Psalm 35:17
New International Version
How long, Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.

New Living Translation
How long, O Lord, will you look on and do nothing? Rescue me from their fierce attacks. Protect my life from these lions!

English Standard Version
How long, O Lord, will you look on? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from the lions!

Berean Standard Bible
How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.

King James Bible
Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.

New King James Version
Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue me from their destructions, My precious life from the lions.

New American Standard Bible
Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, My only life from the lions.

NASB 1995
Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, My only life from the lions.

NASB 1977
Lord, how long wilt Thou look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, My only life from the lions.

Legacy Standard Bible
Lord, how long will You look on? Bring back my soul from their ravages, My only life from the lions.

Amplified Bible
LORD, how long will You look on [without action]? Rescue my life from their destructions, My only life from the young lions.

Christian Standard Bible
Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages; rescue my precious life from the young lions.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue my life from their ravages, my only one from the young lions.

American Standard Version
Lord, how long wilt thou look on? Rescue my soul from their destructions, My darling from the lions.

Contemporary English Version
But all you do is watch! When will you do something? Save me from the attack of those vicious lions.

English Revised Version
Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue me from their attacks. Rescue my precious life from the lions.

Good News Translation
How much longer, Lord, will you just look on? Rescue me from their attacks; save my life from these lions!

International Standard Version
Lord, how long will you just watch? Rescue me from their destruction, my precious life from these young lions.

NET Bible
O Lord, how long are you going to just stand there and watch this? Rescue me from their destructive attacks; guard my life from the young lions!

New Heart English Bible
Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my soul from their destruction, my precious life from the lions.

Webster's Bible Translation
Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions.

World English Bible
Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my soul from their destruction, my precious life from the lions.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Lord, how long do You behold? Keep my soul back from their desolations, "" My only one from young lions.

Young's Literal Translation
Lord, how long dost thou behold? Keep back my soul from their desolations, From young lions my only one.

Smith's Literal Translation
O Jehovah, how long wilt thou see? Turn back my soul from their destruction, my only one from the lions.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Lord, when wilt thou look upon me? rescue thou soul from their malice : my only one from the lions.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Lord, when will you look down upon me? Restore my soul from before their malice, my only one from before the lions.

New American Bible
O Lord, how long will you look on? Restore my soul from their destruction, my very life from lions!

New Revised Standard Version
How long, O LORD, will you look on? Rescue me from their ravages, my life from the lions!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
My LORD, I have suffered enough; rescue my soul from their riot, my only one from the lions.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
My Lord, they have lied and you have seen it; bring back my soul from their troubles and my only one from the lions.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Lord, how long wilt Thou look on? Rescue my soul from their destructions, Mine only one from the lions.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
O Lord, when wilt thou look upon me? Deliver my soul from their mischief, mine only-begotten one from the lions.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Contend with My Opponents
16Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me. 17How long, O Lord, will You look on? Rescue my soul from their ravages, my precious life from these lions. 18Then I will give You thanks in the great assembly; I will praise You among many people.…

Cross References
Psalm 13:1-2
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? / How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me?

Psalm 22:1-2
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? / I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest.

Psalm 6:3-4
My soul is deeply distressed. How long, O LORD, how long? / Turn, O LORD, and deliver my soul; save me because of Your loving devotion.

Psalm 10:1
Why, O LORD, do You stand far off? Why do You hide in times of trouble?

Psalm 74:10-11
How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? / Why do You withdraw Your strong right hand? Stretch it out to destroy them!

Psalm 79:5
How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?

Psalm 89:46
How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire?

Psalm 94:3-4
How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked exult? / They pour out arrogant words; all workers of iniquity boast.

Psalm 119:84
How many days must Your servant wait? When will You execute judgment on my persecutors?

Isaiah 64:12
After all this, O LORD, will You restrain Yourself? Will You keep silent and afflict us beyond measure?

Habakkuk 1:2
How long, O LORD, must I call for help but You do not hear, or cry out to You, “Violence!” but You do not save?

Matthew 27:46
About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Mark 15:34
At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

Luke 18:7-8
Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay in helping them? / I tell you, He will promptly carry out justice on their behalf. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”

John 12:27
Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour.


Treasury of Scripture

Lord, how long will you look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions.

how

Psalm 6:3
My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O LORD, how long?

