Psalms 58:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 58:7
7 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.
Chapter Context
Psalms 58 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, prayer, judgment. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-11: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 58:7
7 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.
Analysis
The dual images of melting water and broken arrows emphasize the complete negation of the wicked's power. Water that 'runs continually away' (Hebrew 'halak'—walk/go) depicts dissipation and futility. Arrows 'cut in pieces' represents weapons rendered useless. This demonstrates God's sovereignty—He can reduce the mighty to nothing, anticipated in Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:51-53).
Historical Context
In desert environments, water's disappearance was a vivid image of vanishing hope. Broken arrows represented military defeat, as arrows were primary weapons in ancient warfare. Both images communicated total loss of power.
Reflection
- How does God's power to reduce the mighty to nothing comfort the oppressed?
- What does the complete futility of wickedness under God's judgment reveal about history's trajectory?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 64:3, 112:10, Exodus 15:15, Joshua 7:5, Isaiah 13:7