Psalms 17:12

“Like as a lion [that] is greedy of his prey, etc.] Or “the likeness of him is as a lion” f256; meaning Saul, as Kimchi interprets it; or everyone of them that compassed them about, as Aben Ezra observes; sometimes wicked and persecuting princes are compared to lions, for their strength and cruelty; (see <202815>Proverbs 28:15 <550417>2 Timothy 4:17); so the devil is called a roaring lion, (<600508>1 Peter 5:8); and the antichristian beast is said to have the mouth of a lion, (<661302>Revelation 13:2); and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places; to leap upon its prey, and seize it at once, as it has opportunity; this denotes the secret and insidious method which the enemies of…”

“The figure made more special by that of a lion lurking.”

“Like as a lion - Margin, “The likeness of him” (that is, “of every one of them”) is “as a lion that desireth to ravin.” The meaning is plain. They were like a lion intent on securing his prey. They watched the object narrowly; they were ready to spring upon it. That is greedy of his prey - “He is craving to tear.” Prof. Alexander. - The Hebrew word rendered “is greedy,” means “to pine, to long after, to desire greatly.” The Hebrew word rendered “of his prey,” is a verb, meaning “to pluck, to tear, to rend in pieces.” The reference is to the lion that desires to seize his victim, and to rend it in pieces to devour it. And, as it were, a young lion - Hebrew, “And like a young lion.” Lurking in…”

“Like: etc. Heb. The likeness of him (that is, of every one of them) is as a lion that desireth to ravin, Psa 7:2, Psa 22:13; Ti2 4:17; Pe1 5:8 lurking: Heb. sitting Psalms 17:13”