Psalms 35:17

Authorized King James Version

Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֲדֹנָי֮

H136

Lord

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

כַּמָּ֪ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

תִּ֫רְאֶ֥ה

H7200

how long wilt thou look on

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הָשִׁ֣יבָה

H7725

rescue

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

נַ֭פְשִׁי

H5315

my soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מִשֹּׁאֵיהֶ֑ם

H7722

from their destructions

a tempest; by implication, devastation

מִ֝כְּפִירִ֗ים

H3715

from the lions

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

יְחִידָתִֽי׃

H3173

my darling

properly, united, i.e., sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced)

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The historical context of the monarchic period, particularly David's reign (c. 1000-970 BCE) provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The Israelite monarchy with its temple worship, court life, and constant military threats created the liturgical and emotional context for these prayers and praises. The ancient Israelite worship practices and court culture would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Temple archaeology and ancient musical instruments illuminate the liturgical context of Israelite worship.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 35 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?