Psalms 57:4

A difficult verse, the text of which is perhaps corrupt. Adhering to the punctuation (in the modern sense) of the Massoretic accents, we may render with R.V.,

My soul is among lions;

I lie among them that are set on fire,

Even the sons of men, &c.

i.e. virtually, as the marg., I must lie, an expression of despondent resignation. But the note of despair is out of harmony with the generally courageous and confident tone of the Psalm; and it is more in accordance with the usual force of the Heb. tense (the -cohortative" or -voluntative") to take I will lie downas expressive of strong resolution:

My soul is among lions;

I will lie down to rest among fiery foes,

Even the sons of men, &c.

Though my life is in momentary danger from savage enemies, I will lie down to rest (cp. Psalms 4:8) among these fiery foes, secure under God's protection. The Psalm is an evening hymn, for the Psalmist contemplates -waking the dawn" with his praises (Psalms 57:8). He lies down in danger, he awakes in safety: the night of trouble ends in the dawn of deliverance.

Delitzsch, rightly understanding the words as an expression of confidence, thinks that actual wild beasts are meant, among which he feels more secure than among his deadly foes; but this is scarcely probable.

Neglecting the accents we may render somewhat differently, With my life in my hands (so the idiomatic apposition - my soul, I" may be paraphrased) I must lie down (or, I will lie down) among lions: fiery are the sons of men &c.; but the sense will be substantially the same. For lionsas a metaphor for fierce and dangerous enemies cp. Psalms 7:2: Psalms 10:9; Psalms 17:12.

whose teeth The language is suggested by the comparison of his enemies to lions.

their tongue&c. The reference may be not so much to slander, as to the blasphemy of which he speaks in Psalms 57:3, which pierces him to the heart. Cp. Psalms 42:10. See also Psalms 52:2 note; Psalms 58:6; Psalms 64:3; Proverbs 30:14.