“The nations have sunk in the pit that they made; in the net that they hid, their own foot has been caught. The Lord has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the work of their own hands. Higgaion. Selah” (Psalm 9:15–16, ESV)
The “nations” refers to the Gentiles, “the enemies of God,” the unbelievers and rebels. The Psalms employs two clever metaphors, parables really, both of which are summarized and explained in verse 16. Both the pit and the net are snares typically used to catch animals, but wicked men also use devices to ensnare and conquer the good.
But few treats taste sweeter than poetic justice. There is no experience more stunning and delightful than when God holds back and lets evil men thrive until they are overly confident in their wickedness. When the Lord shows up, it’s Haman hung on his own gallows.
Or, more relevant to the Psalmist, it’s Absalom caught by his own hair (2 Samuel 18)
To this day the story of Haman is still a favorite of mine. It is almost funny what happens to him. It seems like these days there are a lot of “Hamans” running around. Thanks for the reminder about poetic justice. It can be sweet. You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men.