Psalm 13:1,2
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? …

Psalm 74:9,10
We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long…

look

Psalm 10:14
Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.

Habakkuk 1:13
Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?

rescue

Psalm 22:20,21
Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog…

Psalm 57:4
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

Psalm 69:14,15
Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters…

darling [heb.

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Darling Desolations Destruction Destructions Life Precious Ravages Rescue Soul Wilt Young
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Darling Desolations Destruction Destructions Life Precious Ravages Rescue Soul Wilt Young
Psalm 35
1. David prays for his own safety, and his enemies' confusion
11. He complains of their wrongful dealing
22. Thereby he incites God against them














How long, O Lord, will You look on?
This phrase reflects a common theme in the Psalms where the psalmist expresses a sense of urgency and desperation. The question "How long?" is a plea for God's intervention and is found in other Psalms such as Psalm 13:1 and Psalm 89:46. It indicates a period of suffering or injustice that seems prolonged. The psalmist feels as though God is merely observing rather than acting, which can be a test of faith. This cry for help is rooted in the belief that God is just and will eventually act on behalf of the righteous.

Rescue my soul from their ravages,
The request for rescue highlights the psalmist's dire situation, where his very life is at risk. The term "ravages" suggests violent destruction or severe harm, indicating the intensity of the threat faced. This plea for deliverance is consistent with the biblical theme of God as a deliverer, as seen in Exodus 3:7-8 where God hears the cries of the Israelites and rescues them from Egypt. The psalmist's soul, representing his entire being, is in need of divine intervention.

my precious life from these lions.
The imagery of "lions" is often used in the Bible to symbolize powerful and dangerous enemies. In 1 Peter 5:8, Satan is described as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour, which parallels the threat faced by the psalmist. The term "precious life" underscores the value and vulnerability of the psalmist's existence. This metaphorical language emphasizes the ferocity and relentlessness of the adversaries. The plea for protection from such formidable foes is a call for God's strength and salvation, reminiscent of Daniel's deliverance from the lions' den in Daniel 6.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of the psalm, who is crying out to God for deliverance from his enemies. David often faced persecution and betrayal, which is reflected in his plea for divine intervention.

2. The Lord
The recipient of David's plea. David addresses God directly, seeking His attention and intervention in his time of distress.

3. Enemies (Lions)
Symbolic of the fierce and relentless adversaries David faces. The imagery of lions conveys the danger and aggression of those who seek to harm him.

4. Soul
Represents David's innermost being and life, which he seeks to protect from destruction.

5. Rescue/Deliverance
The event David is longing for, a divine act of salvation from his perilous situation.
Teaching Points
Trust in God's Timing
David's question, "How long, O Lord?" reflects a common human struggle with waiting on God's timing. Believers are encouraged to trust that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed.

God as Protector
The imagery of God rescuing David from "lions" emphasizes His role as a protector. Christians can find comfort in knowing that God is a refuge and strength in times of trouble.

Prayer in Distress
David's earnest plea serves as a model for believers to bring their deepest fears and concerns to God in prayer, trusting in His ability to save.

Spiritual Warfare
The adversaries described as "lions" can also represent spiritual battles. Believers are reminded to put on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual attacks.

Value of Life
David refers to his life as "precious," highlighting the intrinsic value of life. Christians are called to respect and protect life, recognizing it as a gift from God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 35:17?

2. How does Psalm 35:17 encourage patience in times of prolonged suffering?

3. What does "rescue my soul" in Psalm 35:17 reveal about God's deliverance?

4. How can we apply David's plea in Psalm 35:17 to our prayer life?

5. Which New Testament passages echo the themes found in Psalm 35:17?

6. How does Psalm 35:17 inspire trust in God's timing for justice?

7. Why does God delay in delivering justice as questioned in Psalm 35:17?

8. How does Psalm 35:17 reflect on God's timing versus human impatience?

9. What historical context influenced the plea for deliverance in Psalm 35:17?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 35?

11. What does 'your rod and staff comfort me' mean?

12. What qualities define a good shepherd in scripture?

13. In Psalm 62:1-2, how can the promise of complete safety in God be reconciled with the reality of suffering and death among believers?

14. What are the torments of Sheol?
What Does Psalm 35:17 Mean
How long, O Lord, will You look on?

- David voices the ache of waiting. He knows the Lord sees everything (Psalm 33:13-15), yet it feels as if God is silently “looking on” while enemies circle.

