UNROLL
A gray morning in an old town gateway: the plain stone benches where elders judge stand empty, one worn staff left leaning, pale overcast above the wall.

Lament · David

Psalm 58

When the people meant to give justice are the ones doing harm, this is what prayer may sound like. It will not be comfortable.

11 verses≈ 3 minBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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Where we are

  1. 1–41Book IDavid's prayers: 'The LORD is my shepherd'
  2. 42–72Book II'As the deer pants'; the throne under pressurePsalm 58
  3. 73–89Book IIIAsaph and Korah: the kingdom falls
  4. 90–106Book IVBack to Moses: the LORD reigns
  5. 107–150Book VSongs of ascents, and the last Hallelujah

God Judges the Earth

A small bronze balance on a stone bench at a town gate, a heavy thumb in a fine dyed sleeve pressing one pan down, a poor man's empty hand open at the edge of the frame.

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?

No, in your hearts you devise injustice;

with your hands you mete out violence on the earth.

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The wicked are estranged from the womb;

the liars go astray from birth.

Their venom is like the venom of a snake,

like a cobra that shuts its ears,

refusing to hear the tune of the charmer

who skillfully weaves his spell.

The last thin thread of rainwater running down bare rock on a dry slope and vanishing into stones and dust, under empty pale sky.

O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths;

O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.

May they vanish

like water that runs off;

when they draw the bow,

may their arrows be blunted.

Like a slug that dissolves in its slime,

like a woman’s stillborn child,

may they never see the sun.

0:19

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Reflect

Hand it over

This prayer gives the outrage to God and keeps it out of David’s hands. What injustice do you need to hand over, rather than carry or repay?

A blackened clay cooking pot on three stones over a thin fire of thornbrush in open country, a fierce gust just arriving, sparks and ash streaming flat.

Before your pots can feel the burning thorns—

whether green or dry—

He will sweep them away.

The righteous will rejoice

when they see they are avenged;

they will wash their feet

in the blood of the wicked.

Then men will say,

“There is surely a reward for the righteous!

There is surely a God who judges the earth!”

There is surely a God who judges the earth!

Pray

For the wronged

Pray for the wronged who have no one to appeal to. Pray for those who hold power. Then give your own anger to the God who “judges the earth.”

You’ve experienced

Psalm 58

0 of 150 psalms read

A verse to carry with you

There is surely a reward for the righteous! There is surely a God who judges the earth!

Psalm 58:11

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