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Psalms 141:10

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Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.

Let the wicked {H7563} fall {H5307} into their own nets {H4364}, whilst that I withal {H3162} escape {H5674}.

Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

Let the wicked fall into their own nets, Whilst that I withal escape.

Commentary

Context

Psalm 141 is a prayer of David, likely composed during a time of intense personal danger and temptation. He finds himself surrounded by the wicked and their snares, and he cries out to God for protection and deliverance. The psalm opens with an urgent plea for God to hear his prayer and accept it as a spiritual sacrifice (Psalm 141:2). Throughout the psalm, David expresses a desire to remain pure and not participate in the evil deeds of his adversaries, even as he faces their plots. Verse 10 concludes this particular plea, focusing on the just retribution for the wicked and the psalmist's escape.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The primary plea is for God's justice to be meted out, specifically that the wicked would suffer the consequences of their own malicious intentions and traps. This reflects a belief in the principle that evil deeds often boomerang on the perpetrator.
  • Deliverance and Protection: Amidst the danger, David's confidence rests in God's ability to protect him from the schemes of his enemies, ensuring his personal safety and escape from their "nets."
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: The verse, while an imprecatory prayer (a prayer for judgment on the wicked), is not a call for personal vengeance but an appeal to God's ultimate sovereignty and righteous judgment over all things.

Linguistic Insights

The term "nets" (Hebrew: reshet - רֶשֶׁת) refers to a snare, trap, or a hunting net. In a metaphorical sense, it signifies the deceitful and destructive plots, schemes, or machinations devised by the wicked to ensnare the righteous. The imagery powerfully conveys the hidden dangers and malicious intent of the psalmist's enemies. The phrase "fall into their own nets" vividly illustrates the concept of poetic justice, where the very instrument of harm intended for others becomes the downfall of its creator.

Related Scriptures

The concept of the wicked falling into their own traps is a recurring theme in the Psalms and Proverbs. For instance, Psalm 7:15 states, "He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made." Similarly, Proverbs 26:27 affirms, "Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him." This verse stands as a testament to God's ultimate commitment to justice and His role as the Deliverer and Protector of His faithful.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 141:10 offers comfort and a model for prayer when facing opposition or injustice. It reminds us:

  • To Pray for Justice: Instead of seeking personal revenge, we are encouraged to bring our grievances before God, trusting that He is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice.
  • To Trust in God's Protection: When surrounded by difficult circumstances or malicious intent from others, we can rest in the assurance that God is our refuge and will provide a way of escape.
  • To Maintain Integrity: Like David, even amidst the presence of evil, we are called to maintain our integrity and not succumb to the ways of the wicked, trusting God to handle our adversaries.
This verse encourages us to cast our burdens upon the Lord, knowing that He oversees all things and will cause the schemes of the wicked to fail, while ensuring the safety of His own.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 35:8 (9 votes)

    Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.

  • Psalms 140:9 (5 votes)

    [As for] the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

  • Esther 7:10 (5 votes)

    So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

  • Psalms 37:14 (5 votes)

    The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, [and] to slay such as be of upright conversation.

  • Psalms 37:15 (5 votes)

    Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.

  • Psalms 64:7 (5 votes)

    ¶ But God shall shoot at them [with] an arrow; suddenly shall they be wounded.

  • Psalms 64:8 (5 votes)

    So they shall make their own tongue to fall upon themselves: all that see them shall flee away.