Psalms 58:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 58:10
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
Chapter Context
Psalms 58 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, fellowship, hope. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-11: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 58:10
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Blood: דָּם (Dam) H1818 - Blood
Cross-References
- Blood: Psalms 68:23, Deuteronomy 32:43
- Evil: Psalms 91:8
- Righteousness: Psalms 64:10, 107:42, Proverbs 11:10