In the case of Psalm 58, the curses are directed at wicked leaders who judge their people unfairly and “spread violence throughout the land” (58:1-2).
Often, we don’t know how to respond to psalms like this one. Is this psalm endorsing violence against our enemies? Should we literally break the teeth of those who perpetrate injustice?
No, we should not. For one thing, we must pay attention to the rhetoric of Psalm 58. The breaking of fangs fits the simile of evil rulers being like “deadly snakes” (58:4). To break the fangs, therefore, is a way of taking away their power to harm. This psalm does not give victims of injustice permission to get revenge. Rather, it entrusts vengeance to the Lord, asking him to break fangs and smash jaws. By asking God to do these things, we relinquish our right to do them ourselves.
The vivid rhetoric of Psalm 58 reminds us just how much God cares about justice. Thus, though the language is quite different, the basic theme of Psalm 58 is consistent with yesterday’s reflection on doing justice for the powerless. We who belong to the Lord should share his passion for justice, especially for those who are victims of powerful, evil people.
But, we who read the Psalms through the lens of Christian faith must not forget what Jesus said about turning the other cheek and walking the second mile. We are to be people who love our enemies as ourselves. There may be times when our love for our neighbors and our commitment to justice calls for vigorous action, but we must not fill our hearts with hatred and vengeance.
