Psalms 58:8
As a snaile which melteth, let euery one of them passe away: like the vntimely birth of a woman, that they may not see the sunne. Psalms 58:8 (KJV)
As a snail
which melteth, let
every one of them
pass away:
like the untimely birth of a woman,
that
they may not see the sun.
Psalms 58: 8 (KJV)
Psalm 58 is attributed to David and is categorized as a lament or a prayer for deliverance, and also as an imprecatory psalm that calls for divine judgment against wicked and unjust rulers. In this psalm David expresses his frustration with rulers who abuse their power and oppress the righteous. The quoted line uses the simile of a snail that melts away. A snail is known for its slowness and vulnerability; it is fragile and easily perishes. The imagery of the snail melting away portrays the swift and irreversible destruction that David desires for the wicked. The verse also compares the wicked to the untimely birth of a woman—a premature or stillborn child, a tragic event that never sees the light of day. This emphasizes David’s severe wish that the wicked be cut off from life prematurely.
The opening quotation, however, does not appear in the biblical text of Psalm 58. The actual psalm employs vivid metaphors such as serpents, lions, and leopards to depict the cruelty of the wicked, underscoring the psalmist’s desire for God’s swift and decisive judgment upon those who act corruptly. The psalmist prays that the wicked would be brought to ruin and perish under God’s hand, reflecting David’s deep frustration and anger toward oppressive leaders and his yearning for divine intervention to remove injustice.
While the passage focuses on David’s prayer against wicked rulers, broader lessons emerge. It reminds us of the importance of justice, righteousness, and God’s sovereignty. It highlights the need to stand against injustice and oppression, trusting in God’s ultimate justice, and to pray for God’s intervention in difficult situations and for the deliverance of the oppressed. To gain a deeper understanding of the psalm and its context, it is beneficial to read the entire Psalm 58 and to explore related passages on justice, righteousness, and God’s judgment, such as Psalm 37, for further insight.
