Psalms 58:10

Authorized King James Version

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יִשְׂמַ֣ח
shall rejoice
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
#2
צַ֭דִּיק
The righteous
just
#3
כִּי
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#4
חָזָ֣ה
when he seeth
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
#5
נָקָ֑ם
the vengeance
revenge
#6
פְּעָמָ֥יו
his feet
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#7
יִ֝רְחַ֗ץ
he shall wash
to lave (the whole or a part of a thing)
#8
בְּדַ֣ם
in the blood
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
#9
הָרָשָֽׁע׃
of the wicked
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection