Psalms 7:2
Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
Original Language Analysis
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יִטְרֹ֣ף
Lest he tear
H2963
יִטְרֹ֣ף
Lest he tear
Strong's:
H2963
Word #:
2 of 7
to pluck off or pull to pieces; causatively to supply with food (as in morsels)
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
פֹּ֝רֵ֗ק
rending it in pieces
H6561
פֹּ֝רֵ֗ק
rending it in pieces
Strong's:
H6561
Word #:
5 of 7
to break off or crunch; figuratively, to deliver
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
Historical Context
Written when David fled from Cush the Benjamite (superscription), possibly during Saul's pursuit or Absalom's rebellion. Lions were real threats in ancient Israel's wilderness, making this metaphor visceral. The cry for deliverance when surrounded by predatory enemies resonates throughout persecution narratives in Scripture and church history.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'lions' threaten to devour you spiritually, emotionally, or physically?
- How does knowing God as your deliverer affect how you face predatory threats?
Analysis & Commentary
David uses vivid imagery of a lion tearing prey to describe the danger from his enemy. The Hebrew 'taraph' (tear) and 'paraq' (rend) convey violent destruction. The phrase 'while there is none to deliver' emphasizes David's helplessness apart from divine intervention. This metaphor appears throughout Scripture for enemies who devour the helpless (1 Peter 5:8). The prayer anticipates Christ, who was surrounded by 'strong bulls of Bashan' and 'dogs' (Psalm 22:12,16) yet trusted the Father to deliver Him through death to resurrection.