Psalms 58

David reproves wicked counsellors and judges, who pervert justice, and stir up the strong against the weak and innocent, Psalm 58:1-5 . He foretells their destruction, and describes the nature of it, Psalm 58:6-9 . The righteous, seeing this, will magnify God's justice and providence, Psalm 58:10 , Psalm 58:11 .

The title seems to have no reference to the subject of the Psalm. See the introduction to Psalm 57:1-11 ; (note). Saul having attempted the life of David, the latter was obliged to flee from the court, and take refuge in the deserts of Judea. Saul, missing him, is supposed by Bishop Patrick to have called a council, when they, to ingratiate themselves with the monarch, adjudged David to be guilty of treason in aspiring to the throne of Israel. This being made known to David was the cause of this Psalm. It is a good lesson to all kings, judges, and civil magistrates; and from it they obtain maxims to regulate their conduct and influence their decisions; and at the same time they may discern the awful account they must give to God, and the dreadful punishment they shall incur who prostitute justice to serve sinister ends.