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Lesson 32

Psalms 58, 61, & 62

PSALM 58

1. (58:1) "Congregation" (KJV) should rather be either "silence" (ASV) or "gods" (NASB); i.e., judges (cf. verse 1b).

If "silence," the meaning is either that judges are silent with regard to righteousness, or judges force silence upon the righteous.

If "gods" (judges), the word is used here in the same sense as borne out by the following passages: Exodus 18:17-26; Deuteronomy 1:6, 9-17, Exodus 2:16, 22:8, 9; Psalm 81:1-6; John 10:36-36.

2. (58:2) The judges "weigh out" violence rather than justice.

3. (58:3) "Estranged from the womb" is hyperbole. Compare with "go astray from birth".

4. (58:4) The serpent was thought of as being charmed by the souls of the charmer, and so the serpent that "stops it its ear" cannot be charmed and is dangerous.

5. (58:6) It "shatter their teeth" is a reference to the shattering of the serpent's fangs before charming it, then note the mixed metaphor.

6. (58:7-8) These verses contain illustrations of futility. The "Miscarriages of a woman which never see the sun" are the children who die in the womb.

7. (58:10-11) The righteous rejoices when he sees the Lord's vengeance because he has seen evidence that God yet rules and that there is yet justice. And if so, "Surely there is a reward for the righteous."

PSALM 61

1. David called to God from where? (cf. II Samuel 8:1-14, 10:17, 17:22, and consider what occasions David might have written this psalm.)

2. On the basis of verse 6, during what part of David's life was this psalm written? (On the use of the 3rd person in reference to himself, compare Psalm 18:50).

3. What is meant by "higher than I"? (On the whole phrase, see Psalm 41:2, 62:2, etc.)

4. What would David do concerning his vows which the Lord heard? (cf. Psalm 116:12-14, 16-18: Numbers 30:1-5, Judges 11:30-31).

PSALM 62

1. What two periods of David's life are suggested by verses 2-3?

2. Which of these two periods is most likely the occasion of this psalm on the basis of verse 4?

3. Comment upon David's statement, "I shall not be greatly moved" (KJV, ASV: " I shall not be greatly shaken"--NASB) in light of II Samuel 15:13-14.

4. Who is pictured as a "leaning wall", a "tottering fence"? (Omit the italicized words of the KJV).

5. What was the aim of David's enemies?

6. What is cited here as means to accomplish their aim? (verse 4, cf Psalms 4:2, 55:21, 28:3)

7. Against whom might David have intended the charge of verse 4?

8. What is the difference between verse 2 and verse 6?

9. Who were the people to whom David spoke in verse 8? (cf II Samuel 15:14-17, 18:1-5)

10. Note the contrast between the two types of men in verse 9. See lesson 13, (the question on Psalm 4:2, Cf. Psalm 49:2, Isaiah 2:9, 5:15, Proverbs 8:4)

11. Explain the figure of men in balance (verse 9). Use a version other than the KJV. (cf. Psalm 39:5-6)

12. Instead of trusting in oppression or setting one's heart on riches, what should one do?

13. What is the significance of "twice" in verse 11?