Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly?
English Standard Version (ESV)
The challenging question "Do you indeed decree what is right?" isn't just asking about the judges' actions, but hints at a deeper accusation: their potential silence or complicity in injustice. David uses the term "congregation" (which some scholars suggest might even hint at "dumbness") to imply they are failing their duty to speak truth and uphold justice, especially when faced with corrupt leadership.
Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly?
English Standard Version (ESV)
David is confronting corrupt officials or judges who are misrepresenting him and unjustly condemning him. He questions their integrity, challenging whether they truly speak and act righteously, especially since they are merely human and will ultimately answer to God. This sets the stage for his prayer for divine justice against these wicked leaders.
Have you ever felt that those in power aren't living up to their responsibilities? David starts this psalm by directly questioning those he believes are failing in their duties.
A Royal Question
David, likely facing unjust accusations and persecution from King Saul and his advisors, opens Psalm 58 with a bold, rhetorical question. He's not asking for information; he's challenging the very integrity of those in positions of authority.
David uses the term "sons of men" to remind these leaders, who may have seen themselves as powerful or even divine in their roles, that they are, in fact, mortal and accountable beings. This isn't just about their personal failings; it's a challenge to the systems of justice that they represent.
Sometimes, the failure to act is as damning as the actions themselves. David points to a disturbing pattern of injustice, both in what is said and what is left unsaid.
Speaking Lies, Judging Violence
David isn't just concerned with what these leaders say, but also with their underlying motives and the consequences of their actions. The psalm quickly moves from questioning their outward pronouncements to exposing their inner corruption.
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David paints a stark picture of human nature's tendency toward wickedness. It's a sobering thought that injustice might not just be a choice, but a deeply ingrained problem.
Born to Stray
Beyond the specific failings of these judges, David broadens his critique to the nature of humanity itself. He suggests that this corruption isn't a new development but something deeply rooted.
This perspective highlights the constant need for divine intervention and a radical transformation of the human heart, not just external laws or better judges.
Understand the original words
'elim · Hebrew Noun
In this context, refers to earthly rulers or judges who have been invested with authority, often functioning as God's representatives on earth, though here they are acting corruptly. The term can denote divine beings or human magistrates holding delegated power.
shaphat · Hebrew Verb
The act of discerning, pronouncing judgment, or settling a dispute. In a biblical context, it often implies an authoritative decision or the administration of justice.
tsedeq · Hebrew Noun
Generally refers to the moral order established by God, encompassing what is just, correct, and in conformity with God's standards for human conduct.
This Psalm is a cry from someone unjustly accused and persecuted, likely David himself during Saul's reign. The "gods" or "mighty ones" addressed are earthly judges and rulers, who, instead of upholding justice, pervert it. The historical context of David's flight from Saul highlights the painful reality of facing corrupt authorities who wield power unjustly.
c. 1020 BC— this verse
Saul's Reign and Persecution of David
King Saul, increasingly paranoid and jealous of David's popularity and military successes, begins to actively pursue and persecute him, viewing him as a threat to his throne.
c. 1020-1012 BC
David Hiding in Wilderness
David flees from Saul, living as a fugitive in various wilderness areas, often accompanied by a band of followers. During this time, he faces numerous dangers and betrayals.
c. 1012 BC
Saul's Death
King Saul is killed in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa, bringing an end to his reign and the immediate persecution of David.
This passage directly parallels Psalm 58:1 by addressing 'gods' (referring to earthly judges or rulers) and questioning their commitment to justice and righteousness.
Isaiah 3:14-15The prophet Isaiah condemns the elders and rulers for oppressing the poor and exploiting the people, echoing the Psalmist's charge against unjust judges who fail to 'speak righteousness' and 'judge uprightly'.
Ezekiel 22:27This verse describes leaders who are like wolves tearing their prey, shedding blood, and pursuing dishonest gain, providing a stark example of the 'unrighteous decrees' and violent actions against the innocent that Psalm 58:1 implicitly critiques.
Matthew 23:23Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting 'the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness' while focusing on trivialities, highlighting the same hypocrisy of outward profession without inward righteousness that Psalm 58:1 challenges in those in authority.
gillPsalms 58:1: "To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?"
Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation?.... Of the mighty, as in Psalm 82:1 ; the judges of the land, who were many, and therefore called a congregation, as it is necessary they should; for, being many, they are not so easily bribed; and besides, one may see that in a cause which another does not. The word signifies a "sheaf" (t…
poolePsalms 58:1: "To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David. Do ye indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? do ye judge uprightly, O ye sons of men?"
THE ARGUMENT This Psalm was composed, as very many others were, upon the occasion of those wicked calumnies, and unjust censures and sentences, which were passed upon him by Saul and his courtiers. David, reproving wicked judges, describeth their nature, Psalm 58:1-5 ; and prayeth God to punish and destroy them, Psalm 58:6-9 , for his own…
The challenging question "Do you indeed decree what is right?" isn't just asking about the judges' actions, but hints at a deeper accusation: their potential silence or complicity in injustice. David uses the term "congregation" (which some scholars suggest might even hint at "dumbness") to imply they are failing their duty to speak truth and uphold justice, especially when faced with corrupt leadership.
David is confronting corrupt officials or judges who are misrepresenting him and unjustly condemning him. He questions their integrity, challenging whether they truly speak and act righteously, especially since they are merely human and will ultimately answer to God. This sets the stage for his prayer for divine justice against these wicked leaders.
David is confronting corrupt officials or judges who are misrepresenting him and unjustly condemning him. He questions their integrity, challenging whether they truly speak and act righteously, especially since they are merely human and will ultimately answer to God. This sets the stage for his prayer for divine justice against these wicked leaders.
"Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods? Do you judge the children of man uprightly?" — The challenging question "Do you indeed decree what is right?" isn't just asking about the judges' actions, but hints at a deeper accusation: their potential silence or complicity in injustice. David…
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Last reviewed October 2026