Psalms 58:5
Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִ֭שְׁמַע
Which will not hearken
H8085
יִ֭שְׁמַע
Which will not hearken
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
מְלַחֲשִׁ֑ים
of charmers
H3907
מְלַחֲשִׁ֑ים
of charmers
Strong's:
H3907
Word #:
5 of 8
to whisper; by implication, to mumble a spell (as a magician)
Historical Context
The image reflects the reality that some remained hardened despite David's righteous rule and prophetic ministry. This anticipates Israel's pattern of rejecting prophets, culminating in rejecting Christ despite His perfect wisdom and mighty works.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the futility of 'charming' the hardened teach about evangelism's dependence on God's Spirit?
- How should recognition of judicial hardening affect your perseverance in speaking truth?
Analysis & Commentary
Continuing the serpent metaphor, the 'voice of charmers' represents attempts to move the hardened through human wisdom or eloquence. That the adder refuses 'charming never so wisely' demonstrates that judicial hardening makes one immune to persuasion. Only God's sovereign regeneration can overcome such hardness (John 3:3-8), as human means prove insufficient.