Psalms 10:9

KJV

He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.

KJV (with Strong's)

He lieth in wait {H693} secretly {H4565} as a lion {H738} in his den {H5520}: he lieth in wait {H693} to catch {H2414} the poor {H6041}: he doth catch {H2414} the poor {H6041}, when he draweth {H4900} him into his net {H7568}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Lurking unseen like a lion in his lair, he lies in wait to pounce on the poor, then seizes the poor and drags him off in his net.

Berean Standard Bible

He lies in wait like a lion in a thicket; he lurks to seize the oppressed; he catches the lowly in his net.

American Standard Version

He lurketh in secret as a lion in his covert; He lieth in wait to catch the poor: He doth catch the poor, when he draweth him in his net.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 10:9 offers a chilling portrayal of the wicked's predatory nature, likening their insidious actions to a lion patiently ambushing its prey. This verse vividly encapsulates the psalmist's deep distress over the unchecked arrogance and malicious intent of those who exploit the vulnerable, underscoring their calculated deception and the inevitable entrapment of the unsuspecting poor. It stands as a stark depiction of social injustice and a poignant cry for divine intervention against such calculated and pervasive evil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 10 functions as a fervent lament, often viewed as a continuation of Psalm 9, though it can also stand alone as a passionate plea to God. It expresses the psalmist's anguish and bewilderment at God's apparent silence and distance in the face of widespread wickedness and oppression. The preceding verses [Psalm 10:1-8](/psalms/10-1-8 "Psalm 10:1-8 - The Arrogance of the Wicked") meticulously detail the character of the wicked: their boastful speech, their self-sufficiency, their contempt for God, and their violent intentions. Verse 9 then transitions from general character description to a specific, vivid illustration of their calculated methods of preying on the helpless, employing the powerful imagery of a stealthy hunter. The psalm progresses from a lament of complaint to a desperate cry for God to "arise" and act, culminating in a confident declaration of God's ultimate reign and His unwavering commitment to justice for the oppressed in [Psalm 10:16-18](/psalms/10-16-18 "Psalm 10:16-18 - God's Eternal Reign and Justice for the Oppressed").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "lion in his den" held profound and immediate resonance in ancient Israel, where lions were formidable and common predators in the wild. These animals were renowned for their stealth, immense power, and ferocity in ambushing unsuspecting prey. This metaphor effectively conveys the hidden danger, the overwhelming power, and the destructive intent of the wicked. The term "poor" (Hebrew: *'aniy*) in the Psalms extends far beyond mere material destitution; it frequently refers to the afflicted, the humble, the oppressed, the vulnerable, and often, the righteous who lack worldly power or protection and are utterly dependent on God. This psalm thus reflects the harsh social realities of the ancient Near East, where the powerful frequently exploited the weak, and justice for the marginalized was often elusive, making the psalmist's desperate cry for divine intervention particularly poignant and urgent.
* **Key Themes:** The central theme of Psalm 10:9 is the **predatory nature of evil**, characterized by the wicked's calculated stealth and malicious intent to harm. They do not operate openly but, like a cunning hunter, lie in wait to ambush unsuspecting victims, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 1:11-12](/proverbs/1-11-12 "Proverbs 1:11-12 - The Wicked's Invitation to Ambush"). This verse also powerfully underscores the **vulnerability of the oppressed**, highlighting the precarious position of the "poor" or afflicted, who are easy targets for those seeking to exploit or destroy them. Furthermore, the mention of a "net" emphasizes the **deceit and entrapment** involved; the wicked employ cunning and treacherous methods to ensnare their victims, drawing them into situations from which escape is exceedingly difficult. While not explicitly stated in this specific verse, the broader context of Psalm 10 is a desperate plea for **divine intervention** against such profound injustice, reflecting the psalmist's unwavering hope for [God's ultimate justice for the oppressed](/psalms/10-18 "Psalm 10:18 - God's Justice for the Oppressed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lieth in wait (Hebrew, _ʼârab'_):** This verb (H693), a primitive root, signifies "to lurk" or "to lie in ambush." Its use here strongly emphasizes the stealthy, premeditated, and malicious nature of the wicked's actions. It is not a spontaneous act of violence but a calculated strategy designed to surprise, overpower, and ultimately destroy the unsuspecting victim. This word conveys a sense of hidden danger and insidious intent.
* **Poor (Hebrew, _ʻânîy'_):** The Hebrew word (H6041) is rich in meaning, encompassing not only financial poverty but also the state of being "depressed, in mind or circumstances." It refers to the afflicted, the humble, the oppressed, or the lowly. In the Psalms, the *'aniy* are often those who are righteous but lack worldly power or protection, making them uniquely vulnerable to the schemes of the wicked and utterly dependent on God for their deliverance and vindication.
* **Net (Hebrew, _resheth'_):** This term (H7568) refers specifically to a hunting net or snare, used for catching animals. Its inclusion in the verse highlights the wicked's method: to entrap, ensnare, and render their victims utterly helpless. Once caught, escape is virtually impossible, underscoring the treachery and the complete subjugation of the victim. It symbolizes the cunning and deceptive means by which the vulnerable are captured.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den":** This opening clause immediately establishes a powerful **simile**, comparing the wicked to a lion. The phrase "in his den" suggests a hidden, secure vantage point from which the predator observes, plans, and prepares its attack. "Secretly" emphasizes the hidden, deceptive, and insidious nature of the wicked's operations, contrasting sharply with any form of open or honorable confrontation. The lion imagery powerfully conveys strength, ferocity, and an innate predatory instinct.
* **"he lieth in wait to catch the poor":** This phrase reiterates the wicked's deliberate intention and specifies their particular target. The repetition of "he lieth in wait" underscores the persistence, patience, and calculated nature of their evil. The "poor" are explicitly identified as the specific, vulnerable prey, highlighting the profound moral depravity of preying on the defenseless and those least able to protect themselves.
* **"he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net":** This final clause describes the successful execution and devastating consequence of the wicked's plan. The active verb "doth catch" confirms the wicked's effectiveness in their malicious endeavors, indicating that their schemes often succeed. The "net" is the instrument of entrapment, symbolizing the cunning, treacherous, and inescapable means by which the vulnerable are ensnared, leading to their complete subjugation and utter helplessness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 10:9 is profoundly rich in **imagery**, particularly through the extended **simile** that compares the wicked to a "lion in his den." This comparison immediately evokes a powerful sense of danger, stealth, and predatory intent, effectively conveying the wicked's ferocity, cunning, and hidden malice. The entire verse functions as a vivid **metaphor** for a hunting expedition, where the wicked are the calculating hunters, the poor are their unsuspecting prey, and the "net" is the insidious instrument of their capture. The **repetition** of the phrase "he lieth in wait" serves to emphasize the persistent, calculated, and insidious nature of the wicked's malice, highlighting their unwavering determination to harm. Furthermore, the repeated mention of "the poor" underscores their consistent vulnerability and the wicked's specific, targeted oppression of the defenseless. The language employed creates a palpable sense of dread and helplessness, drawing the reader deeply into the psalmist's anguish over such rampant and cruel injustice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 10:9 powerfully articulates the sobering biblical reality of calculated evil and its devastating impact on the vulnerable. Theologically, it underscores the inherent injustice of a fallen world where the strong frequently prey on the weak, and human depravity manifests in cunning, deceptive, and destructive ways. This verse implicitly raises the profound question of divine justice and God's apparent silence in the face of such oppression, a common and deeply felt theme throughout the lament psalms. However, even in its raw expression of pain and bewilderment, the psalm, and this verse within it, serves a crucial purpose: to expose the true, insidious nature of unrighteousness, thereby affirming God's ultimate concern for the oppressed and His eventual, certain intervention on their behalf. It highlights the biblical mandate for believers to protect and advocate for the vulnerable, recognizing that God Himself is the ultimate defender of the poor and afflicted.

