The judges of the past often took justice into their own hands and, with no accountability to a higher authority, made their own laws. When earthly judges are corrupt, there is little hope for justice, and justice has not usually been shown to common people.
v.1-2, This is a vigorous protest against those who have designed all kinds of corruptness. Then, with their hands, they deal out the violence their hearts had planned until the whole land is filled with their perversion of justice.
v.3-6. The subject broadens to include the broader class of wicked men. The problem with humanity goes right back to birth. Lawlessness and rebellion are inborn in us all. David uses nature to describe the wickedness of the hearts and lives of unjust and evil humanity.
v.7-10. David prays for six destructions: (1) Satan's teeth to be broken by God, (2) the flood of wickedness melted away, (3) the attackers cut down, (4) the underhanded, slimy ways of enemies be evaporated (5) evil plans against God's people come to nothing, (6) before the danger comes the removal of those who plan it v.11. National leaders should be just and fair. When they are not, and take power away from those they lead, national morality deteriorates, and God is ignored. There will be a day of righteous judgment and justice when God takes the throne. Never side with injustice.