Bible Glide

Psalms 58 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Psalm 58 is a forceful prayer against corrupt leaders and violent injustice. David asks whether rulers really judge fairly, then turns to God for action when human power fails. The psalm ends with confidence that God sees the wicked, defends the righteous, and will judge the earth.

What happens in Psalms 58?

This psalm opens by challenging judges and rulers who claim fairness but plan injustice in their hearts. Their words are compared to poison, and their stubborn refusal to listen is pictured like a snake that will not hear the charmer. David then asks God to break their power and make their efforts fail. The closing verses picture the swift downfall of the wicked and the joy of the righteous when justice is done. The psalm ends with a clear confession that God rewards righteousness and rules over the earth.

Psalm 58 is a Davidic prayer and part of the section of Psalms that gives voice to personal and public trouble. It follows Psalm 57 and continues the theme of calling on God for help when evil seems to win. The chapter is less about private sorrow and more about justice, leadership, and God's rule over human wrongdoing.

  • Unjust rulersThe psalm confronts leaders who claim to judge rightly but instead plan harm and spread violence.
  • God's justiceDavid asks God to act against evil and bring the failure of those who misuse power.
  • Hope for the righteousThe psalm ends with confidence that God rewards the righteous and judges the earth.
  • What does Psalm 58 reveal about how God sees corrupt leadership?
  • Why does David move from complaint to a prayer for God to act?
  • How does the ending shape the way believers think about justice and reward?

Read the full text of Psalms 58 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Psalms 58

God Judges the Earth

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David.

1Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers?

Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?

2No, in your hearts you devise injustice;

with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

3The wicked are estranged from the womb;

the liars go astray from birth.

4Their venom is like the venom of a snake,

like a cobra that shuts its ears,

5refusing to hear the tune of the charmer

who skillfully weaves his spell.

6O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths;

O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.

7May they vanish

like water that runs off;

when they draw the bow,

may their arrows be blunted.

8Like a slug that dissolves in its slime,

like a woman’s stillborn child,

may they never see the sun.

9Before your pots can feel the burning thorns—

whether green or dry—

He will sweep them away.

10The righteous will rejoice

when they see they are avenged;

they will wash their feet

in the blood of the wicked.

11Then men will say,

“There is surely a reward for the righteous!

There is surely a God who judges the earth!”

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