Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 140:5

"The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set gins for me. Selah" — Psalms 140:5 (ASV)

Net.— An elaboration of the favourite image of the net. (Psalms 9:15) The frequent occurrence of this figure well indicates the dangers to which Israel was subjected through the leaning of many of the nation itself to foreign influences.