Psalms 58 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
58:1
1. O congregation--literally, "Oh, dumb"; the word used is never translated "congregation." "Are ye dumb? ye should speak righteousness," may be the translation. In any case, the writer remonstrates with them, perhaps a council, who were assembled to try his cause, and bound to give a right decision.
58:2
2. This they did not design; but weigh ... violence--or give decisions of violence. Weigh is a figure to express the acts of judges. in the earth--publicly.
58:3–5
3-5. describe the wicked generally, who sin naturally, easily, malignantly, and stubbornly.
58:6
6. He prays for their destruction, under the figure of ravenous beasts (Psa 3:7; 7:2).
58:7
7. which run continually--literally, "they shall go to themselves," utterly depart, as rapid mountain torrents. he bendeth ... his arrows--prepares it. The term for preparing a bow applied to arrows (Psa 64:3). let them ... pieces--literally, "as if they cut themselves off"--that is, become blunted and of no avail.
58:8–9
8-9. Other figures of this utter ruin; the last denoting rapidity. In a shorter time than pots feel the heat of thorns on fire--
58:10–11
10-11. wash ... wicked--denoting great slaughter. The joy of triumph over the destruction of the wicked is because they are God's enemies, and their overthrow shows that He reigneth (compare Psa 52:5-7; 54:7). In this assurance let heaven and earth rejoice (Psa 96:10; 97:1, c.).