Psalms 7:15
He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made.
Original Language Analysis
בּ֣וֹר
a pit
H953
בּ֣וֹר
a pit
Strong's:
H953
Word #:
1 of 6
a pit hole (especially one used as a cistern or a prison)
כָּ֭רָֽה
He made
H3738
כָּ֭רָֽה
He made
Strong's:
H3738
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to dig; figuratively, to plot; generally, to bore or open
וַֽיַּחְפְּרֵ֑הוּ
and digged
H2658
וַֽיַּחְפְּרֵ֑הוּ
and digged
Strong's:
H2658
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore
וַ֝יִּפֹּ֗ל
it and is fallen
H5307
וַ֝יִּפֹּ֗ל
it and is fallen
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
4 of 6
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
Cross References
Job 4:8Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.Psalms 141:10Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.Proverbs 26:27Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.Psalms 10:2The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.Psalms 57:6They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.Esther 7:10So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.Proverbs 5:22His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.Psalms 119:85The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.Psalms 94:13That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.Jeremiah 18:20Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them.
Historical Context
Pit traps were common hunting methods in ancient Israel. The imagery of falling into one's own trap would be immediately understood. This proverbial truth runs through Scripture - Joseph's brothers, Saul, Absalom all experienced this principle. It demonstrates God's providence in turning evil schemes to His purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- Have you seen examples of how sin's consequences trap those who practice it?
- How does this principle comfort you when facing schemes of enemies?
Analysis & Commentary
The principle of retributive justice: the wicked trap themselves. The imagery of digging a pit and falling into it appears throughout wisdom literature (Proverbs 26:27, Ecclesiastes 10:8). This isn't karma but God's judicial ordering where sin contains its own judgment. The wicked's schemes ultimately backfire, demonstrating God's justice. Haman's gallows, Pharaoh's sea, and Satan's cross all illustrate this principle. It assures believers that evil will not ultimately triumph.