Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 118:12

12 They compassed me about like bees , they are quenched as the fire of thorns : for in the Name of the LORD I will destroy them.

In great numbers, and with great but potent fury, and to their own ruine, as bees do when they fly about a man, and leave their stings in him.

So this word is used Iob 6. 17. & 18. 5, 6. & 21. 17. Or, as the LXX. and Chaldee render it, they burnt or flamed, i. e. raged against me like fire, as it follows. And this is supposed to be one of those Hebrew Verbs, which have not onely divers, but contrary significations.

Which flameth out terribly, and makes a crackling noise, and burneth fiercely, but quickly spends it self without any considerable or lasting effect.

Or, but, as this very particle is frequently used, and here twice in this very phrase, v. 10, 11. So as the former part of the verse notes their hostile attempt, this notes their ill success and utter ruine. Here is an inversion of words in this last clause, which is not unusual in the Hebrew Text. Although these words may be, and are by a learned man of our own, rendred as they lye in the Hebrew, I trust (which word may easily be understood out of v. 8. & 9.) in the name of the Lord, therefore (for so the Hebrew chi is oft rendred, and is so taken by the Chaldee in this place) I shall destroy them or cut them off.

Marginal references: Deut. 1. 44.; Heb. cut down.