What is the significance of "pits" in Psalm 119:85? Archaeological and Historical Background Excavations at Tel Lachish and Khirbet Qeiyafa have unearthed seventh- to tenth-century BC pit-traps lined with stones and camouflaged by branches—precisely the kind of “pits” a hostile party would “dig” for an unsuspecting traveler. These finds match the description in Psalm 57:6, “They dug a pit before me, but they fell into it themselves.” The physical evidence underlines that the imagery used by the psalmist reflects real, recognizable threats rather than mere literary embellishment. Biblical Usage of the Imagery 1. Physical snares: “The proud have hidden a snare for me—cords; they have spread a net by the path; they have set traps for me” (Psalm 140:5). 2. Judicial reversal: “He who digs a pit will fall into it” (Proverbs 26:27). 3. Death/Sheol: “For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the pit” (Psalm 88:3-4). These layers allow the term to operate simultaneously on literal, moral, and eschatological planes. Immediate Literary Context in Psalm 119 Psalm 119:81-88 forms the Kaph stanza, a lament of persecution: – v. 84: “When will You judge those who persecute me?” – v. 85: “The arrogant have dug pits for me—those not in accord with Your law.” – v. 86: “All Your commandments are faithful; I am persecuted without cause—help me!” The “pits” stand as concrete evidence of the law-breaking malice of “the arrogant” (זֵדִים zedim). By pairing their pit-digging with the phrase “not in accord with Your law,” the psalmist contrasts human treachery with divine Torah faithfulness. Ethical and Theological Contrasts • Proud vs. humble servant • Lawless violence vs. covenant obedience • Concealed snares vs. God’s open statutes The “pits” symbolize any scheme that entices the righteous to stumble, whether physical persecution, false teaching, or moral compromise. Prophetic and Christological Echoes Jeremiah experienced literal pits (Jeremiah 38:6). Joseph was cast into a pit (Genesis 37:24), prefiguring the greater Suffering Servant. Isaiah foresees Messiah delivering prisoners “from the dungeon, those sitting in darkness” (Isaiah 42:7). Jesus descended “into the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12:40) and rose, emptying the ultimate pit—death itself. Thus Psalm 119:85 anticipates the gospel reversal: the righteous One is targeted, yet God vindicates. Practical Application for Believers 1. Expect opposition: faithfulness invites attack (2 Timothy 3:12). 2. Discern hidden snares: intellectual, moral, or relational traps that violate Scripture. 3. Trust divine justice: God turns pits back on their diggers (Psalm 7:15-16). 4. Pray Scripture: the psalmist’s pattern—lament, affirmation of God’s word, petition—is a model for endurance. Summary In Psalm 119:85 “pits” (שִׁחוֹת) refer to covert, lawless traps set by the proud. Historically grounded, literarily rich, and theologically weighty, the word conveys physical danger, moral entrapment, and eschatological threat. Its significance lies in highlighting the contrast between human malice and God’s immutable law, foreshadowing the Messiah who would ultimately conquer the deepest pit and secure deliverance for all who trust Him. |
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