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 58:5

Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers ,.... Or "that use enchantments", to enchant serpents, by muttering certain words, or by magical songs; by which means it is said that they have been drawn out of their holes, or caused to fly, or have become stupefied, and have lost their poison, and even burst asunder; as Bochart F2 Hierozoic. par. 2. l. 2. c. 6. col. 390. relates from Pliny, Aelianus, Lucan, Isidore, Virgil, Ovid, Horace, and others: but an "asp" is unmoved by... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 58:5

Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers - The old Psalter translates and paraphrases these two verses curiously: - Vulg. Furor illis secundum similitudinem serpentis; sicut aspidis surdae et obturantis aures suas: Quae non exaudiet vocem incantantium et venefici in cantantis sapienter. Trans. Wodes (madness) til thaim aftir the liking of the neddir, as of the snake doumb and stoppand her eres. Paraph. Right calles he tham wod , (mad), for that hafe na witte to se whider... 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 58:5

Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers. Serpent charmers are alluded to in Ecclesiastes 10:11 and Jeremiah 6:17 . They have at all times been common in the East, as they are still in India; and it is with reason suspected that the magicians of Pharaoh employed the art in their contest with Moses and Aaron. Charming never so wisely; literally, though they bind their spells skilfully. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 58:5

Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers - The word rendered “charmers” - לחשׁ lachash - means properly “whisperers, mutterers,” and it refers here to those who made use of spells or incantations - sorcerers or magicians. See the notes at Isaiah 8:19. These incantations were accompanied usually with a low, muttering sound, or with a gentle whisper, as if for the purpose of calming and controlling the object of the incantation. Such charmers of serpents (or pretended charmers) abounded... 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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 58:1-11

Psalms 58:0 Corrupt judgesIn Psalms 10-17 the psalmist considered the problem of the poor and innocent being trampled underfoot by people of power and wealth. (See notes on these psalms, including the special note that follows Psalms 10:0.) In Psalms 58:0 the psalmist deals more specifically with those who make such a situation possible, the corrupt judges. Evil in thoughts and actions, they are deaf to any pleas for justice (1-5). The psalmist appeals to God to break their power and destroy... read more

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