- This cry mirrors other “how long” laments—Psalm 13:1-2 and Habakkuk 1:2 both show believers wrestling with delay. Revelation 6:10 pictures martyrs in heaven asking the same question, proving that God’s people in every age experience seasons where His timing stretches their faith.

- The verse assumes that God is actually watching; He has not abandoned David (Psalm 34:15). The complaint is not unbelief but a plea for God to translate His watchful gaze into decisive action.

- For us, the line reminds that waiting is part of God’s training:

• It exposes our dependence on Him instead of quick fixes.

• It keeps us praying rather than plotting revenge (Romans 12:19).

• It amplifies His glory when deliverance finally comes.


Rescue my soul from their ravages

- David moves from question to petition: “Rescue.” He believes God intervenes in real time, rescuing souls from real danger (Psalm 34:22; 2 Timothy 4:17-18).

- “Their ravages” paints enemies as tearing predators. This echoes Psalm 22:20—“Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.”

- Notice the personal tone: “my soul.” Relationship fuels the request; David knows he belongs to the covenant-keeping God (Psalm 23:1).

- Application points:

• We can pray specifics: “Rescue my marriage,” “Rescue my child,” “Rescue my church.” God is not allergic to detailed pleas.

• God’s rescue often arrives through providential means—an unexpected ally, a legal reversal, inner peace that disarms fear (Isaiah 59:19).

• Ultimate rescue is secured at the cross; any temporal deliverance previews our final salvation (1 Thessalonians 1:10).


my precious life from these lions

- “Precious life” (literally “my only one,” a way of saying “my very life”) underscores value. To God, every life fashioned in His image is priceless (Psalm 116:15).

- “Lions” captures the ferocity of David’s foes. Psalm 57:4 compares human adversaries to lions whose “teeth are spears and arrows.” Peter picks up the image spiritually: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion” (1 Peter 5:8).

- Cross-reference Daniel 6:22—God shut real lions’ mouths for Daniel; He can still muzzle whatever endangers His people.

- Takeaways:

• Naming enemies as “lions” reframes battles: the conflict is deadly serious, yet God reigns as the greater Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5).

• Because life is “precious,” self-preservation is not selfish. It is right to ask God to spare us so we may continue to praise Him (Psalm 118:17).

• When we entrust our “precious life” to Him, courage grows. We are safe until His purpose is complete (Philippians 1:20-26).


summary

Psalm 35:17 captures the tension between God’s watchful sovereignty and the believer’s urgent need. David feels the delay, pleads for rescue, and cherishes the life God gave him while facing predatory foes. The verse invites us to pour out honest questions, seek concrete deliverance, and rest in the truth that our lives are precious to the Lord who sees, cares, and in His perfect time, acts.

(17) Darling . . . see margin and Note to Psalm 22:20.

The lions is another suitable epithet for the hostile foreign party, so bitter against the genuine Israelite.

Verse 17. - Lord, how long wilt thou look on? "How long?" is the common cry of sufferers (Job 19:2; Psalm 6:3; Psalm 13:1; Psalm 79:5; Psalm 89:46; Habakkuk 1:2; Revelation 6:10), who do not recognize the wholesome discipline of suffering, or realize the fact implied in the phrase, "No cross, no crown." Man desires immediate deliverance; God mostly delays his deliverance until Patience has "had her perfect work" (James 1:4). Rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling, from the lions (comp. Psalm 22:20).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
How long,
כַּמָּ֪ה (kam·māh)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

O Lord,
אֲדֹנָי֮ (’ă·ḏō·nāy)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 136: The Lord

will You look on?
תִּ֫רְאֶ֥ה (tir·’eh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

Rescue
הָשִׁ֣יבָה (hā·šî·ḇāh)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

my soul
נַ֭פְשִׁי (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

from their ravages,
מִשֹּׁאֵיהֶ֑ם (miš·šō·’ê·hem)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7722: A tempest, devastation

my precious life
יְחִידָתִֽי׃ (yə·ḥî·ḏā·ṯî)
Adjective - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3173: United, sole, beloved, lonely, the life

from these lions.
מִ֝כְּפִירִ֗ים (mik·kə·p̄î·rîm)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3715: A village, a young lion


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OT Poetry: Psalm 35:17 Lord how long will you look on? (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 35:16
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