TRV
Translation
King James Version
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
Complete Jewish Bible
We escaped like a bird from the hunter's trap; the trap is broken, and we have escaped.
Berean Standard Bible
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away.
American Standard Version
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: The snare is broken, and we are escaped.
World English Bible Messianic
Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare. The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Our soule is escaped, euen as a bird out of the snare of the foulers: the snare is broken, and we are deliuered.
Young's Literal Translation
Our soul as a bird hath escaped from a snare of fowlers, The snare was broken, and we have escaped.
In the KJVVerse 16,110 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 124 verses 6–8
6 ¶ Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
Here the psalmist further magnifies the great deliverance God had lately wrought for them.
I. That their hearts might be the more enlarged in thankfulness to him (Psa 124:6): Blessed be the Lord. God is the author of all our deliverances, and therefore he must have the glory of them. We rob him of his due if we do not return thanks to him. And we are the more obliged to praise him because we had such a narrow escape. We were delivered, 1. Like a lamb out of the very jaws of a beast of prey: God has not given us as a prey to their teeth, intimating that they had no power over God's people but what was given them from above. They could not be a prey to their teeth unless God gave them up, and therefore they were rescued, because God would not suffer them to be ruined. 2. Like a bird, a little bird (the word signifies a sparrow), out of the snare of the fowler. The enemies are very subtle and spiteful; they lay snares for God's people, to bring them into sin and trouble, and to hold them there. Sometimes they seem to have prevailed so far as to gain their point. God's people are taken in the snare, and are as unable to help themselves out as any weak and silly bird is; and then is God's time to appear for their relief, when all other friends fail; then God breaks the snare, and turns the counsel of the enemies into foolishness: The snare is broken and so we are delivered. Isaac was saved when he lay ready to be sacrificed. Jehovah-jireh - in the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.
II. That their hearts, and the hearts of others, might be the more encouraged to trust in God in the like dangers (Psa 124:8): Our help is in the name of the Lord. David had directed us (Psa 121:2) to depend upon God for help as to our personal concerns - My help is in the name of the Lord; here as to the concerns of the public - Our help is so. It is a comfort to all that lay the interests of God's Israel near their hearts that Israel's God is the same that made the world, and therefore will have a church in the world, and can secure that church in times of the greatest danger and distress. In him therefore let the church's friends put their confidence, and they shall not be put to confusion.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 6–8. Public domain.
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Athanasius of AlexandriaAD 373
Letter 10.11
What then is our duty, my brothers, for the sake of these things, but to praise and give thanks to God, the king of all? And let us first exclaim in the words of the psalms, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us over as a prey to their teeth.” Let us keep the feast in that way that he has dedicated for us unto salvation—the holy day Easter—so that we may celebrate the feast which is in heaven with the angels. Thus anciently, the people of the Jews, when they came out of affliction into a state of ease, kept the feast, singing a song of praise for their victory. So also the people in the time of Esther, because they were delivered from the edict of death, kept a feast to the Lord, considering it a feast, returning thanks to the Lord and praising him for having changed their condition. Therefore let us, performing our vows to the Lord and confessing our sins, keep the feast to the Lord, in conversation, moral conduct and manner of life; praising our Lord, who has chastened us a little but has not utterly failed or forsaken us or altogether kept silence from us. For if, having brought us out of the deceitful and famous Egypt of the opponents of Christ, he has caused us to pass through many trials and afflictions, as it were in the wilderness, to his holy church, so that from hence, according to custom, we can send to you, as well as receive letters from you; on this account especially I both give thanks to God myself and exhort you to thank him with me and on my behalf, this being the apostolic custom, which these opponents of Christ, and the schismatics, wished to put an end to and to break off. The Lord did not permit it but both renewed and preserved that which was ordained by him through the apostle, so that we may keep the feast together, and together keep holy day, according to the tradition and commandment of the fathers.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
Concerning Virginity 18
It is the same with David. Where the soul is supported with spiritual wings, he has chosen to describe the soul as a bird, as he has said in one place, “My soul has escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers”; and again, In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, “Flee like a bird to the mountain.” Thus the soul has its wings by which it can raise itself free from the earth. But this movement of the wings is not of something constructed of feathers but a continuing series of good works, like those of the Lord of whom it is well said, “And in the shadow of your wings I shall take refuge.” In the first place, the hands of our Lord fixed on the cross were extended like something in flight, and, second, the actions of God are like a refreshing shadow of eternal salvation that can regulate the conflagration raging in our world.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 124
"Our soul is escaped, even as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers" [Psalm 124:7]. Because the Lord was in the soul itself, therefore has that soul escaped, even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler. Why like a bird? Because it had fallen heedlessly, like a bird; and it could say afterwards, God will forgive me. Unstable bird, rather set your feet firm upon the rock: go not into the trap. You will be taken, consumed, crushed. Let the Lord be in you, and He will deliver you from greater threats, from the snare of the fowlers. As if you were to see a bird about to fall into a snare, you make a greater noise that it may fly away from the net; so also, when perhaps some even of the Martyrs were stretching out their neck after the enjoyment of this life, the Lord, who was in them, made the noise of hell, and the bird was delivered from the snare of the fowlers. The snare was the sweetness of this life: they were not entangled in the snare, and were slain; by their slaughter the net was broken; no longer did the sweetness of this life remain, that they might again be entangled by it, but it was crushed. Was the bird also crushed? Far be it! For it was not in the snare: "The snare is broken, and we are delivered."
