John Calvin Commentary Psalms 69:22

"Let their table before them become a snare; And when they are in peace, [let it become] a trap." — Psalms 69:22 (ASV)

Let their table before them be for a snare. Here we have a series of dire imprecations. Concerning these, we must remember what we have observed elsewhere: David did not allow himself recklessly to pour out his wrath, as most people do when they feel wronged and immoderately give way to their own passion. Instead, being under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he was kept from going beyond the bounds of duty and simply called upon God to exercise just judgment against the reprobate.

Furthermore, he did not plead in this way on his own account; rather, it was a holy zeal for the divine glory that impelled him to summon the wicked to God’s judgment-seat. This also explains why he was not carried away by violent passion, like those who are driven by a desire for revenge.

Therefore, since the Spirit of wisdom, uprightness, and moderation put these imprecations into David’s mouth, his example cannot justly be used as a defense by those who pour out their wrath and spite on everyone they encounter, or who are carried away by a foolish impatience for revenge, never allowing themselves to reflect for a moment on what good purpose this can serve, nor making any effort to keep their passion within due bounds.

We need wisdom to distinguish between those who are wholly reprobate and those for whose improvement there is still some hope. We also need uprightness, so that no one devotes himself exclusively to his own private interests. And we need moderation, too, to prepare our minds for calm endurance.

Since it is evident, then, that David was distinguished by these three qualities, whoever would follow him properly must not allow himself to burst out with reckless and blind impulsiveness into the language of imprecation. He must also repress the turbulent passions of his mind and, instead of confining his thoughts exclusively to his own private interests, should rather employ his desires and affections in seeking to advance the glory of God.

In short, if we would be true imitators of David, we must first clothe ourselves with the character of Christ, so that Christ may not give us today the same rebuke He gave to two of His disciples long ago:

“Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of,” (Luke 9:55).

David had complained that his enemies mingled his meat with gall. Now he prays that their table may be turned into a snare for them, and that the things which are for peace may be turned into a net for them. These expressions are metaphorical. They imply a desire that whatever things had been allotted to them by Providence for the preservation of life, and for their well-being and convenience, might be turned by God into the occasion or instrument of their destruction.

From this we gather that just as things which are naturally and inherently harmful become the means of advancing our well-being when we are in God’s favor, so also, when His anger is kindled against us, all those things which have a natural tendency to produce our happiness are cursed and become numerous causes of our destruction.

This is an instance of divine justice that ought to deeply impress our minds with awe: the Holy Spirit declares that all the means of preserving life are deadly to the reprobate (Titus 1:15), so that the very sun, which carries healing under his wings (Malachi 4:2), breathes only a deadly exhalation for them.