Psalm 58 (57):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Listen to the words of the prophet: ‘The righteous will rejoice when he witnesses retribution; he will cleanse his feet in the blood of the impious.’ This does not imply delight in such events; rather, it is a cautionary realization that one might endure similar fate, prompting a diligent pursuit of a life of greater holiness. Therefore, this expectation of accountability is a matter requiring serious attention.

Not in reference to impending judgment; observe what follows: he cleanses his hands with the blood of the transgressor. What does this signify? Allow your compassion to enter. When those who commit murder face consequences, must innocent individuals go there to wash their hands? But what does it imply to wash his hands in the blood of a sinner? When a just person witnesses the punishment of a wrongdoer, they are uplifted; the demise of one leads to the revival of another. For if spiritually, blood flows from those who are dead in spirit, you, witnessing such retribution, should cleanse your hands in this for a future and purer existence. How can he cleanse his hands, if he embodies righteousness? For what does he have to wash away, if he simply exists in purity?

However, someone might argue that not everyone in this life has faced consequences for their wrongdoing, nor do all who lead virtuous lives enjoy the fruits of their righteousness during their earthly journey. Thus, they may question the advantage for those who have acted immorally and escape punishment. In response, I will offer a perspective that transcends human understanding.

The just will find joy when they witness divine retribution. When the righteous observe the moment of God’s fair judgement, separated from the influence of malevolent spirits, they will exult in this just decree, having been declared blameless and liberated from the consequences of death. The notion of being ‘washed’ pertains to the innocent, as referenced elsewhere: “I will wash my hands in innocence” (Ps. 25:6).

The virtuous individual finds joy in witnessing the punishment of the sinner; this joy is not one of mockery but stems from recognizing God's providence, which does not abandon those wronged by the sinner without compassion. The one who is innocent cleanses his hands, not with blood, which would taint them, but instead demonstrates his purity and distance from evil. He does not engage in the act of washing his hands in blood, as some might think, but rather cleanses them in the presence of blood, affirming that he has no association with the transgressor.

The just will rejoice when they witness divine retribution. Here, righteous David identifies the one who has been treated unjustly: he states that their joy is not found in the downfall of the wicked or the sinner, but rather in God's justice. This indicates that God does not forsake those who suffer wrongs but instead champions and assists them, ensuring they do not succumb to doubt or despair against divine Providence through fear and frailty. He purifies his hands in the blood of the sinner. When he observes the blood of a sinner, the righteous man will indeed wash his hands; however, this should not be interpreted as him literally immersing his hands in a sinner's blood, but rather as a manifestation of his innocence.

He states that when all has been accomplished regarding the destruction of the unrighteous, the just will celebrate and exult. However, their joy will not stem from witnessing retribution, but rather from witnessing God’s righteousness. They will cleanse themselves, not by the blood of the sinner, but by purifying themselves from such transgressions and their consequences. In Scripture, the term blood frequently symbolizes sin and the consequences of wrongdoing.

The Prophet, guided by the Holy Spirit, fiercely confronts his oppressors and all wicked individuals in this psalm, particularly the lawless Jews, who futilely oppose the Lord Christ. Their attempts to tarnish the incorruptible and undermine His divine glory and honor are in vain, for His name remains forever inscribed: King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16). Such contempt is fitting for unjust judges and authorities whose corrupt judgments and wicked actions distort the truth, inciting a persecution reminiscent of that faced by Christ from the Jews. Christ is the Just One, the Redeemer from death and hell. The hands that are stained with blood are not truly clean; they seek to absolve themselves of guilt, much like Pilate, who washed his hands in a futile attempt to declare himself innocent of the blood of Christ.

He turns his attention once more to the just and declares, ‘The righteous will rejoice when he witnesses retribution; he will cleanse his hands in the blood of the wicked.’ When he states that he will wash his hands in the blood of the sinner, it is not to imply that the righteous are complicit in the sinner's demise, but rather that they remain completely free from guilt in regard to that destruction, maintaining their purity and innocence: I will cleanse my hands among the blameless; similarly, the shed blood of sinners will not be charged against the righteous. In contrast, the blood of the righteous will be demanded from the hands of the wicked.