Psalms 10:9
He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.
Psalm 10:9 belongs to the first book of the Psalms and to the opening group of Psalms 1 to 11. It is part of a prayer asking God to execute justice for the poor and oppressed. It relates chiefly to the sorrows and afflictions of the Hebrew captives under persecution and distress. The image of lying in wait secretly like a lion in his den to catch the poor in a net portrays the predatory oppression of the wicked.
The verse shows the world is not growing better but is full of oppression, in which the wicked in pride ambush the poor in secret to drag them into a trap. It means the present persecution of God's servants, who are blamed for wrong and brought under the scourge of the law, and this happens especially in rural villages where they are closely watched by those over them, held by old customs, and suspected because the truth is new. While the trap is set, the oppressors claim God has forgotten and will never see, and the humble cry for God to arise and not forget them.
The verse carries assurance of divine help and final deliverance from persecutors, for God sees it all and has not forgotten His people, and a day of retribution is coming when every man shall receive his just reward. The verse is precious and in harmony with human experience, giving help to the soul in discouragement, strength in time of trial, and solid comfort in times of grief. It points out the dangers of sin, warns of transgression, and ever points to a God who is able and willing and anxious to save.