Psalms 124:7

Authorized King James Version

Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
נַפְשֵׁ֗נוּ
Our soul
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
#2
כְּצִפּ֥וֹר
as a bird
a little bird (as hopping)
#3
נִמְלָֽטְנוּ׃
and we are escaped
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn
#4
הַפַּ֥ח
out of the snare
a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)
#5
י֫וֹקְשִׁ֥ים
of the fowlers
to ensnare (literally or figuratively)
#6
הַפַּ֥ח
out of the snare
a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)
#7
נִשְׁבָּ֗ר
is broken
to burst (literally or figuratively)
#8
וַאֲנַ֥חְנוּ
we
#9
נִמְלָֽטְנוּ׃
and we are escaped
properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection