The snare [is] laid for him in the ground,.... Or "hidden" there; for, as Solomon says, "in vain the net is spread in sight of any bird", Pr 1:17; and in vain it is to lay a snare publicly in the sight or creature, it will not then come near it, but shun and avoid it; and therefore it is laid underground, or hid in the earth, or in some private place, where the creature it is designed for may be thought to come, or into which it is decoyed; or "the cord" , that which is fastened to the snare or net, and which the fowler holds in his hand, and pulls with; as he finds occasion and opportunity offers; but this is hid as much as possible, that it may not be seen:and a trap for him in the way; in which he is used to walk, by the roadside, or in it; Mr.
Broughton renders it, "a pitfall on the wayside", such as is dug for beasts to fall into and be taken. The whole of this is designed to show how suddenly and secretly wicked men are taken in nets, and snares, and gins, either of their own or others laying, and, while they are crying "Peace, peace, sudden destruction comes upon them"; see Ec 9:12.
Nwmj "absconditus", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, &c.