Texts in Conversation
The Greek Septuagint translation of Psalm 21 includes a prayer to be saved from the mouth of the lion. 2 Timothy echoes this to describe being rescued from the lion’s mouth as a metaphor for trial.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
LXX Psalms 21:22
Septuagint
21 Rescue my soul from the sword, and my unique one from the hand of a dog. 22 Save me from the mouth of the lion, and my lowliness from the horn of the unicorn. 23 I will set out in detail your name to my brothers. In the middle of the assembly I will sing of you.
2 Timothy 4:17
New Testament
16 At my first defense no one appeared in my support; instead they all deserted me—may they not be held accountable for it. 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message would be fully proclaimed for all the Gentiles to hear. And so I was delivered from the lion’s mouth! 18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever! Amen.
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Notes and References
“... Most likely the clue lies in the observation of the echoes of Psalm 22 throughout the passage (verses 9-18). Just as Paul had been deserted (verses 10, 16; compare Psalm 22:1), so he had been delivered—and will be delivered (verse 18; compare Psalm 22:4-5)—from the lion’s mouth (compare Psalm 22:21). If this is the proper clue, then he would be using the language of the psalm to refer to his being delivered from death. ...”
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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