Psalms 69:22

¶ Let their table become a snare before them: and [that which should have been] for [their] welfare, [let it become] a trap.

Let their table {H7979} become a snare {H6341} before {H6440} them: and that which should have been for their welfare {H7965}, let it become a trap {H4170}.

Let their dining table before them become a snare; when they are at peace, let it become a trap;

May their table become a snare; may it be a retribution and a trap.

Let their table before them become a snare; And when they are in peace, let it become a trap.

Psalms 69:22 is a powerful and often challenging verse from a lament psalm attributed to King David, expressing a prayer for divine retribution against his adversaries. It speaks to a profound reversal of fortune for the wicked.

Context

Psalm 69 is a deeply personal and prophetic lament, where David pours out his soul to God, describing his immense suffering, the unprovoked hatred of his enemies, and his zealous devotion to the Lord. He feels overwhelmed, as if sinking in deep waters (Psalm 69:1-2). This psalm is highly significant because many of its verses are seen as prophetic of Christ's suffering, rejection, and zeal for God's house (e.g., John 2:17, Romans 15:3). Verse 22, along with subsequent verses, is part of a series of imprecatory prayers, where David appeals to God's justice to deal with those who persecute him unjustly and mock his devotion.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse is a plea for God to execute judgment. David desires that what should be a source of blessing for his enemies (their "table," symbolizing sustenance, prosperity, and fellowship) becomes instead a "snare" and a "trap."
  • Reversal of Fortune: The core idea is that the very things intended for their "welfare" (peace, prosperity) would turn against them, leading to their downfall. This highlights the principle that sin often carries its own destructive consequences.
  • Consequences of Unrighteousness: It underscores the biblical truth that those who actively oppose God and His people will ultimately face His righteous judgment, often through means they least expect.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "table" is shulchan (שֻׁלְחָן), which denotes a place of food, sustenance, and hospitality. To have one's table become a "snare" (moqēš) or "trap" (malkōdet) implies that their very means of comfort and security would become the instrument of their ruin. The term "welfare" comes from the Hebrew shalom (שָׁלוֹם), a rich word encompassing peace, completeness, well-being, and prosperity. The irony is stark: what should bring shalom becomes a source of destruction due to their wickedness.

Cross-References & Significance

This verse, along with Psalm 69:23, holds significant prophetic weight. It is directly quoted by Peter in the New Testament concerning the fate of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Paul also quotes these verses in Romans 11:9-10, applying them to the spiritual blindness that came upon a portion of Israel due to their rejection of Christ, suggesting that their very blessings (like the Law and covenants) became a stumbling block for those who did not believe.

Practical Application

While an imprecatory prayer, this verse offers several insights for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of justice, and ultimately, all wickedness will be confronted and judged. It serves as a warning against spiritual complacency and the misuse of blessings; what God provides for our good can become a detriment if our hearts are hardened or our ways are unrighteous. For those who trust in God, it offers assurance that even amidst persecution, God sees and will act on behalf of His righteous ones, turning the schemes of the wicked back upon themselves. It also highlights the danger of persistent rejection of God's truth, which can lead to a hardening of heart where even sources of blessing become instruments of judgment.

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.

  • Romans 11:8

    (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

  • Romans 11:10

    Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3

    For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

  • Proverbs 1:32

    For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

  • 1 Peter 2:8

    And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

  • Malachi 2:2

    If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay [it] to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay [it] to heart.

  • Isaiah 8:14

    And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back