Definition: He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 10:8. It’s a really powerful and sobering passage about evil and injustice. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes someone who actively harms people – specifically the poor and vulnerable – in secret and unnoticed ways. It paints a picture of someone who is deliberately causing pain and suffering without anyone noticing or being aware of their actions. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages…” This means they are hiding, operating discreetly, and not openly displaying their wickedness. They're moving around unnoticed – like a shadow. “Villages” suggests a community, a place where people gather. “…in the secret places doth he murder the innocent.” This is the core of the verse. "Murder" here doesn’t mean a violent death, but rather causing harm and suffering to someone who is defenseless – particularly the poor, weak, or vulnerable. “Secret places” emphasizes that they're operating without anyone seeing what they are doing. “His eyes are privily set against the poor.” This is the most impactful part. “Privately set” means they’re looking away from you, deliberately shielding themselves from your attention and potential judgment. It suggests a deliberate act of malice aimed at those who are suffering. Overall Meaning & Context: This verse is a warning about a person or group of people who: Are cruel and unjust. Exploit the vulnerable. Hide their actions from view. It's often interpreted as a call to vigilance against injustice and to stand up for those who cannot defend themselves. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most insidious harm comes from those we don’t see. Important Note: Psalm 10:8 is often associated with the wicked king Saul in the Bible. However, it's more about the spirit of evil than a specific individual. It’s a general warning against evil and injustice. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Psalm 10? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Talk about how this verse relates to modern-day issues like poverty or corruption?