Psalm 58:1, Psalm 58:2 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 58:1-5

We have reason to think that this psalm refers to the malice of Saul and his janizaries against David, because it bears the same inscription (Al-taschith, and Michtam of David) with that which goes before and that which follows, both which appear, by the title, to have been penned with reference to that persecution through which God preserved him (Al-taschith?Destroy not), and therefore the psalms he then penned were precious to him, Michtams?David's jewels, as Dr. Hammond translates it. In... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 58:1

Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation ?.... Of the mighty, as in Psalm 82:1 ; the judges of the land, who were many, and therefore called a congregation, as it is necessary they should; for, being many, they are not so easily bribed; and besides, one may see that in a cause which another does not. The word signifies a "sheaf" F20 אלם "e manipulo", Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "e manipulo justifiae", Cocceius. ; and so it is by some rendered, to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 58:1

Do ye indeed speak righteousness - Or, O cabinet seeing ye profess to act according to the principles of justice, why do ye not give righteous counsels and just decisions, ye sons of men? Or, it may be an irony: What excellent judges you are! well do ye judge according to law and justice, when ye give decisions not founded on any law, nor supported by any principle of justice! To please your master, ye pervert judgment; and take part against the innocent, in order to retain your places and... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 58:1

Verse 1 1.Do ye indeed speak righteousness? In putting this question to his enemies, by way of challenge, David displays the boldness of conscious rectitude. It argues that the justice of our cause is demonstratively evident when we venture to appeal to the opposite party himself; for were there any ground to question its justice, it would show an absurd degree of confidence to challenge the testimony of an adversary. David comes forward with the openness of one who was supported by a sense of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1

Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation! The rendering of elem ( אֵלֶם ) by "congregation" is contrary to all analogy, and quite untenable. It must either mean "dumb ones," or be a corruption of elim ( אֵלִים )—"mighty ones" (comp. Psalms 29:1 ). In either case it is an epithet applied to the judges of the people, and not to the congregation. Do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men? Both questions are asked in bitter irony, as is clear from the context. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

The psalm consists of two strophes and a conclusion. The first strophe is one of five verses, and lays down the grounds of complaint ( Psalms 58:1-5 ). The second, which is one of four verses ( Psalms 58:6-9 ), passes sentence, describing the coming punishment. The conclusion ( Psalms 58:10 , Psalms 58:11 ) expresses the righteous man's satisfaction at the result. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

Unjust judges. There is a contrast in this psalm between the unjust judges of the earth, and God the righteous Judge of all men ( Psalms 58:1 , Psalms 58:2 , and Psalms 58:11 ). "Do ye really, O ye gods, speak righteousness? Do ye in uprightness judge the children of men? Nay, in heart ye work iniquities, in the land ye weigh out the violence of your hands" (Delitzsch). This indignant protest is just. Judges have often been false to their trust. They have prostituted their power to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

A bold protest against unrighteous judges. I. THE INVETERATELY WICKED . ( Psalms 58:1-5 .) 1 . Wicked within and, without. ( Psalms 58:1 , Psalms 58:2 .) In heart and deed. 2 . Wicked by nature and by habit. ( Psalms 58:3 .) Go astray all their lives. 3 . Incorrigible. ( Psalms 58:4 .) Like the adder that will not be turned by the voice of the charmer. II. THEIR PUNISHMENT . ( Psalms 58:6-11 .) 1 . They shall be rendered powerless in their... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 58:1

Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? - Luther renders this, “Are you then dumb, that you will not speak what is right, and judge what is proper, ye children of men?” The meaning of the verse is exceedingly obscure; but probably the whole sense of the psalm turns on it. The word rendered “congregation,” אלם 'êlem - occurs only in this place and in the title to Psalms 56:1-13, “Jonath-elem-rechokim.” See the notes at that title. The word properly means “dumbness, silence.” Gesenius... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 58:1

Psalms 58:1. Do ye indeed speak righteousness? No: you are far from it. You censure me freely without any regard to truth or justice; O congregation The word אלם , eelem, thus rendered, signifies a band, or company of men; and seems to point at Saul’s judges and counsellors, who met together to consult what they should do against David; and probably passed a sentence upon him as guilty of treason and rebellion. O ye sons of men So he calls them, to remind them that they also were... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 58:1-5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 58:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 58:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 58:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 58:1

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 58:1

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