Psalms 22:21

Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.

Psalms 22:21 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 22 is attributed to King David and is recognised as one of the Messianic Psalms, often associated with the sufferings and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This psalm expresses deep anguish and distress, but it also contains elements of hope and trust in God’s deliverance. The verse concludes David’s lament, moving from a desperate plea to a confident declaration of being heard.

Meaning

The lion’s mouth symbolises the threat of enemies and danger. In the Bible, the lion often represents a powerful adversary. The Hebrew word translated “unicorns” is “re’em,” which likely refers to a powerful wild ox or an extinct animal like an aurochs. The horns of the unicorns symbolise a place of danger or death, from which God delivers. The psalmist cries out for salvation from the lion’s mouth, a desperate plea for rescue from hostile circumstances. Yet he also expresses confidence that God has heard his prayer from the horns of the unicorns. Despite the dire situation, the psalmist trusts that God will answer his plea and rescue him. This demonstrates unwavering faith and belief in God’s ability to deliver.

Biblical connections

This verse echoes the cry of Jesus on the cross, where He experienced the ultimate suffering and abandonment but also placed His trust in God the Father. The deliverance from the lion’s mouth and the horns of the wild ox prefigures Christ’s resurrection, as the New Testament applies Psalm 22 to Christ’s crucifixion and victory. The imagery underscores the severity of the threat and the power of God’s salvation.

Application

Like the psalmist, we may find ourselves in challenging and overwhelming situations. This verse reminds us to place our trust in God, knowing that He is our ultimate deliverer. The psalmist’s confidence in God’s hearing and answering his prayer encourages us to approach God with boldness and assurance. We can have faith that God hears our cries and will respond according to His perfect will. As Christians, we see a foreshadowing of Jesus’ suffering and redemption in this psalm. It reminds us of the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross and the victory He secured for us.

Reflection

God hears the cries of the afflicted and delivers them from mortal danger. This verse encourages believers to cry out to God in their distress, trusting that He hears and will save. The shift from plea to confidence in this verse teaches that trust in God’s faithfulness can transform our fear into hope.