Psalms 31:4

Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou [art] my strength.

Pull me out {H3318} of the net {H7568} that {H2098} they have laid privily {H2934} for me: for thou art my strength {H4581}.

Free me from the net they have hidden to catch me, because you are my strength.

You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge.

Pluck me out of the net that they have laid privily for me; For thou art my stronghold.

Psalms 31:4 is a heartfelt prayer of deliverance, likely from David, expressing profound trust in God amidst personal peril. This verse encapsulates a desperate plea for rescue combined with a powerful declaration of faith in God's divine power.

Context of Psalms 31:4

Psalm 31 is a psalm of lament and trust, reflecting a period of intense distress in David's life. He is surrounded by enemies, facing slander, fear, and possibly physical danger. The psalm opens with an immediate appeal to God as a refuge and stronghold, setting the stage for this specific plea for rescue. The imagery of a "net" suggests a cunning, hidden trap set by adversaries, indicating that the threats were not always overt but insidious and designed to ensnare the psalmist.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Deliverance from Hidden Traps: The primary cry is for God to intervene and rescue the psalmist from a secretly laid snare. This highlights the reality of unseen or malicious plots by enemies, whether spiritual or physical. It speaks to the need for God's supernatural intervention when human wisdom or strength is insufficient to discern or escape danger, much like the deliverance promised from the fowler's snare in Psalm 91:3.
  • God as the Source of Strength: The declaration "for thou art my strength" is the bedrock of this prayer. It signifies a complete reliance on God's power and might, acknowledging that human strength is inadequate against such hidden and formidable threats. This theme echoes throughout the Psalms, emphasizing God as a refuge and fortress (Psalm 18:1).
  • Prayer in Adversity: The verse serves as a model for how to approach God in times of crisis, particularly when facing deceptive or overwhelming opposition. It's a direct, honest appeal that blends vulnerability with unwavering faith.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "net" in Hebrew is reshet (רֶשֶׁת), which refers specifically to a fowler's net or a hunter's snare. This term vividly paints a picture of a carefully concealed trap designed to capture unsuspecting prey. The phrase "laid privily" comes from the Hebrew satar (סָתַר), meaning "to hide" or "to conceal." This emphasizes the clandestine and treacherous nature of the enemy's actions, making the threat even more menacing because it is not easily seen or anticipated. The term "strength" is from the Hebrew ma'oz (מָעוֹז), denoting a stronghold, a place of safety, or a refuge, reinforcing the idea of God as an impregnable defense against all adversaries.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 31:4 offers profound comfort and guidance. When we feel ensnared by hidden difficulties, deceptive circumstances, or spiritual attacks, this verse reminds us to turn immediately to God. It encourages us to vocalize our need for His divine intervention, acknowledging that He alone possesses the power to "pull us out" of situations that seem inescapable. It's a powerful affirmation that our ultimate strength and protection come not from our own abilities or resources, but from the Lord. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's ability to deliver us from all forms of danger, seen and unseen, just as He promises to be our ever-present help in trouble.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 25:15

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

  • Psalms 140:5

    The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

  • Psalms 57:6

    They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.

  • 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 19:14

    Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

  • Proverbs 29:5

    ¶ A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

  • Psalms 35:7

    For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [which] without cause they have digged for my soul.
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