Psalms 58:10
The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
Original Language Analysis
יִשְׂמַ֣ח
shall rejoice
H8055
יִשְׂמַ֣ח
shall rejoice
Strong's:
H8055
Word #:
1 of 9
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חָזָ֣ה
when he seeth
H2372
חָזָ֣ה
when he seeth
Strong's:
H2372
Word #:
4 of 9
to gaze at; mentally to perceive, contemplate (with pleasure); specifically, to have a vision of
פְּעָמָ֥יו
his feet
H6471
פְּעָמָ֥יו
his feet
Strong's:
H6471
Word #:
6 of 9
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
Cross References
Psalms 68:23That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.Psalms 91:8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.Psalms 107:42The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.Psalms 64:10The righteous shall be glad in the LORD, and shall trust in him; and all the upright in heart shall glory.Proverbs 11:10When it goeth well with the righteous, the city rejoiceth: and when the wicked perish, there is shouting.Deuteronomy 32:43Rejoice, O ye nations, with his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, and to his people.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern victory accounts often used hyperbolic language about conquest. This psalm's imagery reflects the reality that God's justice includes judgment, not merely redemption, and His people rightly celebrate righteousness vindicated.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you reconcile rejoicing at God's justice with grieving over the wicked's fate?
- What does celebration of God's judgment reveal about the nature of holiness and love?
Analysis & Commentary
The righteous rejoicing at vengeance is troubling to modern sensibilities but reflects covenant theology—God's people celebrate His justice. 'Wash his feet in the blood of the wicked' is hyperbolic battle imagery, not literal instruction. This anticipates Revelation 19:1-3 where heaven rejoices at Babylon's fall, showing that holiness delights in evil's defeat, not from cruelty but from love of justice.