Psalms 22:20
Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
Original Language Analysis
מֵחֶ֣רֶב
from the sword
H2719
מֵחֶ֣רֶב
from the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
2 of 6
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
מִיַּד
from the power
H3027
מִיַּד
from the power
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
4 of 6
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Psalms 35:17Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.Zechariah 13:7Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
Historical Context
Dogs in ancient Israel were scavengers, not pets—symbols of contempt and danger. The 'sword' represents violent death. Together, these images depict mortal peril from which only God can rescue.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's deliverance of Christ from death guarantee your deliverance from eternal death?
- What is your 'darling'—your most precious possession—that you need God to protect?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The prayer for deliverance from 'the sword' and 'the dog' uses metaphors for violent death and contemptuous enemies. 'My darling' (Hebrew: yachid, 'my only one') likely refers to the psalmist's own life or soul—his singular, precious existence. For Christ, this may refer to His unique, divine-human person. Reformed theology emphasizes that God answered this prayer through resurrection, delivering Christ's soul from death and granting Him eternal life to share with His people.