1.
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, now may Israel say;
2.
If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, when men rose up against us:
3.
Then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled against us:
They had swallowed us up quick; they had speedily and utterly destroyed us, as Korah, &c. were, Numbers 16.
4.
Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:
5.
Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.
Our enemies, compared to
proud waters, for their great multitude, and swelling rage, and mighty force.
6.
Blessed be the LORD, who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth.
A metaphor from wild beasts, which tear and devour their prey with their teeth.
7.
Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.
8.
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.