Psalms 58:7

as waterswhich run continually) R.V., restoring P.B.V., as water that runneth apace: like some torrent that rages wildly for a while when swollen by a sudden storm, and then vanishes entirely (Job 6:15 ff.).

when he bendethhis bow to shoot his arrows A cumbrous rendering of a peculiar phrase, the verb strictly applicable to the bow being used of the arrows (cp. Psalms 64:3). Better as R.V., when he aimeth his arrows. But who is the subject? (1) It may be the wicked man, (as in Psalms 64:3); When he aimeth his arrows, let them be as though they were cut off (R.V.), their points broken, and their power to hurt destroyed. (2) It may be God (as in Psalms 7:12 f.); when He aimeth His arrows, let them (the wicked) be as it were mowed down. Cp. Psalms 90:6. Neither alternative is free from serious difficulties, but the first seems preferable.