[Psalm 58] is a vehement denunciation of the corruption of leaders and judges and an equally vehement call for their judgment. It concludes with an affirmation of the justice of God. . . . The background of the address to the . . . “mighty ones/gods,” in v 2 is that reflected in Deut 32:8–9 and Ps 82, which is the concept of the apportioned assignment of divine beings, or angels, to support and establish justice among the people to whom they were assigned. In Ps 82, the divine beings are put under the judgment of Yahweh because of their failure to maintain justice for the weak and dependent people of their realms (see Comment, Ps 82). The actual functions of the divine beings were exercised, of course, by human agents: kings, leaders, judges. It is clear in Ps 58 that immoral leaders are attacked and that they are the . . . “mighty ones/gods,” of v 2a. Thus the expression is sarcastic, addressing leaders who are supposed to function as agents of divine beings (probably claiming divine ordination for their powers) but who are in reality . . . “wicked ones” (v 4), whose true nature is described emphatically in v 3. There is probably an intended contrast between the “Mighty Ones” and the “sons of mankind” (translated “people” above). The leaders have the means and the responsibility to care for the common people, who have little defense against the oppression of those who have power. The Mighty Ones plot evil in their minds (“hearts”) and then carry it out in the land (v 3; cf. Ps 36:5), as in Mic 2:1:

Woe to those who desire wickedness and work evil upon their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. (RSV)

The condemnation of unjust judgments and the evasion of the responsibility for justice on the part of leaders is a rather common subject in the prophetic literature: e.g., Amos 5:7; 6:12; Isa 1:23; 5:23; 10:1–4; Mic 3:11; Jer 5:26–29.

MARVIN TATE, PSALMS 51-100, VOLUME 20 (WORD BIBLICAL COMMENTARY), 83-85.