Psalms 10:9
He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Psalms 17:12Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.Psalms 59:3For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.Micah 7:2The 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 35:10All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?
Historical Context
Lions were a real threat in ancient Israel's wilderness areas, making this a powerful metaphor. Nets and snares were common hunting tools repurposed as images of social oppression.
Questions for Reflection
- How do systems and structures today trap the vulnerable?
- In what ways are you called to be an advocate for the helpless?
Analysis & Commentary
The double lion imagery intensifies the predatory picture—the wicked lies in wait like a lion in its thicket, catching the poor in a net. This combines hunting metaphors to show calculated evil. The 'helpless' (Hebrew 'ani') are those economically and socially vulnerable. This anticipates Jesus' special concern for the poor and marginalized throughout His ministry.