[7] The psalm forms a regular part of Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and other Protestant liturgies.

[5] David uses highly descriptive language comparing the wicked to snakes, serpents, cobras, and lions, and prays to God to "smash their teeth in their mouth, shatter the molars of young lions…His arrows, may they be as if crumbled to pieces".

[10] Quoting Jerome, George Haydock avers that the depiction of the wicked judges refers "to the proceedings of the Jews against Christ", and adds that the psalm decries "hypocrites" and "detractors".

[16] From the early Middle Ages monasteries used this psalm at the Matins office on Tuesday,[17][18][19] according to the Rule of St. Benedict of Nursia which was established around 530.

[20] In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the morning of the eleventh day of the month.