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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 58:5 refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/58-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/19_Psa_058_005.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 58:5 - God Judges the Earth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/58-4.htm" title="Psalm 58:4">◄</a> Psalm 58:5 <a href="/psalms/58-6.htm" title="Psalm 58:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/58.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/58.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />that will not heed the tune of the charmer, however skillful the enchanter may be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/58.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />ignoring the tunes of the snake charmers, no matter how skillfully they play.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/58.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/58.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/58.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/58.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Which will not heed the voice of charmers, Charming ever so skillfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/58.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So that it does not hear the voice of charmers, <i>Or</i> a skillful caster of spells.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/58.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So that it does not hear the voice of charmers, Or a skillful caster of spells.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/58.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So that it does not hear the voice of charmers, <i>Or</i> a skillful caster of spells.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/58.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So that it does not hear the voice of charmers, <i>Or</i> a skillful caster of spells.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/58.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So that it does not listen to the voice of charmers, Or of the skillful enchanter casting [cunning] spells.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/58.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />that does not listen to the sound of the charmers who skillfully weave spells.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/58.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />that does not listen to the sound of the charmers who skillfully weave spells. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/58.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Which hearkeneth not to the voice of charmers, Charming never so wisely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/58.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />that refuses to listen to the snake charmer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/58.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Which hearkeneth not to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/58.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />so that it cannot hear the voice of a snake charmer or of anyone trained to cast spells.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/58.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />which does not hear the voice of the snake charmer, or the chant of the clever magician. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/58.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />refusing to hear the voice of the snake charmer, the cunning enchanter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/58.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />refusing to hear the tune of the charmer who skillfully weaves his spell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/58.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />that does not respond to the magicians, or to a skilled snake-charmer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/58.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />which doesn't listen to the voice of charmers, no matter how skillful the charmer may be.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/58.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/58.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />which doesn’t listen to the voice of charmers, no matter how skillful the charmer may be. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/58.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Which does not listen to the voice of whisperers, "" A charmer of most skillful charms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/58.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Which hearkeneth not to the voice of whisperers, A charmer of charms most skilful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/58.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Which will not hear to the voice of enchanters, charming with enchantments from wisdom.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/58.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Which will not hear the voice of the charmers; nor of the wizard that charmeth wisely. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/58.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 57:6>who will not listen to the voice of charmers, nor even to the enchanter who chants wisely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/58.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So as not to hear the voice of the charmer or the enchanter with cunning spells. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/58.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />so that it does not hear the voice of charmers or of the cunning enchanter.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/58.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And will not listen to the voice of the whisperer, neither to the charmer nor to the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/58.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />That will not hear the voice of the charmer or conjurer or of a wise man.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/58.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Which hearkeneth not to the voice of charmers, Or of the most cunning binder of spells.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/58.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />which will not hear the voice of charmers, nor <i>heed</i> the charm prepared skillfully by the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/58-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=6844" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/58.htm">God Judges the Earth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">4</span>Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears, <span class="reftext">5</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">refusing</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·ma‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">to hear</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: lə·qō·wl (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">the tune</a> <a href="/hebrew/3907.htm" title="3907: mə·la·ḥă·šîm (V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- To whisper, charm. A primitive root; to whisper; by implication, to mumble a spell.">of the charmer</a> <a href="/hebrew/2449.htm" title="2449: mə·ḥuk·kām (V-Pual-Prtcpl-ms) -- To be wise. A primitive root, to be wise.">who skillfully</a> <a href="/hebrew/2266.htm" title="2266: ḥō·w·ḇêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charm. A primitive root; to join; specifically to fascinate.">weaves his spell.