Save me from the mouth of the lion;
This phrase evokes a vivid image of imminent danger and desperation. In biblical literature, lions often symbolize powerful enemies or overwhelming threats (1 Peter 5:8). The lion's mouth represents a place of no escape, emphasizing the psalmist's urgent plea for deliverance. Historically, lions were present in ancient Israel, making this imagery relatable to the original audience. The plea for salvation from such a formidable predator underscores the psalmist's reliance on divine intervention, reflecting a common theme in the Psalms where God is seen as a protector and deliverer (Psalm 91:13).

at the horns of the wild oxen
The wild ox, or "re'em" in Hebrew, is often translated as "unicorn" in older versions of the Bible, but it likely refers to a now-extinct species of large wild cattle. The horns symbolize strength and power, suggesting another form of peril. In ancient Near Eastern culture, wild oxen were known for their strength and untamable nature, making them a fitting metaphor for overwhelming challenges. This imagery complements the previous mention of lions, reinforcing the sense of being surrounded by insurmountable threats. The psalmist's cry for help in the face of such powerful adversaries highlights the need for divine strength and protection.

You have answered me!
This phrase marks a turning point in the psalm, transitioning from a plea for help to an acknowledgment of divine response. It reflects a deep faith and trust in God's ability to deliver and save. The past tense "have answered" suggests a confidence in God's intervention, even if the deliverance is not yet visible. This assurance of being heard by God is a recurring theme in the Psalms (Psalm 34:4). Theologically, it points to the faithfulness of God in responding to the cries of His people. In a broader biblical context, this can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's victory over sin and death, where ultimate deliverance is achieved through His resurrection.

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 22, David is expressing a deep sense of distress and seeking deliverance from God.

2. Lion
Symbolic of powerful and dangerous enemies or situations that threaten the psalmist.

3. Wild Oxen
Represents formidable and overwhelming challenges or adversaries.

4. God
The ultimate deliverer and protector, whom David calls upon for salvation.

5. Psalm 22
A prophetic and messianic psalm that foreshadows the suffering and deliverance of Jesus Christ.God as Deliverer
Trust in God's power to save us from overwhelming situations, just as David did.

Symbolism of Adversity
Recognize the symbolic nature of "lions" and "wild oxen" as representations of our personal struggles and adversaries.

Prophetic Fulfillment
Understand Psalm 22 as a messianic prophecy that points to Jesus' suffering and ultimate victory over death.

Faith in Trials
Emulate the faith of biblical figures who trusted God amidst dire circumstances, knowing He hears and answers.

Prayer for Deliverance
Incorporate prayers for deliverance into your spiritual practice, acknowledging God's past faithfulness and future promises.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 22:21?

2. How does Psalm 22:21 demonstrate God's deliverance in times of distress?

3. What does "Save me from the mouth of the lion" symbolize in our lives?

4. How does Psalm 22:21 connect to Jesus' crucifixion in the New Testament?

5. How can we apply the trust shown in Psalm 22:21 to our prayers?

6. What other biblical instances show God rescuing His people from danger?

7. How does Psalm 22:21 foreshadow the crucifixion of Jesus?

8. What is the significance of "Save me from the mouth of the lion" in Psalm 22:21?

9. How does Psalm 22:21 relate to the theme of divine deliverance?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 22?

11. Is the reference to enemies being like “lions” in Psalm 57:4 simply poetic imagery, or does it exaggerate any verifiable historical threat David faced?

12. Deuteronomy 33:17 promises Joseph a strength likened to 'horns of a wild ox'; how do we address this metaphor scientifically or literally?

13. Is it 'pierced' or 'like a lion' in Psalm 22:16?

14. Psalm 22:16 - Does the phrase 'they have pierced my hands and my feet' reflect a later Christian interpretation rather than the original Hebrew text?Save me from the mouth of the lion

“Save me from the mouth of the lion” (Psalm 22:21a)

• A literal cry for rescue: David pictures himself moments from being torn apart, leaning on God exactly as he did when he faced real lions while guarding sheep (1 Samuel 17:34-37).

• The lion stands for vicious, stalking enemies. Scripture often uses the lion this way—“Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8), and yet “the Lord stood with me and strengthened me… I was delivered from the lion’s mouth” (2 Timothy 4:17).

• Prophetically, the verse anticipates Messiah surrounded by jeering foes at Calvary (Psalm 22:13, “they open their mouths against Me like lions”), underscoring both the real danger and the certainty of God’s deliverance.

