Verse 17
17. lick the dust—in abject prostration as suppliants (Psalms 72:9; compare Isaiah 49:23; Isaiah 65:25).
move out of their holes—As reptiles from their holes, they shall come forth from their hiding-places, or fortresses (Isaiah 65:25- :), to give themselves up to the conquerors. More literally, "they shall tremble from," that is, tremblingly come forth from their coverts.
like worms—reptiles or crawlers (Deuteronomy 32:24).
they shall be afraid of the Lord—or, they shall in fear turn with haste to the Lord. Thus the antithesis is brought out. They shall tremble forth from their holes: they shall in trepidation turn to the Lord for salvation (compare Note, see on Deuteronomy 32:24- :, and Jeremiah 33:9).
fear because of thee—shall fear Thee, Jehovah (and so fear Israel as under Thy guardianship). There is a change here from speaking of God to speaking to God [MAURER]. Or rather, "shall fear thee, Israel" [HENDERSON].
Be the first to react on this!