Psalms 10:9

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Psalm 10:9 vividly describes the deceptive and predatory nature of the wicked, likening their actions to a dangerous hunter. This verse is part of a lament psalm where the psalmist expresses distress over the prosperity and unchecked evil of the wicked, who exploit the vulnerable without apparent consequence.

Historical and Cultural Context

Psalm 10 is a passionate plea to God, questioning why He seems distant while the wicked oppress the helpless. The imagery of a "lion in his den" was potent in ancient Israel, where lions were known predators. The wicked are portrayed not just as violent, but as cunning and strategic, lying in wait to ambush their prey. The "poor" ('ani in Hebrew) in the Psalms often refers to the humble, the afflicted, the oppressed, or the righteous who lack worldly power and protection, rather than solely those lacking material wealth. This psalm highlights the social injustices prevalent in the ancient Near East, where the powerful often exploited the weak.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Predatory Evil: The primary theme is the wicked person's calculated and stealthy intent to harm. They operate in secret, like a hunter ambushing unsuspecting prey.
  • Vulnerability of the Oppressed: The verse underscores the precarious position of the "poor" or afflicted. They are easy targets for those who seek to exploit or destroy them.
  • Deceit and Entrapment: The mention of a "net" emphasizes the treachery involved. The wicked do not confront openly but use cunning methods to trap and ensnare their victims, drawing them into situations from which escape is difficult.
  • Need for Divine Intervention: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the broader context of Psalm 10 is a desperate cry for God to rise up and intervene against such injustice, reflecting the psalmist's hope for God's ultimate justice for the oppressed.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "lieth in wait" is 'arab (ืึธืจึทื‘), meaning to ambush or lurk, emphasizing the hidden, malicious intent.
  • "Poor" is 'ani (ืขึธื ึดื™), which speaks not just of financial destitution but of being afflicted, humble, or oppressedโ€”those who are weak and dependent on God.
  • "Net" is reshet (ืจึถืฉึถืืช), a hunting net, illustrating the wicked's method of ensnaring and rendering their victims helpless.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the reality of evil in the world. It calls us to:

  • Discernment: Be aware that evil often operates subtly and deceptively, not always in plain sight. Just as Satan prowls like a roaring lion, human wickedness can be equally cunning.
  • Compassion and Advocacy: Recognize and stand with the vulnerable and oppressed. The Bible consistently calls for justice for the helpless, as seen in verses like Psalm 12:5.
  • Trust in God's Justice: Even when evil seems to triumph and the wicked appear to succeed, we are reminded that God sees and will ultimately bring justice. This psalm, though a lament, builds towards a confident expectation of God's intervention.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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