Matthew Henry Commentary Psalms 58
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 58
Matthew Henry Commentary
Psalms 58
"Do ye indeed in silence speak righteousness? Do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Nay, in heart ye work wickedness; Ye weigh out the violence of your hands in the earth. The wicked are estranged from the womb: They go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: [They are] like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear, Which hearkeneth not to the voice of charmers, Charming never so wisely." — Psalms 58:1-5 (ASV)
When wrong is done under the form of law, it is worse than any other; especially it is grievous to behold those who profess to be children of God, joining together against any of His people. We should thank the Lord for merciful restraints; we should be more earnest in seeking renewing grace, more watchful over ourselves, and more patient under the effects of fallen nature in others.
The corruption of their nature was the root of bitterness. We may see in children the wickedness of the world beginning. They go astray from God and their duty as soon as they possibly can. And how soon will little children tell lies!
It is our duty to take pains to teach them, and above all, earnestly to pray for converting grace to make our children new creatures. Though the poison is within, much of it may be kept from breaking forth to injure others. When the Savior's words are duly regarded, the serpent becomes harmless.
But those who refuse to hear heavenly wisdom, must perish miserably, forever.
"Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: Break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Jehovah. Let them melt away as water that runneth apace: When he aimeth his arrows, let them be as though they were cut off. [Let them be] as a snail which melteth and passeth away, [Like] the untimely birth of a woman, that hath not seen the sun. Before your pots can feel the thorns, He will take them away with a whirlwind, the green and the burning alike. The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked; So that men shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: Verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth. " — Psalms 58:6-11 (ASV)
David prayed that the enemies of God's church and people might be prevented from doing further harm. We may, in faith, pray against the plans of the enemies of the church. He foretells their ruin. And who knows the power of God's anger?
The victories of the Just One, in His own person and through His servants, over the enemies of humanity's salvation, produce a joy that does not spring from revenge, but from a view of the Divine mercy, justice, and truth, shown in the redemption of the elect, the punishment of the ungodly, and the fulfillment of the promises. Whoever properly considers these things will diligently seek the reward of righteousness, and adore the Providence that orders all things rightly in heaven and on earth.
Jump to: