Psalms 58:6
O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just a prayer for punishment; it's a plea for the disarming of destructive power. The Psalmist asks God to break the "teeth" – the very instruments of harm – from the mouths of his enemies, comparing them to fierce young lions, effectively asking God to neutralize their ability to tear and devour.
The psalmist, having described the deep-seated corruption and deceit of the wicked, now cries out to God for intervention against their destructive power. This verse shifts from description to a passionate plea, likening his enemies to fierce, predatory animals whose ability to harm must be neutralized. The prayer implores God to disarm these wicked individuals, stripping them of their capacity to inflict damage, much like removing the fangs from dangerous beasts.
The psalmist uses vivid imagery to describe his enemies. But why switch from a serpent to a lion, and what do their 'teeth' really represent?
The psalmist begins this section by comparing his enemies to serpents (though not explicitly in this verse, the context of Psalm 58 implies it). Serpents are known for their hidden, deadly venom, often delivered through a small, sharp fang.
The Shift to Lions
However, in verse 6, the imagery shifts dramatically to 'young lions.' This isn't just any animal; lions represent open power, fierce strength, and a terrifying roar. The psalmist emphasizes their 'great teeth' or 'grinders,' the very tools they use to tear, rend, and devour.
More Than Just Physical Teeth
This isn't just a literal prayer to break animal teeth. The 'teeth' here are a powerful metaphor for the instruments and capacity to do harm. For serpents, it's their venomous bite. For lions, it's their raw, destructive power. The psalmist is praying for God to disarm his enemies, to strip them of their ability to inflict suffering and oppression.
This verse sounds harsh – a direct plea for God to break the teeth of enemies. What does it mean for a follower of God to pray like this?
This verse is an example of what's called an 'imprecation' – a strong, spoken curse or prayer for divine judgment against enemies. It can feel jarring to our modern sensibilities, which often emphasize gentleness and turning the other cheek.
The Psalmist's Context
However, we must remember the psalmist's situation. He is crying out from a place of deep suffering and oppression. He sees the wicked actively causing harm, described here with the ferocity of young lions. He has likely tried other means, perhaps even appealing to their reason (as suggested in earlier verses of this Psalm about charmers and serpents), but to no avail.
God's Prerogative
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the covenant God of Israel (Yahweh), representing His self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His people. It is the name revealed to Moses at the burning bush and signifies His presence with His covenant people.
Elohim · Hebrew Proper Noun
The Hebrew word for God, used to emphasize His power, sovereignty, and role as Creator. It is a majestic title acknowledging Him as the supreme Judge and ruler over all creation.
This passage describes God's judgment on Edom, likening them to a lion being driven from its pride and lair, mirroring the imagery of young lions being disarmed in Psalm 58.
Ezekiel 19:1-9This chapter laments the fall of Israel's princes, using the powerful metaphor of a lioness and her cubs, emphasizing their ferocity and eventual downfall when God intervenes.
Proverbs 30:14This verse speaks of a generation whose 'teeth are swords and molars are knives,' portraying them as predators ready to devour the afflicted, which aligns with the violent imagery of Psalm 58:6.
Job 4:10Here, Eliphaz describes the powerful and the wicked as roaring like lions and having their teeth broken, a direct parallel to the imprecation found in Psalm 58:6, showing the consistent theme of God's power over the fierce.
gillPsalms 58:6: "Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD."
Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth,.... From the description of the wicked, the psalmist passes to imprecations on his enemies; whom he represents as cruel and bloodthirsty, and as being stronger than he; and therefore he applies to God, who could, as he sometimes did, smite his enemies on the cheekbone, and break the teeth of the ungodly; which is done by taking the power and in…
poolePsalms 58:6: "Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD."
Their teeth; their power and instruments of doing mischief. He mentions teeth, partly because the adder’s poison lies in its teeth; and partly to make way for the following metaphor. The great teeth, called the grinders ; which are more sharp and strong than the rest, and more used in breaking and tearing what they are about to eat.
This isn't just a prayer for punishment; it's a plea for the disarming of destructive power. The Psalmist asks God to break the "teeth" – the very instruments of harm – from the mouths of his enemies, comparing them to fierce young lions, effectively asking God to neutralize their ability to tear and devour.
The psalmist, having described the deep-seated corruption and deceit of the wicked, now cries out to God for intervention against their destructive power. This verse shifts from description to a passionate plea, likening his enemies to fierce, predatory animals whose ability to harm must be neutralized. The prayer implores God to disarm these wicked individuals, stripping them of their capacity to inflict damage, much like removing the fangs from dangerous beasts.
The psalmist, having described the deep-seated corruption and deceit of the wicked, now cries out to God for intervention against their destructive power. This verse shifts from description to a passionate plea, likening his enemies to fierce, predatory animals whose ability to harm must be neutralized. The prayer implores God to disarm these wicked individuals, stripping them of their capacity to inflict damage, much like removing the fangs from dangerous beasts.
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Crucially, this prayer is directed to God. The psalmist isn't taking matters into his own hands or seeking personal revenge. He is appealing to the ultimate Judge, acknowledging that only God has the power and the right to bring such judgment. He trusts that God will intervene to stop the destructive power of evil.
This prayer isn't about wishing harm for harm's sake, but about a desperate plea for justice and the cessation of evil.
"O God, break the teeth in their mouths; tear out the fangs of the young lions, O LORD!" — This isn't just a prayer for punishment; it's a plea for the disarming of destructive power. The Psalmist asks God to break the "teeth" – the very instruments of harm – from the mouths of his enemies…
