Psalms 35:17
Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.
Psalms 35:17
David pleads to the Lord, “Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.” The metaphor of lions powerfully conveys imminent danger and predation. It signals a urgent request for immediate divine intervention. The rhetorical question expresses righteous frustration: God’s patience is not unlimited in the face of sustained injustice. It blends lament with faith in God’s protective care.
This verse reinforces God as rescuer and defender who confronts dangerous powers. It also acknowledges the tension between lament and trust; believers can cry out for deliverance while trusting God’s wisdom and timing. The lions symbolize lethal threats—spiritual, social, or physical—against which God provides refuge.
If you’re in a moment where danger or persistent harm seems unchecked, this verse invites you to pour out honest prayers to God and seek practical safety measures. Engage trusted allies, seek shelter or support networks, and hold onto the conviction that God hears your cries. It’s also a reminder to persevere in prayer as a posture of faith, even when immediate relief isn’t visible.
Cross-References: Psalm 4:1; Psalm 10:15; Proverbs 18:10; Isaiah 31:4; 1 Samuel 17:37