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 124:7 serves as a powerful declaration of divine deliverance, capturing the overwhelming sense of relief and profound gratitude experienced by a community rescued from seemingly insurmountable peril. Through the vivid metaphor of a bird escaping a fowler's snare, the verse triumphantly proclaims an unexpected and complete liberation, emphasizing that this freedom is not merely an evasion of danger but the total destruction of the very mechanism of oppression, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and protective care over His people.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 124 is a pivotal "Song of Ascent" (Shir Hama'alot), a collection (Psalms 120-134) likely chanted by pilgrims as they journeyed to Jerusalem for the annual feasts. These psalms often reflect themes of pilgrimage, communal identity, and reliance on God. Within this collection, Psalm 124 stands as a communal hymn of profound thanksgiving, immediately following Psalm 123, which expresses a desperate plea for mercy. This juxtaposition heightens the impact of Psalm 124, shifting from a posture of expectant waiting to one of jubilant declaration. The psalm opens with a rhetorical question in Psalms 124:1-2, "If it had not been the LORD who was on our side..." which sets the stage by vividly imagining the catastrophic consequences had God not intervened. Verse 7, therefore, serves as the triumphant climax, articulating the reality of God's saving act after the hypothetical dangers have been laid bare. It is a declaration that the imagined destruction did not occur because God was indeed present and active on their behalf.
Historical & Cultural Context: Ancient Israel, situated at a crucial crossroads of empires, frequently faced existential threats from powerful surrounding nations and internal adversaries. The "fowlers" in this context represent these cunning and ruthless enemies who meticulously planned the destruction of God's people. In the ancient Near East, fowling was a common practice, involving hidden nets, traps, and lures designed to capture birds, often for food or sport. The imagery evokes a sense of being cornered, unsuspecting, and utterly helpless against a superior, predatory force. This cultural understanding amplifies the desperation of the situation and the miraculous nature of the escape. The psalm's communal nature suggests a shared experience of national peril, whether from military invasion, political intrigue, or societal oppression, where the very existence of the community hung by a thread.
