“For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.”
The psalmist acknowledges that the enemies have hidden a net without cause and dug a pit to trap him without reason. The imagery of nets and pits suggests premeditated malice and deliberate attempts to ensnare and destroy. The phrase 'without cause' and 'without reason' emphasize that the psalmist has given no justification for such hostility, suggesting that the enmity is purely vicious. This verse establishes the context for the preceding imprecatory prayers: the psalmist faces opposition that is entirely unprovoked and deliberately designed to harm.
Church Fathers on Psalms 35:7
1. ...The title of it causes us no delay, for it is both brief, and to be understood not difficult, especially to those nursed in the Church of God. For so it is, “To David himself.” The Psalm then is to David himself: now David is interpreted, Strong in hand, or Desirable. The Psalm then is to the Strong in hand, and Desirable, to Him who for us has overcome death, who unto us has promised life: for in this is He Strong in hand, that He has overcome death for us; in this is…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!