Psalm 58 (57):9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The flames descended upon them, and they were deprived of the sunlight. Thrown into everlasting flames, they were unable to behold the Sun of Righteousness. This aligns with the sentiment expressed in Scripture, "Let the wicked be taken away, that he may not see the glory of the Lord" (Isaiah 26:10).

Just as wax melts when exposed to heat, they will face destruction and forfeit their existence. In this regard, the prophet declared, And they shall not see the sun, for the dead are unable to perceive the light of the sun.

As wax succumbs to heat, so too shall the unrighteous be brought low. God, as stated, will draw His bow—the emblem of divine authority—and will bring judgment upon the wicked until they are utterly diminished; just as wax melts instantly when exposed to fire, so shall they be consumed according to their malicious and inhumane schemes. The flames descended upon them and they were deprived of the light of day. By previously referencing wax, David also connects it to fire here, designating fire as the fierce anger and justice of God that descends upon sinners: the wrath of God overtook the unrepentant, and they vanished without a trace, failing to survive even to dawn.

He employs a third analogy to illustrate that it is just as easy for God to reduce the power of the formidable to insignificance as it is for sunlight or flames to liquefy wax. Although wax can be hard, it cannot withstand the heat of the sun or the intensity of fire; it inevitably melts away and disappears. In this manner, it is declared that they will vanish as they dissolve. The fire of God's wrath will descend upon them, and they shall be deprived of the light of the sun.

The Prophet, guided by the Holy Spirit, in this psalm boldly admonishes his oppressors and all wicked individuals, particularly the lawless Jews, for their futile rebellion against the Lord Christ, who embodies no ill will. They recklessly endeavor to tarnish the incorruptible and to strip away His divine majesty and honor, which is eternally inscribed: King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16). Such reproach is appropriate for unjust judges and leaders who, through their corrupt judgments and malevolent actions, distort the truth and instigate a persecution akin to that which the Jews inflicted upon Christ God (Athanasius). Christ is the Just One, the Redeemer from death and hell. Those who wash their hands from guilt—attempting to absolve themselves of responsibility, much like Pilate, who also cleansed his hands to declare himself innocent of Christ's blood.

God will shatter the teeth of the wicked in their mouths. From this moment, solace for the righteous begins. The prophet declares that God will break the teeth of the ungodly, rendering them as powerless as rushing water and causing them to dissolve like wax. These three images may signify, first, that they will relinquish their antagonistic attitudes; second, that they will transform their arrogance into humility; and third, that they will develop a tender-heartedness akin to melted wax. At this juncture, the prophet again addresses the wicked, issuing a solemn warning of their eventual downfall. He likens them to a thicket of thorns, a metaphor whose intent is clear.