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2267.htm" title="2267: ḥă·ḇā·rîm (N-mp) -- Company, association, spell. From chabar; a society; also a spell."></a> </span><span class="reftext">6</span>O God, shatter their teeth in their mouths; O LORD, tear out the fangs of the lions.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-11.htm">Proverbs 21:11</a></span><br />When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; and when a wise man is instructed, he acquires knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/8-17.htm">Jeremiah 8:17</a></span><br />“For behold, I will send snakes among you, vipers that cannot be charmed, and they will bite you,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-8.htm">Isaiah 43:8</a></span><br />Bring out a people who have eyes but are blind, and who have ears but are deaf.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-15.htm">Matthew 13:15</a></span><br />For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/28-27.htm">Acts 28:27</a></span><br />For this people’s heart has grown callous; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Romans 11:8</a></span><br />as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-10.htm">Isaiah 6:10</a></span><br />Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/12-2.htm">Ezekiel 12:2</a></span><br />“Son of man, you are living in a rebellious house. They have eyes to see but do not see, and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/7-11.htm">Zechariah 7:11-12</a></span><br />But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. / They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-4.htm">2 Timothy 4:4</a></span><br />So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4</a></span><br />The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a></span><br />“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-12.htm">Mark 4:12</a></span><br />so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13-14</a></span><br />This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ / In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11</a></span><br />We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Which will not listen to the voice of charmers, charming never so wisely.</p><p class="hdg">Which.</p><p class="hdg">charming never so wisely.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/18-11.htm">Deuteronomy 18:11</a></b></br> Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/19-3.htm">Isaiah 19:3</a></b></br> And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/isaiah/3-7.htm">Binder</a> <a href="/micah/2-5.htm">Caster</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-11.htm">Charmer</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-3.htm">Charmers</a> <a href="/nahum/3-4.htm">Charming</a> <a href="/job/5-13.htm">Cunning</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Enchanter</a> <a href="/daniel/5-15.htm">Enchanters</a> <a href="/psalms/57-10.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/55-19.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/45-10.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/30-20.htm">Hearkeneth</a> <a href="/psalms/55-2.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/job/33-1.htm">However</a> <a href="/psalms/45-1.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/psalms/55-22.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/psalms/47-9.htm">Powers</a> <a href="/psalms/47-7.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/psalms/47-7.htm">Skillful</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-11.htm">Spells</a> <a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/psalms/55-17.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Whisperers</a> <a href="/psalms/36-3.htm">Wisely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Wonder-Worker</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/129-7.htm">Binder</a> <a href="/micah/2-5.htm">Caster</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Charmer</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Charmers</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-25.htm">Charming</a> <a href="/psalms/64-6.htm">Cunning</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Enchanter</a> <a href="/jeremiah/27-9.htm">Enchanters</a> <a href="/psalms/58-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/59-7.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/psalms/66-16.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/psalms/69-33.htm">Hearkeneth</a> <a href="/psalms/59-9.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/psalms/106-43.htm">However</a> <a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/psalms/62-2.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/psalms/139-6.htm">Powers</a> <a href="/psalms/78-72.htm">Skilful</a> <a href="/psalms/78-72.htm">Skillful</a> <a href="/isaiah/47-9.htm">Spells</a> <a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Tune</a> <a href="/psalms/64-1.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-3.htm">Whisperers</a> <a href="/psalms/64-9.htm">Wisely</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-3.htm">Wonder-Worker</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 58</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/58-1.htm">David reproves wicked judges</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/58-3.htm">describes the nature of the wicked</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/58-6.htm">devotes them to God's judgments</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">whereat the righteous shall rejoice</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/58.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/58.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>refusing to hear the tune of the charmer</b><br>This phrase suggests a deliberate choice to ignore or reject guidance or persuasion. In biblical times, charmers or enchanters were often associated with those who practiced divination or sorcery, which was condemned in the Law of Moses (<a href="/deuteronomy/18-10.htm">Deuteronomy 18:10-12</a>). The imagery here may reflect the stubbornness of the wicked, who refuse to heed wisdom or correction, much like a snake that ignores the charmer's tune. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual deafness of those who are set in their ways, unwilling to listen to God's voice or the call to righteousness. The charmer's tune could symbolize the voice of God or His prophets, which the wicked choose to ignore.<p><b>who skillfully weaves his spell</b><br>The skill of the charmer indicates a level of expertise and knowledge, suggesting that the message or influence being ignored is not due to a lack of clarity or power. In the ancient Near East, charmers were often seen as possessing secret knowledge or abilities to control or influence through their craft. This phrase highlights the futility of human efforts to change the hearts of those who are determined to resist. It also underscores the idea that no matter how persuasive or skillful the message, it is ultimately the condition of the heart that determines receptivity. