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Let their table become a snare - The execrations here and in the following verses should be read in the future tense, because they are predictive; and not in the imperative mood, as if they were the offspring of the psalmist's resentment: "Their table Shall become a snare; - their eyes Shall be darkened; - thou Wilt pour out thine indignation upon them; - thy wrathful anger Shall take hold of them; - their habitation Shall be desolate, - and none Shall dwell in their tents."
The psalmist prophesies that the evils which they had inflicted on the Israelites should be visited on themselves; that as they had made them eat, drink, labor, and suffer, so God should in his judgment treat them.
Let their table become a snare before them - These verses are quoted by Paul Romans 11:9-10 as descriptive of the character of persons in his time, or as “language” which would express what he desired to say. See the passage explained at length in the notes at Romans 11:9-10. The whole passage is a prayer that they might receive a proper recompense for what they had done. The word “table” here means the table at which they were accustomed to eat. As they refused food to a hungry man, the prayer is, that they might find the recompense for their conduct “in that very line;” or that, as they refused food to the hungry, they might find “their” food a “snare” to them. That is, Let it be the means of punishing them for their not giving wholesome food to the hungry, or for their offering poisonous herbs to a starving man. The word “snare” here means unexpected danger; danger sprung suddenly upon them - as a snare is upon a wild beast.
And that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap - Much of this is supplied by the translators. The literal rendering would be, “And to those at peace (or secure) a trap.” The word here rendered “welfare” is the plural form of the word meaning “peace,” and may denote those who feel that they are at peace; that they are secure; that they are in no danger. The ancient versions give it the sense of “requitals,” that is, a recompence for their transgressions; but the other signification best accords with the connection. The word “trap” is usually applied to the devices for capturing wild beasts, and the meaning is, “Let the recompence come suddenly upon them, while they think themselves at peace, or when they are surrounded by all the comforts and luxuries of life.” This prayer is such as occurs frequently in the Psalms. It cannot be “proved” that it was uttered in a malignant spirit, or that anything more is intended by it than that the psalmist desired that justice might be done to all people - an object which all magistrates, and all good citizens, should pray for.
Psalm 69:23
Let their eyes be darkened … - See the notes at Romans 11:10.
And make their loins continually to shake - As under a heavy burden. The apostle Romans 11:10 varies the language, but retains the idea: “and bow down their back alway.”
Limitation of the Minister's Counsel to Women—Women have been attracted to you, and have been ready to pour into your ears their private troubles and family disappointments. You ought not to lend an ear to them, but tell them that you are yourself only an erring mortal; that God is their helper. Jesus knows the secrets of every heart, and He can bless and comfort them. Tell them that you might misjudge and be led to encourage evil, rather than reprove it. Point them to “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” If you will put on the armor and, crossing though it may be, give personal labor just where it is needed, to those who are closing the door against the light of heaven because of their selfishness and covetousness, you may not make so many friends, but you will save souls.—Letter 48, 1888. 2MCP 767.1
Warnings Repeated—Let not women be attracted to you. Stand in the uprightness of your soul and tell them you are not their confessor. Jesus is the one to learn the secrets of the heart. You are only human, and judging only from a human standpoint, you might make wrong decisions, give wrong counsel.—Manuscript 59, 1900. 2MCP 767.2
I cannot see any light, my brother, in your having meetings for young ladies alone. Let there be experienced women to educate and train the young women in propriety of deportment and influence. Do not let them communicate their private history to any man living. This is not God's order, and you should not encourage anything of the kind.—Letter 9, 1889. 2MCP 768.1
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