Psalm 58 (57):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider that prior to the fulfillment of the promised events, before the gift of eternal life, and before the wicked are condemned to eternal fire, the righteous have tangible rewards in this life. What types of rewards are these? We rejoice in hope and persevere in tribulation. (Rom. 12:12) What does the righteous receive? We celebrate in adversity, understanding that from tribulation arises perseverance, from perseverance comes tested character, and from tested character, hope—this hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us. (Rom. 5:3-5) Does the inebriated person rejoice, and does he find joy in what is right? The righteous person bears fruit in love.

God serves as their judge upon the earth. The term ‘ubo’ replaces the word ‘truly’. Therefore, it is said, ‘For God is their judgment.’ They acknowledge that the judgment rendered by God against them is indeed just.

The term "for" is employed here in a positive manner. The Prophet asserts that anyone who acknowledges the punishment of the unrighteous in this life recognizes the existence of God, who oversees all actions and directs all affairs with wisdom. Furthermore, He rewards the faithful with outcomes proportional to their efforts, while also administering just penalties to those who act otherwise.

It is said by those wise and kindhearted that when a wronged individual, aided by God, triumphs over his adversary, he will reflect within himself: Truly, there is reward for a person from the truth, for in truth, God’s support and His retribution against those who offend him yield benefits; thus the righteous man engages in virtue with purpose, affirming the existence of God, who even now judges, encompassing both others and himself, allowing such reflection to inspire greater ardor and zeal in righteousness. Some assert that the particle αρα here conveys a positive assertion rather than indicating uncertainty or indecision; rather, it reflects the confidence and faith of one who acknowledges that the righteous man reaps the fruits of his love for God—God’s mercy and care.

When the unrighteous face their punishment, the righteous will be filled with joy, and all who witness this will affirm that if truth yields any outcome—as it undeniably does—then that outcome is the most significant. This is because God, the ultimate Judge of all, ensures that sinners are not left unpunished and the righteous are not deprived of their reward. He renders judgment on both groups: the virtuous receive honor for their good deeds and the suffering they have endured, while the wicked are subjected to appropriate consequences for their wrongdoings. For God is the one who administers justice on earth. The term "earth" is specifically emphasized to illustrate that wicked individuals, who regard pleasure as a god governing the world, narrow God's authority to the heavens alone.

The Prophet, guided by the Holy Spirit, strongly challenges his oppressors and all wicked individuals, particularly the rebellious Jews, who strive in vain against the Lord Christ. Their attempts arise from a frenzy to taint the incorruptible and undermine His divine glory and honor, whose name endures eternally: The King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16). Such scorn is fitting for unjust judges and rulers, who, through their wrongful judgments and sinful actions, distort the truth and incite a persecution similar to that which the Jews inflicted upon Christ God. Christ, the Just One, stands as the avenger of death and hell. Though they attempt to cleanse their hands from guilt—symbolically as Pilate did in washing his hands, professing innocence of the blood of Christ—their hands are stained with wrongdoing.