Psalms 124:7

KJV

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

KJV (with Strong's)

Our soul {H5315} is escaped {H4422} as a bird {H6833} out of the snare {H6341} of the fowlers {H3369}: the snare {H6341} is broken {H7665}, and we are escaped {H4422}.

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.

Commentary

### 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](/psalms/124-1-2 "Psalms 124:1-2 - If the Lord Had Not Been On Our Side"), "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](/psalms/124-1 "Psalms 124:1 - If the Lord Had Not Been On Our Side")) 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](/psalms "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, _nephesh_ properly refers to a breathing creature or vitality, used broadly for the literal or figurative sense of life, being, or person. In this verse, "our soul" encompasses the entire life, essence, and very existence of the community or individuals. It signifies that their whole being was at risk and has now been preserved, highlighting the profound and comprehensive nature of God's deliverance from annihilation.
* **Snare (Hebrew, _pach'_):** From H6341, _pach_ denotes a metallic sheet or, more relevantly here, a spring net or trap. In biblical literature, it frequently symbolizes the cunning, deceitful, and often hidden plots laid by enemies to ensnare the righteous (e.g., [Psalms 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalms 91:3 - Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare")). It conveys the idea of a carefully laid, seemingly inescapable trap, underscoring the malicious intent and calculated nature of the threat. The breaking of this _pach_ signifies the complete nullification of the enemy's plans.
* **Escaped (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** From H4422, _mâlaṭ_ is a primitive root meaning "to be smooth," implying "to escape (as if by slipperiness)," or causatively, "to release or rescue." The Niphal stem (as seen in the form _nimleta'_) indicates a passive or reflexive action, meaning "to be delivered" or "to have escaped." This grammatical nuance reinforces that the "escaping" is not due to the bird's (or Israel's) own strength or cunning, but rather an act of divine intervention, an unexpected and unmerited release from bondage, rather than a self-rescue.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers":** This opening clause immediately introduces the central metaphor. "Our soul" (or "our life") signifies the entire community's existence, not just individuals. The comparison to a "bird out of the snare of the fowlers" vividly portrays a state of extreme vulnerability and imminent destruction. A bird caught in a fowler's trap is utterly helpless, its life hanging by a thread, dependent entirely on an external force for liberation. This imagery underscores the precariousness of Israel's situation and the cunning, predatory nature of their adversaries.
* **"the snare is broken":** This declarative statement marks the turning point and the core of the deliverance. It signifies not just a temporary evasion but a definitive and irreversible destruction of the mechanism of oppression. The trap itself, designed to capture and destroy, is rendered utterly useless. This implies a complete nullification of the enemy's power and plots, ensuring that the same trap cannot be used again. It speaks to the thoroughness and permanence of God's intervention.
* **"and we are escaped":** This final clause reiterates and confirms the deliverance, bringing the focus back to the direct experience of the rescued community. The repetition of "escaped" (from the same root as the first instance) emphasizes the reality and completeness of their freedom. It serves as a triumphant declaration, a testimony to the Lord's mighty hand, and a communal affirmation of their newfound safety and liberation. The "we" highlights the corporate nature of this divine rescue.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in [Psalms 124:7](/psalms/124-7 "Psalms 124:7 - The Lord Our Deliverer") 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](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus - Israel's Deliverance"), 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.

* [Psalms 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Deliverance from the Fowler's Snare")
* [Isaiah 42:22](/isaiah/42-22 "People Trapped in Snares")
* [2 Timothy 2:26](/2_timothy/2-26 "Escaping the Devil's Snare")

### 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
* **What "snares" in your life currently feel overwhelming or inescapable?**
* **How does the imagery of God breaking the snare bring you hope in your current circumstances?**
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's deliverance, and how can you better acknowledge His hand in those moments?**

### 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](/proverbs/7-23 "Proverbs 7:23 - The Snare of the Adulteress") concerning moral pitfalls, or [2 Timothy 2:26](/2_timothy/2-26 "2 Timothy 2:26 - Escaping the Devil's Snare") 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](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea").

### 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](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free") 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](/romans/8-1-2 "Romans 8:1-2 - No Condemnation in Christ")), delivered from the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Deliverance from the Fear of Death")), and rescued from the dominion of darkness ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). 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.

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 91:3

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, [and] from the noisome pestilence.

Proverbs 6:5

Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

2 Timothy 2:26

And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Psalms 25:15

¶ Mine eyes [are] ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

1 Samuel 25:29

Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, [as out] of the middle of a sling.

1 Samuel 23:26

And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain: and David made haste to get away for fear of Saul; for Saul and his men compassed David and his men round about to take them.

1 Samuel 23:27

But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have invaded the land.