Heb. tannim, “jackals,” not to be confused with tannin, “sea monster” (Gen. 1:21; Ps. 148:7), or “serpent” (Ex. 7:9, 10). “The place of jackals” signifies the wild, desolate place which such creatures frequent. The psalmist asserts that the Hebrew nation has been despoiled and made a fit place for wild beasts to dwell in (see Jer. 9:11; 10:22). This is a forceful hyperbole.