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Day 192

Psalm 58:4a "Like the poison of a serpent..."

Day 192 – Psalm 58

“Like the poison of a serpent…” Psalm 58:4a

POWERFUL IMAGERY

David used powerful imagery to describe the wicked! His use of “serpents” is most intriguing!

“Their poison is like the poison of a serpent;
They are like the deaf cobra that stops its ear;
Which will not heed the voice of charmers,
Charming ever so skillfully.’
Psalm 58:4-5

1. Serpent

a) This word is used interchangeably with “snake”.
b) The word “cobra” is just a more definite reference.

2. Poison

a) It was already known that some snakes possessed poisonous fangs.
b) The cobra was one of the most deadly snakes known in the country.

3. Deaf cobra

a) Snakes do not have “external ears”.
b) However snakes do have “internal ears”.
c) They “hear” through vibrations.
i) In the earth
ii) Transmitted by air

4. The voice of charmers

a) Even in the days of David there were “snake charmers”.
b) Snake charmers require very special skills to make cobras dance to the tunes played.

5. The resistance of wicked people

a) They were compared to cobras who refused to be charmed (“tamed”).
b) They are deadly in their wickedness.