Psalms 57:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

They have prepared {H3559}{H8689)} a net {H7568} for my steps {H6471}; my soul {H5315} is bowed down {H3721}{H8804)}: they have digged {H3738}{H8804)} a pit {H7882} before {H6440} me, into the midst {H8432} whereof they are fallen {H5307}{H8804)} themselves. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They prepared a snare for my feet, but I am bending over [to avoid it]. They dug a pit ahead of me, but they fell into it themselves. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 57:6 vividly portrays the perilous situation of King David, who, though deeply distressed and "bowed down" by the cunning schemes of his adversaries, ultimately witnesses divine justice. The verse describes his enemies' malicious attempts to ensnare him with "nets" and "pits," only for them to fall into their own destructive traps, illustrating God's sovereign hand in reversing the fortunes of the wicked and vindicating the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 57 is a "Michtam of David," a term often associated with psalms of deep personal reflection and prayer, typically composed during times of severe distress. This psalm, like others in this collection (e.g., Psalms 16, 56, 58-60), begins with an earnest plea for God's mercy and protection (verses 1-3), transitions into a lament over the enemies' hostility and the psalmist's profound anguish (verses 4-6a), and then shifts dramatically to an unwavering declaration of trust and praise for God's faithfulness and ultimate triumph (verses 6b-11). Verse 6 serves as the pivotal turning point, marking the transition from David's lament and description of his enemies' plots to the confident assertion of their self-inflicted downfall, setting the stage for the psalm's concluding doxology.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The superscription attributes this psalm to David "when he fled from Saul in the cave," most likely referring to the events recorded in [1 Samuel 22:1](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David Flees to Adullam") or [1 Samuel 24:3](/1_samuel/24-3 "1 Samuel 24:3 - David in the Cave of En Gedi"). During this period, King Saul, consumed by jealousy and paranoia, relentlessly hunted David with the intent to kill him, despite David's loyalty and anointing. The imagery of "nets" and "pits" reflects common ancient Near Eastern hunting techniques and warfare strategies, where hidden traps were set to ensnare prey or enemies. This highlights the treacherous and calculated nature of Saul's pursuit, which involved spies, ambushes, and constant vigilance, making David's existence one of extreme danger and psychological strain.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 57:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Justice and Retribution**, where God actively intervenes to ensure that the wicked's malicious schemes boomerang back upon them. This principle is a cornerstone of biblical ethics, affirming God's righteous governance over human affairs, as seen in passages like [Psalm 9:15-16](/psalms/9-15 "Psalm 9:15-16 - The Wicked Fall into Their Own Trap"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Protection and Vindication of the Righteous**. Despite David's vulnerability and deep distress ("my soul is bowed down"), God's sovereign hand is evident in preserving His anointed one and turning the tables on his persecutors. This theme provides immense comfort, assuring believers that God is a shield and deliverer even in the face of overwhelming opposition. Lastly, it exemplifies **Poetic Justice and Reversal**, where the punishment perfectly fits the crime, often utilizing the very instruments of destruction intended for the innocent. This dramatic reversal is a recurring motif, emphasizing God's ultimate control and His ability to transform situations of despair into declarations of triumph, as also seen in the story of Haman in [Esther 7:10](/esther/7-10 "Esther 7:10 - Haman Hanged on His Own Gallows").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Net (Hebrew, _reshet'_):** This word refers to a hunter's net or snare, designed to trap animals. In a metaphorical sense, as used here, it signifies a cunning, insidious plot or scheme devised by enemies to ensnare, entrap, or bring about the downfall of another. It implies malice, deception, and a calculated effort to cause harm.
* **Pit (Hebrew, _shachat'_):** This term denotes a pit, a ditch, or even a grave. It carries connotations of destruction, ruin, and a place of no escape. When used metaphorically, it represents a deep, hidden trap or a destructive plan intended to lead to someone's demise. The imagery emphasizes the severity and deadly intent of the enemies' machinations.
* **Bowed down (Hebrew, _kafaf'_):** This verb describes a physical posture of bending or stooping, often due to weakness, burden, or humiliation. When applied to the "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh_), it conveys profound emotional and psychological distress, despair, oppression, and a sense of being overwhelmed by circumstances. It highlights David's genuine human vulnerability and the heavy toll his persecution took on him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They have prepared a net for my steps;":** This clause immediately establishes the active, malicious intent of David's enemies. They are not merely hostile but are actively planning and setting traps, specifically targeting his "steps," implying attempts to impede his movement, trap him in his flight, or cause him to stumble and fall. The imagery evokes a hunter meticulously setting a snare for his prey.
* **"my soul is bowed down:":** This is a poignant interjection, revealing David's internal state. Despite his outward actions of flight and evasion, his inner being, his very "soul" or life-force, is weighed down by the relentless persecution. This phrase conveys profound emotional anguish, weariness, and perhaps a moment of despair, underscoring the human cost of being unjustly pursued.
* **"they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves].":** This is the dramatic climax of the verse. It reiterates the enemies' destructive plotting ("digged a pit") but immediately follows with a stunning reversal. The very trap they meticulously prepared for David becomes their own undoing. The phrase "[themselves]" (though supplied in KJV, it is implied by the Hebrew reflexive construction) emphasizes the ironic and self-inflicted nature of their downfall. This is divine justice in action, where the wicked are caught in their own devices.
* **"Selah.":** This technical term, appearing frequently in the Psalms, is likely a musical or liturgical notation. It often indicates a pause for reflection, a change in musical accompaniment, or a moment for silent meditation on the profound truth just uttered. Here, it invites the reader to pause and contemplate the miraculous and just reversal of fortunes described in the preceding clause.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 57:6 is rich in literary devices that enhance its impact and convey its powerful message. **Metaphor** is central, with "net" and "pit" serving as vivid representations of the enemies' insidious and destructive plots. These are not literal objects but symbolic of cunning traps and schemes designed to ensnare and destroy. The verse employs striking **Irony** and **Poetic Justice**, as the very instruments of destruction intended for David become the means of his adversaries' downfall. This ironic reversal underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to turn evil intentions back upon their perpetrators. The description of David's "soul bowed down" is a form of **Synecdoche**, where "soul" represents the whole person, emphasizing his deep internal distress. The structure of the verse, moving from the description of the threat to the declaration of the enemies' self-entrapment, creates a powerful sense of **Antithesis** and dramatic shift, highlighting the sudden and unexpected nature of divine intervention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 57:6 powerfully articulates the biblical principle of divine retribution, a cornerstone of God's character as a righteous judge. It assures believers that God is not passive in the face of injustice but actively oversees human affairs, ensuring that evil deeds often boomerang back upon their perpetrators. This is not merely a matter of natural consequence but a demonstration of God's sovereign justice, where He vindicates the oppressed and holds the wicked accountable. The verse provides profound comfort and a basis for trust, reminding us that even when we feel overwhelmed and "bowed down" by malicious attacks, God sees, God knows, and God will act in His perfect timing to bring about justice and reversal. It discourages personal vengeance by demonstrating that God Himself is the ultimate avenger and defender of His people.

