Psalms 22:21
Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
Original Language Analysis
ה֭וֹשִׁיעֵנִי
Save
H3467
ה֭וֹשִׁיעֵנִי
Save
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
מִפִּ֣י
mouth
H6310
מִפִּ֣י
mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
2 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
וּמִקַּרְנֵ֖י
me from the horns
H7161
וּמִקַּרְנֵ֖י
me from the horns
Strong's:
H7161
Word #:
4 of 6
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
Cross References
2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.Numbers 23:22God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn.1 Peter 5:8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:Isaiah 34:7And the unicorns shall come down with them, and the bullocks with the bulls; and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.Acts 4:27For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,John 8:59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.John 14:30Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
Historical Context
Lions and wild oxen (re'em, possibly aurochs) were the most dangerous animals in ancient Palestine. Deliverance from them symbolized miraculous rescue from certain death. Christ's resurrection was precisely such miraculous deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the shift from crying to confidence model the journey of faith through trials?
- What assurance do you have that God hears your prayers as He heard Christ's?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The plea to be saved 'from the lion's mouth' and 'from the horns of the unicorns' (wild oxen) depicts surrounded danger. The phrase 'thou hast heard me' marks a turning point—from lament to confidence, from petition to assurance. Reformed theology sees this as the moment of answered prayer, prophetically fulfilled in Christ's resurrection. God heard Christ's cry and raised Him from death, vindicating His trust and securing salvation for all who believe.