TangWeiPing
Prayer Warrior
Bread of Heaven/Word of Life/ Jesus is the word of God Psalm 35:17: Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions. Extended Explanation of the Verse: In Psalm 35:17, David expresses a heartfelt plea to God, questioning how long he must endure his suffering without divine intervention. The phrase “How long, Lord, will you look on?” reflects a deep sense of desperation and urgency. David feels abandoned in his time of need, as if God is watching his plight without acting. The request for rescue highlights his vulnerability, comparing his attackers to “lions,” which symbolizes danger and ferocity. This imagery conveys the seriousness of his situation, as David seeks God’s protection against those who threaten his life. This verse captures the tension between faith in God’s sovereignty and the painful reality of suffering. Historical Context: David wrote this psalm during a tumultuous time in his life, likely while facing the threat of enemies who sought to harm him. Historical accounts indicate that David endured significant trials, including betrayal from allies and relentless pursuit by King Saul. The context of this psalm illustrates the emotional and spiritual struggles of a leader in a position of vulnerability. The cry for help reflects the communal experience of the Israelite people, who often faced threats from surrounding nations. David’s plea resonates with the experiences of those who endure hardship and seek God’s intervention in their lives. Theological Implications: Psalm 35:17 raises profound theological themes regarding God’s presence during suffering and the nature of faith. David’s questioning of God’s timing invites believers to confront their own doubts and frustrations when faced with adversity. It acknowledges the reality that even the faithful may feel abandoned by God during difficult times. This verse encourages Christians to express their feelings openly to God, emphasizing that He cares about their pain and struggles. The plea for rescue also affirms the belief that God is a protector who desires to save His people from harm, highlighting His love and commitment to those who trust in Him. Literary Analysis: The language in Psalm 35:17 is both poignant and evocative. The repetition of “How long” conveys a sense of urgency and desperation, inviting readers to feel David‘s emotional state. The comparison of his enemies to “lions” evokes vivid imagery of danger and threat, creating a sense of tension in the verse. This literary technique effectively captures David’s vulnerability and the seriousness of his situation, drawing readers into his plea for help. The structure of the verse, with its direct address to God followed by the emotional appeal for rescue, underscores the deep relationship between David and his Creator, highlighting the importance of seeking divine intervention. Biblical Cross-References: Psalm 13:1 – “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 22:21 – “Save me from the lion’s mouth; rescue me from the horns of the wild oxen.” Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” 2 Corinthians 1:10 – “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.” What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian: For Christians today, Psalm 35:17 serves as a powerful reminder that it is okay to express feelings of desperation and frustration to God. This verse encourages believers to bring their struggles to God, trusting that He hears their cries and understands their pain. It acknowledges that faith does not exempt them from suffering, but it reassures them that God is present even in their darkest moments. This verse invites Christians to seek God’s help in times of need and to remember that they can rely on His strength and protection. How This Verse Relates to a Loving God: Psalm 35:17 reveals the loving nature of God, illustrating that He is aware of the struggles of His people. David‘s plea for rescue reflects a relationship with God where vulnerability and trust can coexist. This verse emphasizes that God desires to protect His children and responds to their cries for help. It reassures believers that they are not alone in their suffering; God is a loving Father who cares deeply for His people and is actively involved in their lives. How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ: Psalm 35:17 connects to Jesus Christ, who also experienced profound suffering and felt abandoned during His crucifixion. In Matthew 27:46, Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This moment of anguish reflects the deep emotional pain of feeling forsaken by God. Just as David cries for rescue from danger, Jesus took upon Himself the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity from sin and death. Through His suffering, Jesus embodies the very heart of God’s desire to rescue and redeem. His resurrection affirms that even in the darkest times, God’s plan leads to hope and restoration. Questions for Reflection and Discussion: How does this verse resonate with our own experiences of feeling abandoned or in need of rescue? In what ways can we express our feelings of desperation to God while maintaining trust in His timing? How do we respond to moments of suffering or hardship in our life? How does Jesus’s experience of suffering influence our understanding of this psalm? What steps can we take to seek God’s help when facing challenges? Psalm 35:17 poignantly captures the emotional weight of suffering and the yearning for divine intervention. It invites believers to express their feelings openly to God while trusting in His loving nature and protection. Through the example of Jesus, who understands the pain of abandonment and sacrifice, Christians find hope and assurance in God’s promise to deliver and rescue. This psalm serves as a reminder that even in times of desperation, believers can rely on God’s unwavering love and support, encouraging them to persevere in faith. Our prayer: Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You that You are in control of this world and will one day be moved to bring in Your rule of righteousness and vindicate those that have been unjustly accused or abused. Thank You, Father, that You are the One Who places men in power and brings down rulers, in order to forward Your perfect plan of salvation for the redemption of the world. Thank You for men like David who have gone before us, but have set an example in trusting You to rescue their soul from the ravages of this world system. We pray that no matter what we face in the days ahead, We will trust You in all things and bring glory to Your holy name. AMEN.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
