Psalm 17 (16):12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

And as a lion lurking in hidden places, reflecting on the words spoken to his offspring, "You are of your father the devil," the people considered the traps aimed at ensnaring and bringing down the Just One.

If they reject the rationality of creation, they act like animals that crave sustenance, seek it out, and then dart toward it impulsively.

I resemble a lion poised to pounce, and like a young lion concealed in hidden places. Regarding the expectations or schemes of my adversaries, look— they have already closed in and are prepared to strike, meaning they are ready to lift me from the ground and carry me away as their prey. The distinction between the lion and the lion cub can be understood this way: the lion, driven by its strength, boldly charges at its target; whereas the lion cub, lacking such assurance, stealthily approaches its prey from a place of concealment. Similarly, some of David’s foes are prepared to confront him directly, while others, not fully trusting in their own might, may only launch hidden attacks.

It is as though to declare that my adversaries, having forsaken the proper exercise of reason, resemble ravenous predators, pursuing both sustenance and their quarry. They did not merely encircle me but also struck with primal savagery, akin to lions or scavengers emerging from their lairs to pounce on any unfortunate victim they find.

The Lion represents a powerful faction among the Jews, while the Scimenes symbolizes a malevolent force lurking within that group, opposing Christ our Lord.