Psalm 58:1

Translations

Modern

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?

Traditional

To the chief Musician, Al–taschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?

Literal

For the one directing. “Do not Destroy.” Of David. a Miktam. O silent ones, Is it truly righteousness you speak? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of man?

Latin

In finem, ne disperdas. David in tituli inscriptionem. Si vere utique justitiam loquimini, recta judicate, filii hominum.

Original

Hebrew

English

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David. Do you indeed speak justly, O rulers? Do you judge uprightly, O sons of men?

Notes

Psalms 58:1

rulers (or gods): People used this term for high officials and administrators of justice (Psalm 82:1, 6). In other contexts, it might refer to angelic creatures (Psalm 89:7) or the gods of other nations (82:1; Daniel 11:36).

Psalms 58:1–5

The administrators of justice were furthering their own interests rather than those of the needy. The absence of justice gradually resulted in a violent society.

Psalms 58:1–11

The administration of justice is a mark of good government. God expects nothing less from his people. The psalmist condemns Israel’s leaders for abusing their power, and he calls on the Lord to rain down his curses upon the wicked. The demonstration of divine justice will reassure the godly that God is just.

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Isaiah 11:3–5
And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear,
Psalm 57:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when he fled from Saul into the cave. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy, for in You my soul takes refuge. In the shadow of Your wings I will take shelter until the danger has passed.
Deuteronomy 16:18–19
You are to appoint judges and officials for your tribes in every town that the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.
Psalm 72:1–4
Of Solomon. Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness.
Psalm 82:1–2
A Psalm of Asaph. God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods:
Jeremiah 23:5–6
Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and He will reign wisely as King and will administer justice and righteousness in the land.
Deuteronomy 1:15–16
So I took the leaders of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them as leaders over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens, and as officers for your tribes.
2 Samuel 23:3
The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,
2 Chronicles 19:6–7
Then he said to the judges, “Consider carefully what you do, for you are not judging for man, but for the LORD, who is with you when you render judgment.
Psalm 59:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me.
Psalm 82:6–7
I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’
Matthew 26:3
At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas,

People

Al-taschith: Musical or literary term in Psalms, meaning "Do Not Destroy" David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ Miktam: A musical or literary term used in Psalm titles

Glossary

Al-Taschith David Michtam Miktam Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

David: King of Israel: Probably Writes Psalms Eleven at This Period of his Life Depravity of Man: General Scriptures Concerning Injustice: Saints should Testify Against Judge: Character of, and Precepts Relating To Music: Al-Taschith: It Appears in the Titles of Music: Micahtam: A Musical Term in the Titles of Psalms: Didactic Rulers: Wicked Uprightness: should be in Judging

Psalm 58:1

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