Psalms 22:21
“Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.”
Certainly! Here is a Bible study on Psalm 22:21 (KJV):Verse: “Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.”
– Psalm 22:21 (KJV)
1. 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.
2. Symbolism:
a) Lion’s Mouth: The lion is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent a threat or danger. In this verse, it symbolises the adversaries and enemies surrounding the psalmist.
b) Horns of the Unicorns: The term “unicorns” in the KJV is a translation of the Hebrew word “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 safety and deliverance, as the horns of an animal were seen as a symbol of strength and protection.
3. Plea for deliverance:
The psalmist cries out to God, asking for salvation and deliverance from the lion’s mouth. It represents a desperate plea for rescue from the hostile and threatening circumstances the psalmist is facing. 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.
4. Confidence in answered prayer:
The psalmist 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 the psalmist’s unwavering faith and belief in God’s ability to deliver.
5. Application:
a) Trust in God’s deliverance: Like the psalmist, we may find ourselves in challenging and overwhelming situations. However, this verse reminds us to place our trust in God, knowing that He is our ultimate deliverer.
b) Pray with confidence: 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.
c) The Messianic connection: As Christians, we can 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.
