Psalms 140:5 - Exposition

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords. An instance of the figure hendiadys . What is meant is a snare composed of cords. Such snares, when laid for animals, were "hidden" in long grass, or low shrubs, or rough ground. They have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me (comp. Psalms 31:4 ; Psalms 35:7 ; Psalms 57:6 ; Psalms 119:10 ; Psalms 141:9 ; Psalms 142:3 ). A second pause-sign marks off a second stanza.