He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.
Ver. 10. He croucheth (or crusheth), and humbleth himself] Lion like, Job 38:40. He can sow the fox's skin to the lion's hide for a need, and to compass his design. As proud as he is, yet in subtlety he can abase himself; and, with glavering speeches and fawning behaviour, indirectly endeavour the overthrow of the innocent and distressed. To which purpose he can put himself to pain, feign himself sick and in a dying condition (as those do that stand for the popedom), counterfeit and pretend humility, but all is hypocrisy, Seipsum aegrum, et attritum fingit (of David).
That the poor may fall by his strong ones] Whether teeth or paws. Per impia decreta, saith R. Obadiah, by his wicked decrees, by the hands of his privados, desperate assassinates, saith another expositor.