The contrast between the earlier part of the Psalm and this sudden promise is startling. Heretofore God and the angels have been the actors prosecuting their work of protection and defence. Now it is as though He said, "I have hid thee in My tabernacle, and now it is Thou, the defenced one, who shall tread upon the lion and adder; Thou, and I only as acting in and through thee!"[[32]]
The Hebrew form of expression the Holy Spirit employs presents two powerful word-paintings. When it is said, "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder," there is the suggestion of stamping in pieces, of treading one's enemies as grapes are trodden in the wine-press; and where the promise is made, "The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet," the Holy Ghost is lifting up before ancient Israel, in their own language, the picture of the terrible onset of armed horsemen beating down the enemy with ruthless trampling beneath the iron-shod feet of the horses.
Thus are the soldiers of God called upon not only to vanquish, but to tread the hosts of hell as grapes are trodden in the vintage; not only to cause them to flee, but to pursue and trample them with terrible strength as victorious horsemen trample down the flying foe.
[[1]] Ps. lxxviii, 10.
[[2]] St. John v, 30.
[[3]] Isa. lvii, 15.
[[4]] St. James iv, 6.
[[5]] 1 Pet. v, 6.
[[6]] Ps. xx, 1.
[[7]] St. Luke xviii, 7-8.