Psalms 69:22

Let their table before them become a snare;

Yea, when they are at peace, let it become a trap.

The language is suggested by the metaphors of the preceding verse. They had aggravated the sufferings of a joyless life: let their own enjoyments turn to their ruin. The idea of the transformation of their table into a snare becomes more intelligible if it is remembered that the table meant was probably a piece of leather unrolled and spread upon the ground, such as is still used in the East. The curse is intensified by the prayer that this fate may overtake them while they are in unsuspecting security. Cp. 1 Thessalonians 5:3. The rendering of the A.V., which is substantially the same as that of the P.B.V., is untenable. It was introduced into the -Great Bible" from Münster's Latin Version et quae in pacem(esse debuerant sint) in offendiculum, and was doubtless derived by him from the Jewish scholar Kimchi.

The quotation of this verse in Romans 11:9 is made freely from the LXX, supplemented probably by a reminiscence of Psalms 35:8 (34). The following verse is quoted exactly as it stands in the LXX.