Psalm 58

PSALM 58

"Wicked Judges will be Judged"

In verse 1, David is addressing the "silent ones" - those rulers or judges who fail to speak up  in defense of justice.  In verse 2, he is commenting about these corrupt judges and rulers providing unjust leadership in the community. 

Matthew Henry makes this comment:

It is believed by some Biblical scholars that before Saul began to persecute David by force of arms, he formed a process against him by course of law.  As a result, David was condemned unheard and attainted as a traitor by the great council, and then proclaimed 'an outlawed wolf' whom any man might kill and no man might protect.

The rulers - in order to curry favour with Saul - passed this bill of law; thus, David penned this psalm on that occasion. 

President Abraham Lincoln made this great statement:

To sin by silence when they should protest makes cowards of men.  ~ Abraham Lincoln

How frustrating - and even terrifying - it is to be misunderstood, to be unjustly accused without means to defend yourself or clear your name.   How hurtful when those who know you - your friends even - won't come to your defense.  We understand very well the emotion of rejoicing that David expresses in verse 10 when he sees vengeance upon evil-doers and justice prevails at last.

WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:

• It is God who avenges
• God judges the earth

HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:

• I praise God that He does avenge wrong-doing
• I praise God that I can rest in that truth, knowing that I am free to forgive and can let God deal with avenging

PRAYER:
     Thank You, O Lord, that there is a reward for the righteous!  Thank You that You are the Judge of all the earth, that You are a righteous Judge!  I bless You that Your eye sees, that nothing escapes Your gaze.  You don't need me to avenge the evil done to myself - You will take care of it!  Thank You, Lord - there is much rest in that truth, and peace which comes from trusting You and "allowing" You to be God in my life, just as You were in David's.  ~ Amen and amen!