Psalms 22:21

Lion’s mouth. Compare v. 13.

Thou hast heard me. The psalmist’s pleading ends with a feeling of complete relief. He knows that the Lord is near to help. This rapid change of feeling in the midst of the verse is typical of a large group of psalms (see Ps. 3; 6; 12; 28; etc.). Perhaps this psalm exhibits the most striking instance in the Psalter of this unique feature of the Hebrew dramatic monologue.

Unicorns. Heb. remim, “wild oxen” (see on Job 39:9). This verse gave the lion and the unicorn to the British coat of arms. See on Num. 22:22.

Although surrounded by “dogs,” “lions,” “bulls,” “wild oxen,” the sufferer knows that he is not forsaken. Despondency and gloom give way to trust, peace, and joyous praise. Verses 22–31 are a triumphant song of praise. In Felix Mendelssohn’s choral setting of Ps. 22, there is, at this point in the composition, a sudden dramatic change from minor to major key, portraying the complete change in feelings.