---

At the horns of the wild oxen

“…at the horns of the wild oxen…” (Psalm 22:21b)

• Wild oxen (sometimes called “strong bulls,” cf. Psalm 22:12) evoke unstoppable brute force; their horns symbolize lethal power (Deuteronomy 33:17; Psalm 92:10).

• David feels pinned to the ground, as though the sharp horns are about to gore him. The image heightens the urgency: this is not a mild inconvenience but life-or-death.

• On the cross, Jesus experienced that same encirclement—“strong bulls of Bashan surround Me” (Psalm 22:12)—embodying humanity’s violent opposition to God’s anointed yet also fulfilling God’s redemptive plan (Acts 2:23-24).

---

You have answered me!

“…You have answered me!” (Psalm 22:21c)

• Instant turnaround: the plea becomes praise in a single breath, confirming God’s faithfulness—“The LORD has heard my cry for mercy” (Psalm 6:9) and “Before they call, I will answer” (Isaiah 65:24).

• For David, this meant tangible rescue from murderous pursuers; for Jesus, it points to the Father’s ultimate answer in the resurrection—“It is finished” (John 19:30) followed by “He has been raised” (Matthew 28:6).

• The shout models confident faith: we can move from supplication to celebration, trusting the God who “delivers us from so great a death and will deliver us again” (2 Corinthians 1:10).

---

summary

Psalm 22:21 captures the razor-edge moment between desperation and deliverance. David—and ultimately Christ—cries out for protection from predatory, overpowering foes. The lion and wild oxen portray real, ferocious danger, yet the final words ring with certainty: God has heard and acted. Because He answered then, we can take every peril, present or future, straight to Him and expect the same faithful rescue.

(21) Unicorns.--See Numbers 23:22; either "buffaloes" or "antelopes." There is some uncertainty about the translation of the second clause of this verse. It may be (1) "And from the horns of buffaloes hear me," i.e., hear me calling for help from the horns, &c; or (2) "Save me from the lion's mouth, and from the horns of buffaloes Thou hast heard me"--a sudden transition from plaintive prayer to exultant faith; or (3), following the LXX. and Vulg., "And from the horns of buffaloes save me, poor and humble as I am." The first is, on the whole, preferable, as preserving the parallelism better.

Verse 21. - Save me from the lion's mouth (comp. ver. 13). Either the chief persecutors, viewed as a class, or Satan, their instigator, would seem to be intended. For thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns; rather, even from the horns of the win oxen hast thou heard me. The conviction suddenly comes to the Sufferer that he is heard. Still, the adversaries are round about him - the "dogs," the "lions," and the "strong bulls of Bashan," now showing as ferocious wild cattle, menacing him with their horns. But all the Sufferer's feelings are changed. The despondent mood has passed away. He is not forsaken. He has One to help. In one way or another he knows himself - feels himself - delivered; and he passes from despair and agony into a condition of perfect peace, and even exultation. He passes, in fact, from death to life, from humiliation to glory; and at once he proceeds to show forth his thankfulness by a burst of praise. The last strophe of the psalm (vers. 22-31) is the jubilant song of the Redeemer, now that his mediatorial work is done, and his life of suffering "finished" (John 19:30).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Save me
ה֭וֹשִׁיעֵנִי (hō·wō·šî·‘ê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 3467: To be open, wide, free, to be safe, to free, succor

from the mouth
מִפִּ֣י (mip·pî)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to

of the lion;
אַרְיֵ֑ה (’ar·yêh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 738: A lion

at the horns
וּמִקַּרְנֵ֖י (ū·miq·qar·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - fdc
Strong's 7161: A horn, a flask, cornet, an elephant's tooth, a corner, a peak, a ray, power

of the wild oxen
רֵמִ֣ים (rê·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7214: A wild bull

You have answered Me!
עֲנִיתָֽנִי׃ (‘ă·nî·ṯā·nî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond


Psalm 22:21 NIV
Psalm 22:21 NLT
Psalm 22:21 ESV
Psalm 22:21 NASB
Psalm 22:21 KJV

Psalm 22:21 BibleApps.com
Psalm 22:21 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 22:21 Chinese Bible
Psalm 22:21 French Bible
Psalm 22:21 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 22:21 Save me from the lion's mouth! (Psalm Ps Psa.)