Matthew Poole and continuators on Psalms 69:22

22 Let their table become a snare before them : and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap .

These and the following Words, which are expressed in the form of Imprecations, are thought by divers to be onely Predictions, and that the Imperatives, are put for the Futures, as sometimes they are. And accordingly they translate the Words thus: Their Table shall become a S[illegible: 1+ letters]are, &c. But if they be Imprecations, here was sufficient Cause for them. And besides it is apparent, that they were not the Dictates of humane Passion, but of Divine inspiration, and proceeded from a just Zeal for God's Glory, as hath been observed before.

(i. e.) Their Food and all their Provisions for N[illegible: 1+ letters]cessity or Delight; Either, For Body or Soul; for the Curses here following, are Spiritual and Eternal, as well as Temporal. And so this may Comprehend their Sacrifices and other legal Ordinances, and the Word of God: all which became to the I[illegible: 1+ letters]ws, through their own default, a great occasion of stumbling at Christ. And this Punishment in their [illegible: 1 word], exactly Answers to their sin, in giving Christ Gall for his Meat, v. 21.

Heb. Before them (i. e. Their Table or Meat, which is set before them, which is the usual Expression in this Case, as Gen. 1[illegible: 1+ letters]. 8. 2 Kings 6. 22.) become a Snare, (i. e.) The occasion or Instrument of their Destruction. It is a Metaphor taken from Birds, or Fishes, that are Commonly [illegible: 1 word] and taken with their [illegible: 1+ letters]aits.

Heb. And as for their great Peace (which the plural Number seems to import, all that Tranquility and Prosperity which they do, or may enjoy) let it be a Trap. Or, And their Peaceofferings (which Sacrifices may be here mentioned, because the offerers did partake of them, and Feast upon them; and so this agrees with the Table expressed, in the former Clause) a Trap. And so they were to the unbelieving Iews, whose false Conceit of the Everlastingness of the Mosa[illegible: 1+ letters]cal Dispensation, was one Cause of their Rejection of Christ. Or thus; And for Recompences, (i. e. An abundant Compensation of all their Injuries,) and for a Trap. For thus it is rendred by divers, both Antient and Modern Interpreters, and, which i[illegible: 1+ letters] more Considerable, by the Apostle, Rom. 11. 9.

Marginal references: Rom. 11. 9, 10.