The Psalm exclusively discusses the atrocities committed by the rulers of the nations and calls upon God to intervene and punish them mercilessly for their treacherous acts. This theme strongly resonates with the modern world, where even in democratic countries, leaders chosen by the people often govern based on the desires of their majority supporters. In this context, believers seek God’s intervention to hold their leaders accountable and ensure fair treatment of the minority populations.
While seeking favour from God, individuals may inadvertently vocalize their shortcomings in public prayers. This trend can lead rulers to react defensively or even act against those seeking justice from God. Additionally, by engaging in this behaviour, believers may unknowingly distance others from God instead of drawing them closer to Him.
In Your Heart You Device Injustice
Do you rulers indeed speak justly?
Psalm 58:1-5 (NIV)
Do you judge people with equity?
No, in your heart you devise injustice,
and your hands mete out violence on the earth.
Even from birth the wicked go astray;
from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies.
Their venom is like the venom of a snake,
like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears,
that will not heed the tune of the charmer,
however skillful the enchanter may be.
When unprecedented events occur, it is not uncommon for individuals to become distressed and malign others. Throughout David’s life on the run, he frequently encountered such situations, but this instance stands apart from the rest. As the entire nation of Israel lauded his triumphs, it was perplexing that King Saul deemed him guilty of treason by accusing him of aspiring to seize the throne. Now facing a death sentence, it seems that Saul, exhausted from pursuing David, has chosen to brand him as an enemy of the state.
Even though it was God’s will to replace Saul with David, these allegations weighed heavily on David. He posed questions to the king and his supporters regarding their integrity to their throne and positions. These questions stemmed from David’s expectations of the rulers. He aimed to expose how these leaders were misusing their power and authority to defame innocent people. He insinuated that they were inherently wicked and likened their strategies to the venom of a snake. Furthermore, he explained how they were rejecting the grace of God bestowed upon them. In David’s mind, the enchanter might be God, and there was no flaw in His enchanting tune, yet they were turning away from His voice.
Even in modern times, individuals continue to anticipate fairness from their leaders and publicly scrutinize their moral character on social platforms, aiming to expose their unethical behaviours. It is crucial to recognize that justice will prevail, as our God is fair, and any actions contrary to His will are destined to be short-lived. Posing questions about the integrity of those who lack it may seem futile to some, reflecting the persistent hope placed in leaders and the subsequent decline of their faith in God.
A Petition To Eliminate The Wicked Rulers
Break the teeth in their mouths, O God;
Psalm 58:6-8 (NIV)
LORD, tear out the fangs of those lions!
Let them vanish like water that flows away;
when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short.
May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along,
like a stillborn child that never sees the sun.
It is sobering that David’s belief in the supremacy of the LORD led to his inadvertent attempt to influence God’s actions. This remains relevant today as individuals nominate themselves for election, prompting ordinary people to invoke God’s intervention based on their limited perspective. Many also engage in fasting and prayer, seeking fulfillment of their personal desires. Despite knowing God’s absolute might compared to any earthly ruler, it is crucial to put our trust in Him and acknowledge His complete control.
Misinterpretations occur when undesired candidates win elections, leading to the misguided notion that evil forces have triumphed over the plans of the Almighty. Understanding the root of these doubts is essential. God had a purpose when He hardened the heart of Pharaoh and led him to chase the Israelites to the edge. Despite the people’s fear and desperation, God’s ultimate plan was beyond their comprehension. Even today, it may seem that evil forces prevail, but God’s power reigns supreme.
Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns —
Psalm 58:9-11 (NIV)
whether they be green or dry—the wicked will be swept away.
The righteous will be glad when they are avenged,
when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked.
Then people will say,
“Surely the righteous still are rewarded;
surely there is a God who judges the earth.”
Ultimately, David arrived at the correct decision that God is all-powerful and swift in bringing justice to the innocent. The metaphor is powerful: even before our intentions simmer, God establishes His will and vanquishes the forces of evil.
According to the time when David lived, it was common for people to speak of drenching their feet in the blood of their enemies. Within this context, there is an understanding that David’s prayer reflects the norms of his era. However, when we align our prayers with David’s, we must also remember the grace of God that has flowed from the cross to cleanse the hearts of the wicked. It is through His grace that we are no longer required to bathe our feet in the blood of our enemies, as each of us has been washed in the blood of His Son and made conquerors through Him.
Seeing the judgment of God and the destruction of the wicked, people come to realize that there is always a reward for the righteous. It mirrors the jubilation of the people of Israel as they witnessed their enemies drowning in the Red Sea. However, such faith may be transient, and it is crucial to cultivate a belief in the power of God even before it manifests through His actions.
Sovereign God, we beseech you to grant us the strength to place our trust in you as we encounter diverse challenges, firmly believing that you are ever-present in our midst.
The Jordan Valley 
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