Psalms – Chapter 58

Old Testament18 Verses

Chapter Summary

"Unto the end, destroy not, for David for an inscription of a title, when Saul sent and watched his house to kill him." — so begins Psalms 58. The chapter centers on David, Jacob and Saul. Across its 18 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and sin and divine judgment. Taken as a whole, the chapter forms one movement in the account, preparing what follows and completing what came before.

1Unto the end, destroy not, for David for an inscription of a title, when Saul sent and watched his house to kill him.

2Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; and defend me from them that rise up against me.

3Deliver me from them that work iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

4For behold they have caught my soul: the mighty have rushed in upon me:

5Neither is it my iniquity, nor my sin, O Lord: without iniquity have I run, and directed my steps.

6Rise up thou to meet me, and behold: even thou, O Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel. Attend to visit all the nations: have no mercy on all them that work iniquity.

7They shall return at evening, and shall suffer hunger like dogs: and shall go round about the city.

8Behold they shall speak with their mouth, and a sword is in their lips: for who, say they, hath heard us?

9But thou, O Lord, shalt laugh at them: thou shalt bring all the nations to nothing.

10I will keep my strength to thee: for thou art my protector:

11My God, his mercy shall prevent me.

12God shall let me see over my enemies: slay them not, lest at any time my people forget. Scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord, my protector:

13For the sin of their mouth, and the word of their lips: and let them be taken in their pride. And for their cursing and lying they shall be talked of,

14When they are consumed: when they are consumed by thy wrath, and they shall be no more. And they shall know that God will rule Jacob, and all the ends of the earth.

15They shall return at evening and shall suffer hunger like dogs: and shall go round about the city.

16They shall be scattered abroad to eat, and shall murmur if they be not filled.

17But I will sing thy strength: and will extol thy mercy in the morning. For thou art become my support, and my refuge, in the day of my trouble.

18Unto thee, O my helper, will I sing, for thou art God my defence: my God my mercy.

Important Verses in Psalms 58

Unto the end, destroy not, for David for an inscription of a title, when Saul sent and watched his house to kill him.

Psalms 58:1

Rise up thou to meet me, and behold: even thou, O Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel. Attend to visit all the nations: have no mercy on all them that work iniquity.

Psalms 58:6

God shall let me see over my enemies: slay them not, lest at any time my people forget. Scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord, my protector:

Psalms 58:12

Unto thee, O my helper, will I sing, for thou art God my defence: my God my mercy.

Psalms 58:18

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 58 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 18 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on David, Jacob and Saul, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "Unto the end, destroy not, for David for an inscription of a title, when Saul sent and watched his house to kill him." The chapter ends with: "Unto thee, O my helper, will I sing, for thou art God my defence: my God my mercy. " Read against its original backdrop, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Unto the end, destroy not, for David for an inscription of a title, when Saul sent and watched his house to kill him." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 58 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Gregory the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 113).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.

People in This Chapter

David1 mentionJacob1 mentionSaul1 mention

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 58, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 58 supports that call by drawing attention to purity of heart and interior conversion within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of purity of heart and interior conversion bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 58 about?

Psalms 58 contains 18 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, destroy not, for David for an inscription of a title, when Saul sent and watched his house to kill him." and closes with "Unto thee, O my helper, will I sing, for thou art God my defence: my God my mercy. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 58?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Unto the end, destroy not, for David for an inscription of a title, when Saul sent and watched his house to kill him." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 58?

This chapter mentions David, Jacob, Saul.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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