Psalm 35:17

How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.

Study Bible

How long, O Lord
This phrase is a heartfelt cry of lament and urgency. The Hebrew root for "How long" is "עַד־מָתַי" (ad-matai), which expresses a deep yearning for divine intervention. The psalmist, David, is in a state of distress, questioning the duration of his suffering. This plea is common in the Psalms, reflecting the human experience of waiting on God's timing. Historically, this reflects the trials David faced, possibly during his persecution by Saul, emphasizing the patience and faith required in times of prolonged adversity.

will You look on?
The phrase suggests a perception of divine inaction or delay. The Hebrew verb "תִּרְאֶה" (tir'eh) means "to see" or "to look." David feels as though God is merely observing his plight without intervening. This reflects a common biblical theme where believers wrestle with the silence of God during trials. It challenges the faithful to trust in God's omniscience and sovereignty, even when His presence seems passive.

Rescue my soul
Here, "rescue" is derived from the Hebrew "הַצִּילָה" (hatzilah), meaning "to deliver" or "to save." The "soul" (נַפְשִׁי, nafshi) represents the entirety of David's being, not just his physical life. This plea underscores the psalmist's dependence on God for salvation and protection. It is a reminder of God's role as a deliverer, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture, where God repeatedly rescues His people from peril.

from their ravages
The term "ravages" implies violent destruction or ruin. The Hebrew word "שֹׁאֵד" (sho'ed) conveys the idea of devastation. David is asking for deliverance from those who seek to destroy him. This reflects the historical context of David's life, filled with enemies and threats. It serves as a metaphor for the spiritual battles believers face, encouraging reliance on God for protection against all forms of evil.

my precious life
The phrase "precious life" highlights the value David places on his existence. The Hebrew "יְחִידָתִי" (yechidati) can be translated as "my only one" or "my unique one," emphasizing the singularity and worth of his life. This reflects the biblical view of life as a sacred gift from God, worthy of protection and care. It inspires believers to cherish their lives and trust in God's preservation.

from these lions
"Lions" symbolize fierce and powerful enemies. In the ancient Near East, lions were seen as formidable predators, and the Hebrew "מִיָּשִׁים" (miyashim) refers to these dangerous adversaries. David often used this imagery to describe his foes, as seen in other psalms. This metaphor extends to spiritual adversaries, reminding believers of the need for God's strength to overcome the challenges posed by those who seek to harm them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of the psalm, who is crying out to God for deliverance from his enemies. David often faced persecution and betrayal, which is reflected in his plea for divine intervention.

2. The Lord
The recipient of David's plea. David addresses God directly, seeking His attention and intervention in his time of distress.

3. Enemies (Lions)
Symbolic of the fierce and relentless adversaries David faces. The imagery of lions conveys the danger and aggression of those who seek to harm him.

4. Soul
Represents David's innermost being and life, which he seeks to protect from destruction.

5. Rescue/Deliverance
The event David is longing for, a divine act of salvation from his perilous situation.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Timing
David's question, "How long, O Lord?" reflects a common human struggle with waiting on God's timing. Believers are encouraged to trust that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed.

God as Protector
The imagery of God rescuing David from "lions" emphasizes His role as a protector. Christians can find comfort in knowing that God is a refuge and strength in times of trouble.

Prayer in Distress
David's earnest plea serves as a model for believers to bring their deepest fears and concerns to God in prayer, trusting in His ability to save.

Spiritual Warfare
The adversaries described as "lions" can also represent spiritual battles. Believers are reminded to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual attacks.

Value of Life
David refers to his life as "precious," highlighting the intrinsic value of life. Christians are called to respect and protect life, recognizing it as a gift from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's plea in Psalm 35:17 reflect his relationship with God, and what can we learn from his approach to prayer?

2. In what ways can we relate to David's question, "How long, O Lord?" in our own lives, and how can we cultivate patience in waiting for God's intervention?

3. How does the imagery of "lions" in this verse help us understand the nature of the challenges we face, both physically and spiritually?

4. What other biblical examples of deliverance can we draw upon to strengthen our faith in God's ability to rescue us from difficult situations?

5. How can we apply the concept of valuing life as "precious" in our daily interactions and decisions, particularly in a world that often devalues life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 22
David similarly cries out to God, expressing feelings of abandonment and pleading for rescue, which foreshadows Christ's suffering.

1 Samuel 24
David spares Saul's life, demonstrating his reliance on God's timing for deliverance rather than taking matters into his own hands.

Daniel 6
Daniel is delivered from the lions' den, illustrating God's power to save His faithful servants from seemingly insurmountable dangers.

2 Timothy 4:17
Paul speaks of being rescued from the lion's mouth, drawing a parallel to divine deliverance from perilous situations.