakes. Further, their sin is deliberate as they purposefully ignore God's will and His goodness.

David begins this psalm with an indictment aimed at Israel's corrupt leaders, likely Israel's rulers and judges. He asks them whether they decree what is right and judge uprightly. He answers his own questions with a resounding "no." He blames them for plotting evil, committing violence, and lying. He portrays them as poisonous snakes. David asks God to destroy them to the point that they quickly vanish from the earth. When God punishes the wicked rulers and judges, the righteous will rejoice and declare that there is a God who rewards the righteous and does what is just.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.