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.

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}.

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)

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

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 on Psalms 57:6 (KJV)

Psalm 57:6 captures a poignant moment in King David’s life, reflecting his deep distress and profound faith. This verse, part of a "Michtam of David," likely penned when he was hiding from King Saul in a cave (as indicated by the psalm's superscription, 1 Samuel 24:3), paints a vivid picture of the schemes devised against him and the ultimate poetic justice.

Context

David was a man hunted by King Saul, who, driven by jealousy and paranoia, relentlessly pursued him with the intent to kill him. The imagery of "nets" and "pits" speaks to the treacherous and cunning tactics employed by Saul and his men to ensnare David. David’s confession, "my soul is bowed down," reveals the heavy emotional and psychological toll this persecution took on him, highlighting the deep despair and oppression he felt despite his unwavering trust in God. The psalm itself begins with a plea for mercy and ends with a declaration of God's glory, framing this verse of distress within a larger narrative of divine protection and ultimate triumph.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The core message of this verse is the principle of divine reversal. Those who maliciously plot evil against the righteous often find themselves caught in their own traps. This is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating God's active role in upholding justice.
  • God's Protection: Despite the imminent danger and David's personal anguish, the verse ultimately testifies to God's faithfulness in protecting His chosen. The enemies' failure to harm David and their subsequent self-entrapment underscore God's sovereign hand.
  • Poetic Justice: The phrase "into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]" illustrates a perfect example of poetic justice, where the punishment ironically fits the crime. The very instruments of destruction intended for David become the downfall of his adversaries.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words for "net" (reshet) and "pit" (shachat) are common biblical metaphors for insidious traps, snares, and destructive schemes. They convey the malicious intent and calculated efforts of the enemies. The word "Selah" at the end of the verse is a technical term, likely indicating a pause for musical interlude or silent meditation, inviting the reader to reflect on the profound truth just stated – the dramatic reversal of fortunes and God's intervention.

Related Scriptures

This theme of the wicked falling into their own devices is echoed in various other passages. For example, Psalm 7:15 states, "He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made." Similarly, Proverbs 26:27 warns, "Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him." These verses reinforce the consistent biblical principle that God's justice ensures that evil deeds often boomerang back upon their perpetrators. The Lord's judgment is often seen when the heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 57:6 offers profound comfort and encouragement. When facing unjust attacks, slander, or malicious plots, this verse reminds us that God sees all and will ultimately bring justice. It encourages us to trust in His divine timing and method of vindication, rather than seeking revenge ourselves. It highlights that even when our "soul is bowed down" by adversity, we can rest in the assurance that God is our protector and will turn the tables on those who seek our harm. This verse serves as a powerful reminder to commit our battles to the Lord, knowing that He is just and righteous in all His ways.

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 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.

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