Psalms 141:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 141:10 is a fervent prayer for divine justice and personal deliverance, where the psalmist, David, petitions God to cause his wicked adversaries to be ensnared by their own malicious schemes, while he himself is granted a safe escape. It expresses a deep trust in God's righteous judgment and His ability to protect the faithful from the hidden traps and destructive plots of the ungodly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 141 is a personal lament and prayer for protection, attributed to David. It is part of a collection of Psalms (Psalms 120-145) often associated with times of distress and reliance on God. The psalm opens with an urgent cry for God to hear his prayer and accept it as a pleasing sacrifice, likened to incense and the evening offering ([Psalms 141:1-2](/psalms/141-1 "Psalm 141:1-2 - David's Urgent Prayer")). David then pleads for God to guard his mouth and heart from sin, specifically from being drawn into the evil deeds of the wicked or partaking in their delicacies ([Psalms 141:3-4](/psalms/141-3 "Psalm 141:3-4 - Prayer for Purity of Speech and Heart")). He expresses a desire for the righteous to correct him rather than for him to join the wicked, and he anticipates the downfall of his enemies' leaders, recognizing God's ultimate authority ([Psalms 141:5-7](/psalms/141-5 "Psalm 141:5-7 - Acceptance of Righteous Rebuke and Anticipation of Judgment")). The psalm culminates in a renewed plea for divine intervention and protection from the snares of the wicked, with verse 10 serving as a powerful concluding appeal for the tables to be turned on his oppressors, ensuring his own safety.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical occasion for Psalm 141 is not stated, it aligns with many of David's prayers during periods of intense persecution, such as his flight from Saul ([1_samuel/23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David's Flight from Saul")) or Absalom ([2_samuel/15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")). In ancient Near Eastern societies, traps and snares were common hunting tools, and this imagery was frequently used metaphorically to describe the malicious plots and ambushes laid by human enemies. The concept of "nets" or "pits" reflects the clandestine and deceptive nature of such schemes. Furthermore, the cultural understanding of justice often involved a strong belief in retribution, where actions, whether good or evil, would eventually return to the perpetrator. David's prayer reflects this societal expectation of divine justice, appealing to God as the ultimate arbiter who would ensure that the wicked's own devices would become their undoing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, asserting that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring about a just reversal of fortunes, causing the wicked to suffer the consequences of their own malevolent intentions. This concept is echoed in other wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Pit and the Stone"), which states, "Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein." Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Deliverance and Protection**, portraying God as the faithful guardian who shields the righteous from the hidden dangers and destructive plots of their adversaries. David's confidence rests entirely on God's ability to provide a way of escape, even when surrounded by peril. Lastly, it speaks to the theme of **Trust in God's Sovereignty**, demonstrating that even in the face of grave threats, the psalmist's ultimate recourse is to God's supreme authority and His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness. This is not a call for personal vengeance but an appeal to God's perfect and righteous judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wicked (Hebrew, _râshâʻ'_):** Refers to those who are morally wrong, actively bad, or ungodly. It encompasses individuals whose actions are contrary to God's righteous standards, often implying guilt and condemnation. In this context, it denotes the psalmist's adversaries who are actively plotting evil.
* **fall (Hebrew, _nâphal'_):** A versatile verb meaning to fall, often with implications of collapse, defeat, or demise. In this context, it signifies the downfall, entrapment, or suffering of consequences for the wicked, specifically by their own devices.
* **nets (Hebrew, _makmâr'_):** Specifically denotes a hunter's net or snare, often dark due to concealment. Metaphorically, it represents the deceptive plots, traps, or malicious schemes devised by adversaries to ensnare the innocent or righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let the wicked fall into their own nets":** This clause is an imprecatory prayer, a petition for divine justice. The psalmist asks God to orchestrate circumstances such that the very traps and schemes (symbolized by "nets") that the wicked have prepared for others become the instruments of their own downfall. It expresses a desire for poetic justice, where the perpetrator is caught in their own snare.
* **"whilst that I withal escape":** This second clause expresses the desired outcome for the psalmist. "Withal" (Hebrew, _yachad_) implies "together" or "at the same time," emphasizing the simultaneous nature of the wicked's downfall and the psalmist's deliverance. The verb "escape" (Hebrew, _ʻâbar_) signifies crossing over or passing through danger safely, highlighting God's protective hand in preserving the righteous from harm.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 141:10 employs several potent **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "nets" serve as a vivid representation of the insidious and hidden schemes, plots, and traps devised by the wicked. This imagery evokes a sense of cunning and danger, typical of a hunter setting a snare. The phrase "fall into their own nets" is a classic example of **Poetic Justice** or **Irony**, where the intended harm rebounds upon its originator. This device underscores the moral order of the universe, implying that evil deeds ultimately contain the seeds of their own destruction. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Imprecation**, a form of prayer that calls for divine judgment upon adversaries. While seemingly harsh, such prayers in the Psalms are often expressions of trust in God's ultimate righteousness and sovereignty to administer justice, rather than a desire for personal vengeance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine retribution, where God, as the righteous judge, ensures that the wicked's own devices become their undoing. It underscores the consistent theme throughout Scripture that evil, though it may seem to prosper for a time, ultimately leads to self-destruction. The psalmist's plea is not merely for personal safety but for the vindication of God's justice in a world where the righteous often suffer at the hands of the ungodly. This confidence in God's active involvement in human affairs, both to judge evil and to deliver the innocent, is a cornerstone of biblical theology. It assures believers that their trust in God is not misplaced, as He is sovereign over all circumstances, including the machinations of the wicked.

* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked's Own Pit")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - The Pit and the Stone")
* [Psalm 35:8](/psalms/35-8 "Psalm 35:8 - The Hidden Net")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often marked by injustice, deceit, and malicious intent, Psalms 141:10 offers profound comfort and a clear directive for believers. It reminds us that our ultimate recourse in the face of opposition is not personal retaliation or despair, but fervent prayer to a righteous God. When we encounter those who scheme against us or others, this verse encourages us to release the burden of vengeance and instead appeal to the divine Judge, trusting that He sees all and will act according to His perfect justice. It calls us to maintain our integrity and faithfulness, even when surrounded by wickedness, knowing that God is our ultimate refuge and deliverer. Our escape from the "nets" of the wicked is not by our own cunning, but by God's sovereign protection, allowing us to live in peace and confidence, even amidst turmoil. This perspective fosters a spirit of patience and reliance on God's timing, rather than succumbing to fear or bitterness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does trusting in God's justice free me from the burden of seeking personal revenge?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "fall into my own nets" by engaging in ungodly responses to injustice?**
* **What does "escape" truly mean in a spiritual sense when facing adversity, and how can I practically seek God's deliverance in my life today?**

### FAQ
**Is this an imprecatory prayer, and how should Christians view such prayers today?**

Answer: Yes, Psalms 141:10 is an example of an imprecatory prayer, which is a prayer calling for God's judgment or curse upon the wicked. For Christians today, understanding imprecatory prayers requires careful theological discernment. These prayers in the Old Testament are not expressions of personal vengeance but appeals to God's righteous character and His covenant faithfulness to administer justice in a fallen world. They reflect a deep trust that God will ultimately right all wrongs and vindicate His people. While New Testament teaching emphasizes love for enemies and praying for those who persecute ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), the underlying principle of divine justice remains. Christians are called to trust God's sovereignty to execute justice perfectly and righteously, knowing that ultimate judgment belongs to Him alone ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine")). Therefore, modern believers can pray for justice, for the cessation of evil, and for God's will to be done, while entrusting the specific means and timing of retribution to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 141:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "wicked" who set "nets" for the righteous are ultimately defeated by the one who willingly entered the greatest "net" of all – death itself. Jesus, the perfectly righteous one, was ensnared by the plots of wicked men, condemned unjustly, and crucified ([Matthew 27:1-26](/matthew/27 "Matthew 27 - Jesus' Trial and Crucifixion")). Yet, through His resurrection, He not only "escaped" the bonds of death but also caused the very instruments of evil—sin, death, and the devil—to fall into their own trap. The cross, intended as the ultimate defeat for God's plan, became the means of salvation and the decisive victory over all spiritual adversaries ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Believers, united with Christ, share in His triumph; His escape from the grave guarantees our ultimate escape from the dominion of sin and death. Just as the psalmist prayed for deliverance from the nets of the wicked, Christ's work ensures that those who trust in Him are delivered from the ultimate "net" of eternal condemnation, securing their spiritual and eternal safety in Him ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")).

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 35:8

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

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

Esther 7:10

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

Psalms 37:14

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

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

Psalms 64:7

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

Psalms 64:8

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