Psalms 58:10

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 58:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;
Psalms 58:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 58

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance, etc.] Before imprecated and foretold; the punishment inflicted by the Lord, to whom vengeance belongs, in a way of vindictive wrath; for what befalls the wicked in an afflictive way is in wrath, and as a vengeance upon them: and as the judgments of God are sometimes manifest, are to be seen, they are observed by the righteous, who rejoice at them; not as evils and miseries simply considered, nor from a private affection; but as the glory of divine justice is displayed therein, and the goodness of God is shown to them, by delivering them out of their hands; (see <661820>Revelation 18:20 19:1-3); he shall wash his feet in the blood of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“wash . . . wicked--denoting great slaughter. The joy of triumph over the destruction of the wicked is because they are God's enemies, and their overthrow shows that He reigneth (compare Psa 52:5-7; Psa 54:7). In this assurance let heaven and earth rejoice (Psa 96:10; Psa 97:1, &c.). Next: Psalms Chapter 59”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance - When he sees the just punishment inflicted on the wicked. He will approve of it; he will see that it is right; he will be glad that law is maintained, and that wickedness does not triumph; he will rejoice in the safety of those who do right, and in their deliverance from the assaults and the designs of the wicked. People everywhere approve of the just administration of law, even though it consigns the transgressors to prison or to death; and it is a matter of gratification to all who love law and order when a righteous government is maintained; when wickedness is checked; when justice is administered in a community. This is the end of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Rejoice - For the blessed effects of it; the vindication of God's honour, and the deliverance of himself and of all good men. Wash - There shall be so great a slaughter of his enemies that he might, if he pleased, wash his feet in their blood. Next: Psalms Chapter 59”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“righteous: Psa 52:6, Psa 64:10, Psa 68:1-3, Psa 107:42; Jdg 5:31; Pro 11:10; Rev 11:17, Rev 11:18, Rev 18:20; Rev 19:1-6 wash: Psa 68:23; Job 29:6; Rev 14:20 Psalms 58:11”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Finally, we have a view of the results of the judicial interposition of God. The expression made use of to describe the satisfaction which this gives to the righteous is thoroughly Old Testament and warlike in its tone (cf. Psa 68:24). David is in fact king, and perhaps no king ever remained so long quiet in the face of the most barefaced rebellion, and checked the shedding of blood, as David did at that time. If, however, blood must nevertheless flow in streams, he knows full well that it is the blood of the partisans of his deluded son; so that the men who were led the further astray in their judgment concerning him, the more inactive he remained, will at last be compelled to confess that…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification