Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Psalms
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 58
Overview:
Wicked
Judges described and reproved.
(1-5) A
Prayer that they
may be disabled, and their ruin predicted.
(6-11)
1-5 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
possibly they 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 be within, much of it may be kept
from breaking forth to injure others. When the
Saviour's words
are duly regarded, the
Serpent becomes harmless. But those who
refuse to hear heavenly
Wisdom, must perish miserably, for ever.
6-11 David prayed that the enemies of
God's
Church and people
might be disabled to do further mischief. We may, in
Faith, pray
against the designs 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 that of his
servants, over the enemies of
Man's
Salvation, produce a joy
which springs not 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 fulfilment of the
promises. Whoever duly considers these things, will diligently
seek the reward of
Righteousness, and
Adore the
Providence which
orders all thing aright in
Heaven and in
Earth.