Psalm 58: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 58 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist challenges corrupt judges, asking if they speak righteousness and judge blamelessly (vv. 1-2). He asserts that the wicked plot injustice and measure violence in their hearts.

Key verse

“so that men shall say, “Most certainly there is a reward for the righteous. Most certainly there is a God who judges the earth.”
Psalms 58:11 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 58:1–2 Challenge to Corrupt Judges
Psalm 58:3–5 Nature of the Wicked
Psalm 58:6–8 Calls for Divine Justice
Psalm 58:9–10 Assurance of Righteous Reward
Psalm 58:11 God as Judge of the Earth

Discussion questions

In v1, what do the 'silent ones' claim to speak about?
In v4, how does the psalmist compare the wicked's poison?
The imagery of 'snail' in v8: what is it meant to convey about the wicked?
The phrase 'break their teeth' in v6: what does this suggest about the psalmist's request to God?
When have you felt like the righteous who will 'rejoice' (v10) at justice being done?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 58: Psalm 14, Psalm 51, Psalm 64.

Before next time: read Psalm 59.