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of the hardness of heart, as seen in Pharaoh's resistance to Moses in Exodus, and the parables of Jesus, where the seed of the word falls on different types of soil (<a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Matthew 13:3-9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/58.htm">Psalm 58</a>, David is expressing his frustration with unjust rulers and the wickedness he perceives in the world.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wicked_judges/rulers.htm">Wicked Judges/Rulers</a></b><br>The psalm addresses corrupt leaders who are likened to venomous snakes, deaf to the voice of justice and righteousness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/snake/serpent.htm">Snake/Serpent</a></b><br>Symbolically represents the wicked and their resistance to correction or guidance, as they are compared to a snake that does not respond to the charmer.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/c/charmer/enchanter.htm">Charmer/Enchanter</a></b><br>Represents those who attempt to bring about change or correction through wisdom or persuasion, yet find their efforts futile against the hardened hearts of the wicked.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The broader context of the psalm reflects the struggles of the nation of Israel with leadership and justice, a recurring theme in the Old Testament.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_hardened_hearts.htm">The Danger of Hardened Hearts</a></b><br>Just as a snake that refuses to listen to the charmer, individuals who harden their hearts against God's truth and correction are in spiritual peril.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_efforts_without_god.htm">The Futility of Human Efforts Without God</a></b><br>The skill of the enchanter is rendered useless against the deaf snake, illustrating that human wisdom and efforts are ineffective without divine intervention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_righteous_leadership.htm">The Call to Righteous Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders are called to be just and righteous, heeding God's guidance rather than being deaf to His commands, as the wicked rulers in the psalm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_sensitivity.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Sensitivity</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to remain sensitive to God's voice, unlike the snake that ignores the charmer, ensuring they are responsive to His guidance and correction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_ultimate_justice.htm">Trust in God's Ultimate Justice</a></b><br>Despite the apparent success of the wicked, believers can trust that God will ultimately bring justice, as He is not deaf to the cries of the righteous.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_58.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 58</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_snakes_venom_align_with_science.htm">How can the imagery of snakes and venom (verses 4-5) be reconciled with modern scientific understanding of reptile behavior?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_teachings_does_the_bible_provide.htm">What teachings does the Bible provide?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/which_instruments_are_in_the_old_testament.htm">What musical terms are mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_believe_jesus_rose_from_the_dead.htm">Why should we believe Jesus rose from the dead?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/58.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) <span class= "bld">Charmers.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">melachashim, </span>a word undoubtedly formed from the sound made by the charmer in imitating the snake, in order to entice it from its hole. Lane, in <span class= "ital">Modern Egyptians, </span>describing a snake charmer at his task, says: "He assumes an air of mystery, strikes the walls with a short palm stick, whistles, makes a <span class= "ital">clacking noise </span>with his tongue." The art of serpent charming, and the magic connected with it, was of great antiquity in Egypt, and passed thence to surrounding countries.<p><span class= "bld">Charming never so wisely.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">one tying knots wisely, i.e., a most skilful charmer.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/58.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 5.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Which will not hearken to the voice of charmers.</span> Serpent charmers are alluded to in <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:11</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/6-17.htm">Jeremiah 6:17</a>. They have at all times been common in the East, as they are still in India; and it is with reason suspected that the magicians of Pharaoh employed the art in their contest with Moses and Aaron. <span class="cmt_word">Charming never so wisely;</span> literally, <span class="accented">though they bind their spells skilfully.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/58-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it need not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">heed</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֭שְׁמַע</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the tune</span><br /><span class="heb">לְק֣וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·qō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the charmer</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלַחֲשִׁ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·la·ḥă·šîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3907.htm">Strong's 3907: </a> </span><span class="str2">To whisper, to mumble a, spell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who skillfully</span><br /><span class="heb">מְחֻכָּֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(mə·ḥuk·kām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Pual - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2449.htm">Strong's 2449: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">weaves his spell.</span><br /><span class="heb">חוֹבֵ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·w·ḇêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2266.htm">Strong's 2266: </a> </span><span class="str2">To unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charm</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/58-5.htm">Psalm 58:5 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/58-5.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 58:5 Which doesn't listen to the voice (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/58-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 58:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 58:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/58-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 58:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 58:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>