* [Proverbs 1:11-12](/proverbs/1-11-12 "Proverbs 1:11-12 - The Wicked's Invitation to Ambush")
* [Psalm 12:5](/psalms/12-5 "Psalm 12:5 - God's Promise to the Oppressed")
* [James 2:6](/james/2-6 "James 2:6 - Oppression of the Poor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 10:9 serves as a sobering and vital reminder that evil in the world often operates not merely with overt displays of brute force, but with profound cunning, stealth, and calculated malice. It calls us, as believers, to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that threats to righteousness, justice, and the well-being of others may not always be obvious but can lurk in hidden places, patiently seeking to ensnare the unsuspecting. This verse compels us to look beyond superficial appearances and to understand the true, often insidious, nature of spiritual and social warfare. Furthermore, it ignites within us a profound and active compassion for "the poor"—the afflicted, the marginalized, the vulnerable, and the oppressed in our contemporary society. We are called not only to identify deeply with their plight but also to actively advocate for them, standing firmly against systems, policies, and individuals that exploit the defenseless. While the psalmist expresses a lament, the underlying hope is always in God's ultimate and perfect justice. Therefore, we are encouraged to trust that even when evil seems to triumph and God's intervention appears delayed, He sees, He knows, and He will, in His perfect timing, bring righteousness and deliverance to those who are oppressed. This verse challenges us to be vigilant, compassionate, and unwavering in our faith in God's sovereign justice and His eventual vindication of the righteous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might "the wicked" operate "secretly" and with calculated malice in our world today, and how can we cultivate the discernment needed to identify such hidden dangers?**
* **Who are "the poor" or "afflicted" in our contemporary society who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, and how can we better identify and stand in solidarity with them?**
* **How does the imagery of the "net" challenge us to be acutely aware of subtle forms of entrapment, both for ourselves and for those around us, in spiritual, social, or economic contexts?**
* **How does this verse, despite its somber and lamenting tone, ultimately strengthen our trust in God's character as a just, righteous, and ultimately victorious defender of the oppressed?**

