Psalms 124:7
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
Original Language Analysis
נַפְשֵׁ֗נוּ
Our soul
H5315
נַפְשֵׁ֗נוּ
Our soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
נִמְלָֽטְנוּ׃
and we are escaped
H4422
נִמְלָֽטְנוּ׃
and we are escaped
Strong's:
H4422
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
Cross References
Psalms 91:3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.Proverbs 6:5Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.2 Timothy 2:26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.1 Samuel 25:29Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the LORD thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling.Psalms 25:15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.Jeremiah 18:22Let a cry be heard from their houses, when thou shalt bring a troop suddenly upon them: for they have digged a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.Jeremiah 5:26For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men.2 Samuel 17:2And I will come upon him while he is weary and weak handed, and will make him afraid: and all the people that are with him shall flee; and I will smite the king only:
Historical Context
Bird snaring was common in ancient agriculture and hunting. The imagery would resonate with daily life. Prophets used snare imagery for enemy plots (Jeremiah 5:26; Hosea 9:8). The metaphor captures how Israel often found itself trapped by circumstances beyond control, only to experience unexpected deliverance when God intervened.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the bird-in-snare imagery differ from the previous water and swallowing metaphors?
- What does it mean that 'the snare is broken' rather than that the bird escaped through cleverness?
- How does this verse illustrate the transition from mortal danger to joyful freedom?
- In what ways do believers find themselves 'snared' by sin, circumstances, or enemy plots?
- How does the metaphor of God breaking snares encourage those who feel trapped?
Analysis & Commentary
A new metaphor illustrates deliverance: 'Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.' The word 'soul' (nephesh) represents the whole person. The simile compares Israel to a bird caught in a hunter's trap. 'Fowlers' were professional bird catchers who set snares (nets or traps) to capture birds. The image conveys vulnerability - birds are small, easily trapped, and helpless against human hunters. The phrase 'snare is broken' reveals the mode of deliverance - not that the bird outsmarted the hunter, but the trap itself failed. God broke the snare, making escape possible. The repetition 'we are escaped' emphasizes completion and celebrates freedom. The bird metaphor beautifully captures the transition from imminent capture to sudden liberation - the moment of release brings joy proportionate to the fear experienced while trapped.