Psalms 56:7

"They conspire and lurk, watching my steps. They are eager to take my life."

Key Reflection

In Psalms 56:7, the psalmist describes his adversaries as cunning and relentless. The phrase "They conspire and lurk" paints a picture of those who are not only plotting against him but doing so in secret, like predators waiting to pounce. This cultural context highlights the intense fear and vulnerability felt by the psalmist, as such strategies were common among rivals seeking to eliminate political or social opponents. The verse underscores the depth of the psalmist's distress and his trust in God for deliverance amidst such perilous circumstances.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Shall they escape by iniquity? -This expression in the original is very obscure. There is in the Hebrew no mark of interrogation; and a literal rendering would be, “By iniquity (there is) escape to them;” and, according to this, the sense would be, that they contrived to escape from just punishment by their sins; by the boldness of their crimes; by their wicked arts. The Septuagint renders it, “As I have suffered this for my life, thou wilt on no account save them.” Luther, “What they have done evil, that is already forgiven.” DeWette reads it, as in our translation, as a question: “Shall their deliverance be in wickedness?” Probably this is the true idea.

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