* [Psalm 7:15](/psalms/7-15 "Psalm 7:15 - The Wicked Dig a Pit for Themselves")
* [Proverbs 26:27](/proverbs/26-27 "Proverbs 26:27 - He Who Digs a Pit Will Fall Into It")
* [Esther 7:10](/esther/7-10 "Esther 7:10 - Haman Hanged on His Own Gallows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and malicious intent can deeply wound, Psalms 57:6 offers profound solace and a framework for enduring adversity with faith. It reminds us that even when our "soul is bowed down" by the schemes of others, or by the sheer weight of life's trials, God is actively at work. We are called not to despair or seek personal revenge, but to commit our battles to the Lord, trusting in His perfect timing and method of vindication. This verse encourages us to maintain our integrity and focus on God's glory, knowing that He sees every hidden plot and every malicious intent. Our ultimate vindication comes from Him, and often, the very traps set for us become the instruments of our adversaries' undoing, not by our hand, but by His righteous judgment. This truth empowers us to live with confident hope, even in the midst of persecution or unfair treatment, resting in the assurance that God is just and faithful.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have you felt your "soul bowed down" by unjust attacks or difficult circumstances? How did you respond?**
* **How does the principle of the wicked falling into their own traps encourage you to trust God's justice rather than seeking personal revenge?**
* **What specific "nets" or "pits" might be set against believers today (e.g., slander, false accusations, spiritual attacks)? How can we rely on God's protection in these situations?**
* **How does the "Selah" at the end of this verse invite you to pause and reflect on God's sovereignty in your own life?**

### FAQ
**What does "Selah" mean in the context of this psalm?**

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, whose precise meaning is debated among scholars. While its exact function is not definitively known, it is widely believed to be a musical or liturgical notation. It likely indicates a pause for instrumental interlude, a moment for silent meditation or reflection on the preceding verses, or a change in musical emphasis. In Psalms 57:6, "Selah" serves to punctuate the dramatic reversal described, inviting the reader or worshiper to pause and deeply consider the profound truth of divine justice—that the wicked fall into their own traps. It emphasizes the weight and significance of the statement, encouraging a moment of spiritual contemplation.

**Does this verse encourage believers to pray for their enemies to suffer harm?**

Answer: While Psalms 57:6 vividly describes the downfall of David's enemies, it's crucial to understand it within the broader context of biblical ethics and the progression of revelation. David is expressing a desire for divine justice, not necessarily personal vengeance. The Psalms often contain imprecatory elements, where the psalmist calls upon God to act against the wicked. However, these are prayers for God's righteous judgment to prevail, not a license for believers to harbor personal hatred or seek revenge. The New Testament calls believers to a higher standard, urging us to [love our enemies](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies") and [pray for those who persecute us](/luke/6-28 "Luke 6:28 - Pray for Those Who Abuse You"). Ultimately, this verse reminds us that God is the just judge, and we are to entrust all judgment to Him, knowing that He will bring about perfect justice in His time and way.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 57:6, with its powerful imagery of the wicked falling into their own traps and God's ultimate vindication of the righteous, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "net" and "pit" set for David foreshadow the ultimate plot against the true King of Israel, Jesus. The crucifixion, intended by Satan and wicked men to be the ultimate trap and defeat for God's Son, became the very means of their undoing. The powers of darkness, thinking they had triumphed by putting Christ to death, unwittingly set the stage for their own catastrophic defeat. Through His death, Christ disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross, as [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities") proclaims. The "pit" of the grave, intended to hold Him captive, was conquered by His glorious resurrection, demonstrating that death itself was caught in its own snare, as echoed in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory"). Thus, the ultimate "net" of sin and death, designed by the enemy to ensnare humanity, was transformed by Christ's sacrifice into the means of salvation and eternal life. Believers, united with Christ, share in this ultimate vindication; though we may face earthly "nets" and "pits," our ultimate victory is secured in the one who conquered all through His own apparent defeat, turning the enemy's greatest weapon into God's greatest triumph.

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 7:15

He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [which] he made.

Psalms 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.

Psalms 145:14

The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all [those that be] bowed down.

Proverbs 28:10

¶ Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good [things] in possession.

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 35:7

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

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.