### FAQ
**Who are "the poor" that the wicked target in this psalm?**

Answer: In the context of [Psalm 10:9](/psalms/10-9 "Psalm 10:9 - The Wicked's Predatory Nature") and the Psalms generally, "the poor" (Hebrew: *'aniy*) refers to more than just those lacking material wealth. It encompasses the afflicted, the humble, the oppressed, the vulnerable, and often, the righteous who are without worldly power or protection. They are those who are dependent on God for their deliverance and justice, making them easy targets for the wicked who exploit their weakness and lack of recourse.

**Why is the wicked person compared to a "lion in his den"?**

Answer: The comparison of the wicked person to a "lion in his den" is a powerful **simile** used to emphasize several key characteristics. First, it highlights the **stealth and cunning** of the wicked; like a lion, they lie in wait, observing and planning their attack from a hidden vantage point. Second, it conveys their **predatory nature and ferocity**, indicating their intent to harm, devour, and completely overwhelm their victims. Third, it underscores the **power imbalance** between the wicked and their vulnerable prey, much like a lion's overwhelming strength against a helpless animal. This imagery vividly portrays the malicious intent and destructive capacity of the oppressor, emphasizing the hidden danger they pose.

**How does this verse contribute to the broader theme of justice in the Psalms?**

Answer: [Psalm 10:9](/psalms/10-9 "Psalm 10:9 - The Wicked's Predatory Nature"), by graphically depicting the wicked's calculated oppression of the poor, serves as a crucial element in the Psalms' broader theme of divine justice. While the psalmist laments God's apparent inaction and the wicked's prosperity, this verse lays bare the profound injustice that demands God's intervention. It highlights the moral outrage of preying on the defenseless, thereby setting the stage for the psalmist's desperate plea for God to "arise" and execute justice. It implicitly affirms God's character as the ultimate defender of the oppressed, even when His justice seems delayed, and builds towards the confident expectation that He will ultimately hear the cry of the humble and bring the wicked to account, as seen in [Psalm 10:17-18](/psalms/10-17-18 "Psalm 10:17-18 - God Hears the Humble and Judges the Wicked").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 10:9, with its stark depiction of the wicked's predatory nature and their calculated ensnarement of the poor, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Jesus Christ Himself identified deeply with "the poor" and the oppressed, embodying the very vulnerability described in this psalm. He came not to be served, but to serve, and ultimately became the ultimate "poor" one, suffering at the hands of wicked men who plotted His demise with cunning and stealth, much like the lion lying in wait. The religious and political leaders of His day, driven by malice and envy, sought to "catch" Him in their "net" of legalistic accusations and false testimonies, leading Him to the cross. Yet, it is precisely through Christ that the ultimate triumph over the ensnarer is achieved. The devil, described in [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober, Be Vigilant") as "a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour," was ultimately defeated by Christ's sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for the sheep, protecting them from the thief who comes only to "steal and kill and destroy" ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Thief and the Shepherd")). Furthermore, Christ is the righteous Judge who will, in His second coming, bring perfect justice to the oppressed and judge those who have wickedly exploited the vulnerable, fulfilling the psalmist's longing for divine intervention and establishing His eternal kingdom where righteousness dwells and the poor in spirit will inherit the earth ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - Blessed are the Poor in Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 17:12

Like as a lion [that] is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

Psalms 59:3

For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not [for] my transgression, nor [for] my sin, O LORD.

Micah 7:2

The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

Psalms 35:10

All my bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

Amos 5:11

Forasmuch therefore as your treading [is] upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.

Amos 5:12

For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate [from their right].

Isaiah 3:15

What mean ye [that] ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord GOD of hosts.