Psalm 35 (34):8Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The capture of the enemy, I contend, revolves around the cross, which the adversary misjudged due to his lack of understanding. If he had been aware, he would not have subjected the Lord of glory to crucifixion upon it.

The nets have ensnared the wicked; those who sought to bring others to death now find themselves trapped and condemned to die.

In other words, may they experience the consequences of their own actions, may they become ensnared in their own traps, and may they be taken by surprise. This sentiment is echoed by the Prophet who stated, "A net which ye know not." See Psalm 34:28.

May a snare entrap him unexpectedly, as a sudden gathering arrives like a trap, for he concealed ruin for me and wrongfully accused me, whether it was Saul or another who incited Saul to pursue David. Let him seek the snare that he has hidden, and the net, which he laid as a trap to ensnare me, let him fall victim to it: let the scheme devised against me be turned back upon him. Into the net may he plunge! The very assertion he made earlier is echoed here. He insists that he should fall into the very net he has prepared for me.

The prophet again predicts that God will bring upon the adversaries the consequences they inflicted upon the just and blameless individual. It is well understood how the Hebrews frequently employ variations in numbers and persons. Thus, what is articulated here in reference to one person is broadly applicable to all: unless one might specifically consider Saul or another noble as the subject. However, since this prophecy speaks from the head to the entire body, it is preferable to interpret it as relating to all collectively. It is as if the Prophet declared, “Let them become ensnared in the traps they have set for me, and may they face sudden and unexpected destruction.” He stated, “A net which he knows not, and a snare which he hides.”

The holy Cross serves as a net, which the malicious assembly of Jews believed would lead to the demise of Christ. This net symbolizes the tomb of Christ, where the deranged Jews attempted to confine the indomitable Christ, the true God. However, they themselves are mere mortal vessels, destined to be ensnared in the net of death eternally. This reflects the consequences that fell upon the Jews for the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, as well as the fate of Judas and the devil. Judas was ensnared by the gallows and met his end by hanging; the righteous Jews find themselves caught in their own traps, facing persecution and scattered across the earth. Similarly, the devil, who crafted the net of the Cross, forfeited his dominion through it.