The orientals swam anciently in the manner their descendants swim, hand over hand. So the Assyrian sculptures represent swimmers. This illustrates Isa_25:11, "He shall spread forth His hands in the midst of them (the foes), as he that swimmeth spreadeth forth ... to swim" (compare Zec_5:3) the swimmer beating down with his hands, i.e. bringing down each hand forcibly.
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.
Psa_6:6 (b) By this figure we understand the great weeping and the deep sorrow of David. His tears flowed profusely while he lay upon his bed.
Eze_47:5 (b) No doubt the flowing river represents the Holy Spirit. It issues from the door, which represents CHRIST. We see in this picture the story of the Spirit-filled life in which the whole person, spirit, soul and body is abandoned to the blessed Person of the Spirit, and to His prevailing power. First, the Spirit affects the feet, which is the walk; then the knees, which is devotion; then the hips, which is service and work; and finally, the whole person is enveloped by the wonderful Holy Spirit in entire consecration.
Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types
press 1957.