Psalms 35:17 - Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my soul from their destruction, my precious life from the lions.

Generated Verse: Psalms 35:17

What does "Psalms 35:17" mean?


Psalm 35:17 expresses a desperate plea to God for intervention against enemies who are actively trying to destroy the psalmist. Let's break down the verse:

"Lord, how long will you look on?" This is a question expressing frustration and impatience. The psalmist feels that God is observing their suffering but not acting. It's a lament and a cry for God to stop being passive and intervene. The psalmist feels abandoned or overlooked in their distress.

"Rescue my soul from their destruction..." This is the core request. The psalmist is asking God to save their life. "Destruction" implies utter ruin, not just physical harm but also potential spiritual or emotional devastation. The "soul" in this context refers to the whole person – life, well-being, and sense of self.

"...my precious life from the lions." This is a powerful metaphor. "Lions" represent the psalmist's enemies. They are portrayed as fierce, dangerous predators seeking to devour and destroy. The phrase "precious life" emphasizes the value and worth of the psalmist's existence, deserving of God's protection. The psalmist values their life and sees it as worth saving, and they remind God of that worth.

Overall Meaning:

The verse is a passionate cry for divine help. The psalmist feels overwhelmed by enemies who are actively seeking their destruction. They are asking God to stop observing their suffering and to actively intervene to save their life from these dangerous and destructive forces. The imagery of lions emphasizes the severity of the threat and the helplessness of the psalmist without God's intervention.

In essence, the verse expresses:

Desperation: The psalmist is in dire straits.
Faith: Despite their despair, they believe God can help.
Urgency: They believe God needs to act now.
Vulnerability: They acknowledge their powerlessness against their enemies.
Trust: They entrust their life to God's protection.

The verse resonates with anyone who has felt besieged by enemies (literal or metaphorical) and has cried out to God for help. It is a powerful reminder that we can bring our fears, frustrations, and needs to God in prayer, trusting in His power and willingness to deliver us.