SEV Biblia, Chapter 58:4
Veneno tienen semejante al veneno de la serpiente; son como áspid sordo que cierra su oído;
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Psalms 57:4
Verse 4. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent ] When they bite, they convey poison into the wound, as the serpent does. They not only injure you by outward acts, but by their malevolence they poison your reputation. They do you as much evil as they can, and propagate the worst reports that others may have you in abhorrence, treat you as a bad and dangerous man; and thus, as the poison from the bite of the serpent is conveyed into the whole mass of blood, and circulates with it through all the system, carrying death every where; so they injurious speeches and vile insinuations circulate through society, and poison and blast your reputation in every place. Such is the slanderer, and such his influence in society. From such no reputation is safe; with such no character is sacred; and against such there is no defense. God alone can shield the innocent from the envenomed tongue and lying lips of such inward monsters in the shape of men. Like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear ] It is a fact that cannot be disputed with any show of reason, that in ancient times there were persons that charmed, lulled to inactivity, or professed to charm, serpents, so as to prevent them from biting. See Eccles. x. 11; Jer. viii. 17. The prince of Roman poets states the fact, VIRG. Ecl. viii., ver. 71.
Frigidus in prati cantando rumpitur anguis.
"In the meadows the cold snake is burst by incantation." The same author, AEn. vii., ver. 750, gives us the following account of the skill of Umbro, a priest of the Marrubians: - Quin et Marrubia venit de gente sacerdos, Fronde super galeam, et felici comptus oliva, Archippi regis missu, fortissimus Umbro; Vipereo generi et graviter spirantibus hydris, Spargere qui somnos cantuque manuque solebat, Mulcebatque iras, et morsus arte levabat.
"Umbro, the brave Marubian priest, was there, Sent by the Marsian monarch to the war.
The smiling olive with her verdant boughs Shades his bright helmet, and adorns his brows.
His charms in peace the furious serpent keep, And lull the envenomed viper's race to sleep: His healing hand allayed the raging pain; And at his touch the poisons fled again." PITT.
There is a particular sect of the Hindoos who profess to bring serpents into subjection, and deprive them of their poison, by incantation. See at the end of this Psalm.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - When wrong is done under the form of law, it is worse than any other especially it is grievous to behold those who profess to be children of God, joining together against any of his people. We should thank the Lord for merciful restraints; we should be more earnest in seeking renewing grace, more watchful over ourselves, and more patient unde the effects of fallen nature in others. The corruption of their natur was the root of bitterness. We may see in children the wickedness of the world beginning. They go astray from God and their duty as soon a possibly they can. And how soon will little children tell lies! It is our duty to take pains to teach them, and above all, earnestly to pra for converting grace to make our children new creatures. Though the poison be within, much of it may be kept from breaking forth to injur others. When the Saviour's words are duly regarded, the serpent become harmless. But those who refuse to hear heavenly wisdom, must peris miserably, for ever.
Original Hebrew
חמת 2534 למו כדמות 1823 חמת 2534 נחשׁ 5175 כמו 3644 פתן 6620 חרשׁ 2795 יאטם 331 אזנו׃ 241
