May their table become a snare;
This phrase suggests a reversal of fortune, where something meant for sustenance and fellowship becomes a source of danger. In biblical times, the table was a place of hospitality and blessing. The imagery of a table turning into a snare indicates a divine judgment where blessings are turned into curses. This concept is echoed in Romans 11:9-10, where Paul applies this verse to the spiritual blindness of Israel, showing how their privileges became a stumbling block. The table, often associated with abundance and God's provision, becomes a metaphor for the consequences of rejecting God's ways.

may it be a retribution
Retribution here implies a just recompense for actions taken. In the context of Psalm 69, David is calling for divine justice against his enemies. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God as a righteous judge who repays individuals according to their deeds. The idea of retribution is consistent with the covenantal understanding of blessings and curses found in Deuteronomy 28, where obedience leads to blessings and disobedience to curses. This phrase underscores the principle that actions have consequences, and divine justice will ultimately prevail.

and a trap.
The word "trap" suggests an unexpected and unavoidable consequence. In the ancient Near Eastern context, traps were often used for hunting, symbolizing sudden and inescapable capture. This imagery is used throughout the Psalms to describe the fate of the wicked (e.g., Psalm 35:8). Theologically, it points to the idea that those who oppose God's anointed will find themselves ensnared by their own schemes. This can also be seen as a type of Christ, where the rejection of Jesus by the religious leaders led to their spiritual downfall, fulfilling the prophetic nature of this psalm.

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 69, David is expressing his deep distress and calling upon God for justice against his enemies.

2. Enemies of David
The individuals or groups who oppose David and seek his harm, representing those who oppose God's anointed.

3. God
The ultimate judge and deliverer, whom David calls upon to enact justice.

4. Israel
The nation often seen as the context for David's struggles, representing God's chosen people.

5. Messianic Prophecy
Psalm 69 is often seen as a prophetic psalm, with elements that are fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ.The Consequences of Rejection
Just as David's enemies faced retribution, those who reject God's truth today may find their blessings turned into burdens.

God's Justice
We can trust in God's perfect justice, knowing that He will ultimately vindicate His people and judge the wicked.

Spiritual Blindness
Like the enemies of David, those who are spiritually blind may not recognize the traps they set for themselves.

Prophetic Fulfillment
Understanding the messianic elements of Psalm 69 can deepen our appreciation for how the Old Testament points to Christ.

Prayer for Deliverance
In times of distress, we can follow David's example by bringing our struggles to God and seeking His intervention.(22) Let their table.--The form of this imprecation is, of course, suggested by the figurative language immediately preceding. Life had been made bitter by rancour and enmity, and the psalmist hurls back his curses, couched in the terms which had arisen to his lips to express his own misery.

And that which.--Rather, and to them in peace a noose. Seated at the banquet, amid every sign of peace, and every means of enjoyment, let their surroundings of security and pleasure become their snare and ruin. (Comp. 1Thessalonians 5:3. See St. Paul's citation, Romans 11:9, New Testament Commentary.)

Verses 22-29. - The imagination of the cruelties to be inflicted on his innocent Descendant works up the psalmist to a pitch of passionate resentment, which finds vent in a series of bitter imprecations, very distasteful to many. They are less startling, however, than some to be found elsewhere, as in Psalm 102. We may view them either as an outpouring of righteous indignation upon the enemies, not of David only, but of God; or as a series of prophetic denunciations, whereby the wicked of David's time were warned of the consequences of such wickedness as theirs, and stimulated to repentance. Verse 22. - Let their table become a snare before them. It is not very clear how their table was to ensnare them: perhaps by encouraging them to gluttony and sensuousness, and bringing upon them the diseases which those sins breed; perhaps by leading them to an ostentatious display of wealth and luxury (comp. Ezekiel 23:40, 41). And that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. Let them be trapped by the good things of their table, like a wild beast by a bait.

Parallel Commentaries ...


May their table
יְהִֽי־ (yə·hî-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Jussive - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

become
שֻׁלְחָנָ֣ם (šul·ḥā·nām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7979: A table, a meal

a snare;
לְפָ֑ח (lə·p̄āḥ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6341: A, sheet, a spring net

may it be a retribution
וְלִשְׁלוֹמִ֥ים (wə·liš·lō·w·mîm)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

and a trap.
לְמוֹקֵֽשׁ׃ (lə·mō·w·qêš)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4170: A bait or lure, a snare


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OT Poetry: Psalm 69:22 Let their table before them become (Psalm Ps Psa.)