Screams of Injustice
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, You are the King and Ruler over all creation. I praise You for Your wise and good reign.
Read Psalm 58:1-11
[1] For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity? [2] No, in your heart you devise injustice, and your hands mete out violence on the earth. [3] Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward, spreading lies. [4] Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like that of a cobra that has stopped its ears, [5] that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be. [6] Break the teeth in their mouths, O God; LORD, tear out the fangs of those lions! [7] Let them vanish like water that flows away; when they draw the bow, let their arrows fall short. [8] May they be like a slug that melts away as it moves along, like a stillborn child that never sees the sun. [9] Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns- whether they be green or dry-the wicked will be swept away. [10] The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they dip their feet in the blood of the wicked. [11] Then people will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is the psalmist's complaint in this psalm?Injustice is both a consequence of fallen human nature and the activity of the forces of evil in the world. The rulers (1,2) could be human authority figures or could be forces of evil (or “gods” as one translation suggests). Either way, their actions are described in colorful terms (3-5), so that the psalmist pleads for God to violently disempower them (6-9). We may feel uncomfortable with such strong language and the vengeful delight the righteous claim to enjoy when the wicked are destroyed (10,11). Most readers of Discovery don’t encounter such violence, but in Old Testament times (and in some societies today) this was—and is— part of everyday life. We are challenged to respond fiercely where injustice seems to prevail, recognizing that there are many evil and manipulative authorities and powers, although our struggle is ultimately not against flesh and blood (Eph. 6:12). In the words of the apostle Paul, we must “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Eph. 6:10). And we must pray on behalf of the oppressed or, more uncomfortably, recognize ourselves as capable of great evil, too. Alternatively, right now we may feel that we, or people we know, have been crushed unjustly.
Apply
Do you respond with compassionate anger, guilt, or anguish to this psalm? What injustice can you oppose today? How?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, justice is important to You. May supporting it, trusting in Your power, be important to me, too.
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