Key Themes: This psalm powerfully articulates several core theological themes. Foremost is Divine Sovereignty and Deliverance, emphasizing that Israel's survival is solely attributable to the Lord's active intervention, not human strength or strategy. The repeated phrase "if it had not been the LORD" (e.g., Psalms 124:1) underscores this absolute dependence. Secondly, the theme of Vulnerability and Helplessness is vividly portrayed through the "bird in a snare" metaphor, highlighting the precariousness of human existence and the overwhelming nature of the threats faced by God's people. A bird caught in a fowler's trap is utterly without recourse, mirroring the desperate situation of Israel. Thirdly, the declaration "the snare is broken" introduces the theme of Complete and Decisive Liberation. This is not merely an escape but the irreversible destruction of the instrument of bondage, signifying a permanent freedom that extends beyond the immediate crisis. Finally, the psalm implicitly calls for Profound Gratitude and Corporate Worship, as the community acknowledges God as the singular source of their salvation, prompting a collective response of praise and trust in His enduring faithfulness, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms of Thanksgiving.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Psalms 124:7 is a powerful Simile and Metaphor. The comparison "as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers" functions as a simile, directly comparing the soul's escape to that of a bird. This simile then extends into a sustained Metaphor where the "snare" represents the cunning and destructive plots of enemies, and the "fowlers" symbolize the adversaries themselves. This imagery effectively conveys the extreme vulnerability of the people and the insidious nature of the threat they faced. The phrase "the snare is broken" is an example of Hyperbole, emphasizing the completeness and decisiveness of the deliverance; it's not just that the bird got out, but the very instrument of capture was destroyed, signifying a permanent nullification of the danger. The Repetition of "escaped" ("Our soul is escaped... and we are escaped") serves to reinforce the central message of liberation and to create a sense of triumphant finality, driving home the reality and certainty of God's saving act. The psalm also employs Contrast by juxtaposing the extreme peril described in the preceding verses with the absolute freedom declared in this verse, heightening the sense of divine intervention.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 124:7 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God as the ultimate Deliverer of His people from oppression and bondage. This theme is foundational to Israel's identity, rooted in the Exodus narrative, where God broke the snare of Pharaoh's tyranny. The "snare" imagery extends beyond physical threats to encompass spiritual dangers, the deceitful schemes of the adversary, and the entrapment of sin. The breaking of the snare signifies God's sovereign power to dismantle any force that seeks to destroy His covenant people, whether it be political enemies, spiritual forces, or the consequences of human fallenness. It underscores the biblical truth that true freedom and security are found only in God's protective hand, a theme that anticipates the ultimate liberation offered through Christ.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For contemporary believers, Psalms 124:7 serves as a timeless anthem of hope and a profound reminder of God's active presence in our lives. We, too, can find ourselves in situations that feel like inescapable snares—whether they are spiritual strongholds, cycles of sin, oppressive circumstances, emotional bondage, or the cunning deceptions of the enemy. This verse reassures us that no trap is too complex, no adversary too powerful, for the Lord to overcome. It calls us to cultivate a posture of radical dependence on God, acknowledging that our deliverance comes not from our own ingenuity or strength, but from His mighty hand. When we experience moments of liberation, large or small, this psalm compels us to respond with deep gratitude and to publicly declare His faithfulness, reinforcing our trust in Him for future challenges. It is a powerful encouragement to persevere, knowing that the God who broke the snare for Israel is the same God who is able to break every chain in our lives, leading us into true and lasting freedom.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does the "snare of the fowlers" symbolize?
Answer: The "snare of the fowlers" symbolizes cunning, deceptive, and often hidden plots laid by adversaries to entrap and destroy. In the context of Psalm 124, it represents the existential threats faced by the community of Israel—whether from hostile nations, internal enemies, or spiritual forces—that sought to annihilate them. It highlights the malicious intent and the seemingly inescapable nature of these dangers, underscoring the complete helplessness of the entrapped "bird" (God's people) without divine intervention. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to describe various forms of spiritual and physical bondage, as seen in Proverbs 7:23 concerning moral pitfalls, or 2 Timothy 2:26 regarding the devil's traps.
Why is it significant that "the snare is broken" rather than just escaped?
Answer: The declaration that "the snare is broken" is profoundly significant because it signifies a complete and permanent nullification of the threat, rather than merely a temporary escape. If the bird had simply slipped out, the snare would remain intact, posing a continued danger. However, the breaking of the snare implies that the instrument of oppression itself has been destroyed, rendering it useless for future entrapment. This emphasizes the thoroughness and decisiveness of God's deliverance. It assures the community that the specific mechanism of their recent peril has been dismantled, providing a sense of lasting security and demonstrating God's absolute power to disarm and defeat the enemy's schemes entirely. This concept of decisive victory is a recurring theme in the Bible, exemplified by God's breaking of Pharaoh's power in the Exodus.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 124:7 speaks of Israel's corporate deliverance, its ultimate fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity, individually and corporately, was caught in the ultimate snare: the bondage of sin, the power of death, and the dominion of the spiritual "fowler," Satan. No human effort could break this cosmic trap. However, Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, decisively broke the power of sin and death, fulfilling the prophetic imagery of the broken snare. His resurrection is the ultimate declaration that the trap is broken, and we are truly escaped. As John 8:36 proclaims, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." Through faith in Him, believers are liberated from the condemnation of sin (Romans 8:1-2), delivered from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15), and rescued from the dominion of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14). Christ is the ultimate Fowl-Catcher who turned the tables, not only escaping the snare of death but utterly destroying its power, offering eternal freedom to all who believe. He is the ultimate fulfillment of the "snare is broken" declaration, providing a deliverance far grander and more permanent than any earthly rescue.