It is impossible to determine whether the language is literal, meaning actual swords and bows, or figurative, denoting oppression and persecution. It seems better to translate as though actual physical destruction is meant; see 11.2 for similar language. But the wicked will not achieve their aim of destroying the poor and needy, those who walk uprightly (literally “those whose way is upright”). God will intervene, and the wicked will be killed by their own swords (see the same thought in 7.16), and their bows shall be broken.

The expressions draw the sword and bend their bows refers to threatening gestures, or else initial movements in preparation for killing. In some languages it will be necessary to say, for example, “Wicked people get their weapons ready to kill” or, if the specific terms are used, “Wicked people prepare their swords and bows to kill.”

The expression the poor and needy will in many languages be expressed by terms referring to the same persons; for example, “those who have nothing and are in great need.”

It will often be clearer to make specific reference to the wicked of verse 14 as the ones who will be killed; for example, “but those wicked people will be killed by their own swords.” In languages in which a passive construction cannot be used, and where swords cannot serve as the agent but only the instrument of killing, it will be necessary to make God the agent; for example, “but God will use their own swords to kill the wicked,” and in the last line, “he will smash their bows.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .