Psalms 35:7
For without cause have they hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חִ֝נָּ֗ם
For without cause
H2600
חִ֝נָּ֗ם
For without cause
Strong's:
H2600
Word #:
2 of 9
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
שַׁ֣חַת
in a pit
H7845
שַׁ֣חַת
in a pit
Strong's:
H7845
Word #:
5 of 9
a pit (especially as a trap); figuratively, destruction
חִ֝נָּ֗ם
For without cause
H2600
חִ֝נָּ֗ם
For without cause
Strong's:
H2600
Word #:
7 of 9
gratis, i.e., devoid of cost, reason or advantage
Cross References
Psalms 140:5The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.John 15:25But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.Psalms 9:15The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.Job 18:8For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.Psalms 119:85The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.Psalms 64:4That they may shoot in secret at the perfect: suddenly do they shoot at him, and fear not.Psalms 25:3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.Psalms 69:4They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, being mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored that which I took not away.
Historical Context
Hunters in ancient times dug concealed pits and spread nets to trap animals. David, skilled in wilderness survival, knew these techniques and uses them metaphorically for his human predators' schemes.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you experienced opposition 'without cause,' and how did you respond?
- How does Jesus's suffering 'without cause' comfort you in unjust persecution?
Analysis & Commentary
The phrase 'without cause' (Hebrew 'chinnam') appears twice, emphasizing the unprovoked nature of the persecution. This echoes Christ's experience: 'They hated me without a cause' (John 15:25), making this psalm messianic. The hunting metaphors (net, pit) depict premeditated malice, yet David's restraint from retaliation demonstrates trust in divine justice rather than human vindication.