Psalm 58:10-11
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The verse paints a vivid picture of the righteous finding deep satisfaction, not from cruelty, but from witnessing God's justice ultimately triumph over wickedness. This isn't about a personal lust for revenge, but a profound relief and joy that God's order is restored, validating His faithfulness to His people.
The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm is a fervent prayer against wicked rulers who pervert justice, a plea for God's intervention. The psalmist describes the unrighteousness of these leaders and asks God to crush their power completely. The passage concludes with a vision of God's judgment, where the righteous witness the downfall of the wicked, finding satisfaction in the vindication of justice and God's ultimate authority.
The psalmist says the righteous will 'rejoice' when they see God's vengeance. This might sound harsh, but what kind of joy is this?
A Holy Satisfaction
This isn't a cruel or vindictive glee at someone else's pain. Instead, it's a deep satisfaction that God's justice is real and active. When we see the wicked punished, we see proof that God is not indifferent to evil.
The graphic image of bathing feet in the 'blood of the wicked' is intense. What does this powerful metaphor truly convey?
Complete Victory, Not Cruelty
This phrase paints a picture of total and utter defeat for God's enemies. It's a common metaphor in ancient Near Eastern literature to depict a complete triumph:
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Understand the original words
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The absolute moral integrity and right standing before God that is granted to those who have faith in Him. In the Psalms, the righteous are those who walk in obedience to God's law and seek His justice.
naqam · Hebrew Noun
The retributive justice of God carried out against those who oppose Him and His people. It is a divine prerogative, often depicted in Scripture as God vindicating His holiness and establishing His kingdom by removing evil.
rasha · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
Those who act in opposition to God's law and will. They are characterized by a lack of fear of God and an inclination toward evil and rebellion against divine order.
adam · Hebrew Noun
Referring to humanity collectively, this term highlights the frailty, earthly existence, and the common nature shared by all people before God.
peri · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the moral recompense, fruit, or wages granted by God to those who live in accordance with His will, often emphasizing that faithfulness to God is never in vain.
tsaddiq · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
One who is morally upright, walking in obedience to God's law, and justified by faith. In the Old Testament, it describes a person whose life aligns with God’s covenant requirements.
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The supreme Creator and Sustainer who exercises sovereignty, authority, and discernment over all human affairs. He is the active administrator of justice who holds all accountable.
shaphat · Hebrew Verb
The exercise of justice, making a decision, or pronouncing a verdict. It signifies God’s active intervention to distinguish between good and evil and to execute fairness in history.
This passage echoes the sentiment of rejoicing over divine judgment, with the heavenly host being called to rejoice over Babylon's fall as God has judged her.
Isaiah 63:1-6This prophecy describes a triumphant figure returning from battle, stained with the blood of His enemies, visually paralleling the imagery of wading through the blood of the wicked.
Psalm 52:6This psalm speaks of the righteous seeing the destruction of the wicked and fearing God, reinforcing the theme of righteous satisfaction in divine justice.
Psalm 68:23This verse uses similar imagery to the one provided, stating that God's people will 'strike through kings in his day, he shall smite through the head every one of them,' linking to the idea of victory over oppressors.
ellicottPsalms 58:10: "The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked."
(10) Wash his feet. —So in Psalm 68:23 . “Wading deep in blood” is the picture suggested.
calvinPsalms 58:10-11: "The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked."
- The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth [358] the vengeance; he shall wash his hands in the blood of the wicked. [359] 11. And a man shall say, Verily there is a reward [literally fruit [360] ] for the righteous; verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth.
10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance It might appear at first sight that the feel…
The verse paints a vivid picture of the righteous finding deep satisfaction, not from cruelty, but from witnessing God's justice ultimately triumph over wickedness. This isn't about a personal lust for revenge, but a profound relief and joy that God's order is restored, validating His faithfulness to His people.
This psalm is a fervent prayer against wicked rulers who pervert justice, a plea for God's intervention. The psalmist describes the unrighteousness of these leaders and asks God to crush their power completely. The passage concludes with a vision of God's judgment, where the righteous witness the downfall of the wicked, finding satisfaction in the vindication of justice and God's ultimate authority.
This psalm is a fervent prayer against wicked rulers who pervert justice, a plea for God's intervention. The psalmist describes the unrighteousness of these leaders and asks God to crush their power completely. The passage concludes with a vision of God's judgment, where the righteous witness the downfall of the wicked, finding satisfaction in the vindication of justice and God's ultimate authority.
"The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked. Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous; surely there is a God who judges on earth.”" — The verse paints a vivid picture of the righteous finding deep satisfaction, not from cruelty, but from witnessing God's justice ultimately triumph over wickedness. This isn't about a personal lust f…
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Last reviewed October 2026
