Lecture 3

^3:7^ Ghimel. He has built against me round about, that I may not get out: he has made my fetters heavy.

^3:8^ Ghimel. Yea, and when I cry, and entreat, he has shut out my prayer.

^3:9^ Ghimel. He has shut up my ways with square stones, he has turned my paths upside down.

47. Here he excludes the remedy of escape.

First, because of the siege of the enemy: he has built against me round about, that is, an army of besiegers; fetters, which signifies the same thing as the siege, as those who are thrown into prison so that they are unable to flee. I was delivered up, and came not forth (Ps 87:9). You have put my feet in the stocks, and have observed all my paths (Job 13:27).

Second, because of the shutting out of their prayer: yea, and when I cry, and entreat, he has shut out my prayer. I shall cry by day, and you will not hear (Ps 21:3).

Third, because of the impediment to their plans: he has shut up my ways, my plans for escape; with square stones, serious obstacles*. I will hedge up your way with thorns* (Hos 2:6).