Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 57:4

4. My soul is among lions , I lye leven among them that are set on fire n, even the sons of men , whose teeth are spears and arrows , and their tongue a sharp sword.

I Live in the midst of a Generation of fierce and Bloody men; which both in Scripture and other Authors, are oft called Lyons. [illegible: 1+ letters] I have my abode and Conversation.

Which Particle is easily borrowed out of the foregoing Clause.

Whereby he explains what he meant by Lyons, and tells us they were Beasts in the shape of Men.

Which may be considered; Either, 1. As Instruments of Destruction, as they are in Lyons. Or rather, 2. As Instruments of Speech, as they are in Men; for it here follows by way of Explication, as the manner is, and their Tongue. And both seem to signifie their wicked and pernicious Calumnies, of which he every where Complains, and particularly in the History, to which this Psalm seems to Relate, 1 Sam. 24. 10. and by which they designed to promote his Destruction.

(i. e.) They grievously wound my Name, and are devised to do me Mischief.

m To wit, of or from Hell, as is fully expressed, Iam. 3. 6. who are meer Fire-brands and Incendiaries, that are continually breathing out their Wrath and Threatnings, and incensing Saul against me.

Marginal references: Psal. 35: 17. & 58. 6.; Psal. 55. 21.