Psalm 58:7

Translations

Modern

May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted.

Traditional

Let them melt away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.

Literal

Let them flow away like waters, running continually to themselves; he treads the bow—may his arrows be as though cut in pieces.

Latin

Ad nihilum devenient tamquam aqua decurrens; intendit arcum suum donec infirmentur.

Original

Hebrew

English

May they vanish like water that runs off; when they draw the bow, may their arrows be blunted.

Notes

Psalms 58:1–11

The administration of justice is a mark of good government. God expects nothing less from his people. The psalmist condemns Israel’s leaders for abusing their power, and he calls on the Lord to rain down his curses upon the wicked. The demonstration of divine justice will reassure the godly that God is just.

Psalms 51:1–65:13

These psalms of David share a common theme. They reflect on the experience of evil. In Psalm 51, the psalmist admits his wrongdoing and asks for God's forgiveness. Psalms 52–64 express sorrow over specific evils David faced. A song of praise (Psalm 65) brings David's laments to an end.

Theme notes and profiles

David

Related verses

Psalm 112:10
The wicked man will see and be grieved; he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the desires of the wicked will perish.
Joshua 7:5
And the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six of them, chasing them from the gate as far as the quarries and striking them down on the slopes. So the hearts of the people melted and became like water.
Isaiah 13:7
Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt.
Exodus 15:15
Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away,
Joshua 2:9–11
…and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you.
Psalm 64:3
…who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,
Psalm 64:7–8
But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be wounded.
Psalm 22:14
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me.
2 Samuel 17:10
Then even the most valiant soldier with the heart of a lion will melt with fear, because all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man who has valiant men with him.

Glossary

Al-Taschith Curse, Cursed David Michtam Miktam Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Arrow: Figurative Prayer: Imprecatory Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Wicked (People): Punishment of

Psalm 58:7

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