Psalm 58:4,Psalm 58:5

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 58:4

Their poison is like the poison of a serpent ,.... Either their "wrath" and fury, as the word F24 חמת θυμος , Sept. "furor", V. L. may be rendered, against God, his people, and even one another, is like that of a serpent when irritated and provoked; or their mischievous and devouring words are like the poison of asps under their lips, Romans 3:13 ; or the malignity of sin in them is here meant, which, like the poison of a serpent, is latent, hid, and lurking in them; is very... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 58:4

Their poison is like the poison of a serpent - When they bite, they convey poison into the wound, as the serpent does. They not only injure you by outward acts, but by their malevolence they poison your reputation. They do you as much evil as they can, and propagate the worst reports that others may have you in abhorrence, treat you as a bad and dangerous man; and thus, as the poison from the bite of the serpent is conveyed into the whole mass of blood, and circulates with it through all the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 58:4

Verse 4 4.Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder (348) He prosecutes his description; and, though he might have insisted on the fierceness which characterised their opposition, he charges them more particularly, here as elsewhere, with the malicious virulence of their disposition. Some read, their fury; (349) but this does not suit the figure, by which they are here compared to serpents. No objection can be drawn to the translation we have adopted from the... 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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:4

Their poison is like the poison of a serpent (comp. Psalms 140:3 ; Song of Sirach 25:15). They are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear. The "adder" was supposed to be deaf, on account of its being very difficult to charm. It was thought obstinately to set itself against the charmer, and, as it were, stop its ears against him. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 58:4

Their poison - Their malignity; their bad spirit; that which they utter or throw out of their mouth. The reference here is to what they speak or utter Psalms 58:3, and the idea is, that it is penetrating and deadly.Like the poison of a serpent - Margin, as in Hebrew, “according to the likeness.” In this expression no particular class of serpents is referred to except those which are “poisonous.”Like the deaf adder - Margin, “asp.” The word may refer either to the viper, the asp, or the adder.... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 58:4-5

Psalms 58:4-5. Their poison Their malicious disposition; is like the poison of a serpent Both in itself, being natural, inveterate, and incurable; and also in its effects, which are most pernicious. They are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear, &c. They are like that particular species of serpents which suffer not themselves to be charmed from their mischief by any methods whatever: for no arguments, persuasions, or efforts that can be used, can mollify the envenomed malice,... read more

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

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 58:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 58:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 58:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 58:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 58:4

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 58:4-5

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