Like a lengthening shadow and a locust shaken off, our struggles can make us feel isolated and insecure, but God remains our steadfast refuge.
When David writes, “I am gone like the shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like the locust.” (v.23), he conveys the soul’s vulnerability in times of severe adversity. A lengthening shadow in ancient Hebrew poetry often depicts the waning hours of the day, suggesting a fleeting existence. This candid confession of feeling swept away, much like a locust brushed off by a farmer, highlights the psalmist’s acute sense of helplessness in the face of hostility.
David, the second king of Israel (who reigned from 1010-970 BC), composed this psalm while under intense pressure and opposition. Its words paint a portrait of a man overwhelmed by enemies and seeking God’s intervention. The choice of imagery calls to mind the reality that earthly life is momentary (James 4:14), while also hinting at a longing for divine rescue. Believers in Jesus, who also endured betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16), can find comfort in knowing that the Savior understands the depths of human anguish.
Through this poignant metaphor, the psalmist underscores the fragility of human strength, serving as a reminder to place trust in God’s sustaining power. The believer’s hope rests in the spiritual truth that God does not abandon His people in their time of need (Hebrews 13:5), even when they feel as insubstantial as shadows or locusts cast aside.
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Psalms 109:23 meaning
When David writes, “I am gone like the shadow when it lengthens; I am shaken off like the locust.” (v.23), he conveys the soul’s vulnerability in times of severe adversity. A lengthening shadow in ancient Hebrew poetry often depicts the waning hours of the day, suggesting a fleeting existence. This candid confession of feeling swept away, much like a locust brushed off by a farmer, highlights the psalmist’s acute sense of helplessness in the face of hostility.
David, the second king of Israel (who reigned from 1010-970 BC), composed this psalm while under intense pressure and opposition. Its words paint a portrait of a man overwhelmed by enemies and seeking God’s intervention. The choice of imagery calls to mind the reality that earthly life is momentary (James 4:14), while also hinting at a longing for divine rescue. Believers in Jesus, who also endured betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16), can find comfort in knowing that the Savior understands the depths of human anguish.
Through this poignant metaphor, the psalmist underscores the fragility of human strength, serving as a reminder to place trust in God’s sustaining power. The believer’s hope rests in the spiritual truth that God does not abandon His people in their time of need (Hebrews 13:5), even when they feel as insubstantial as shadows or locusts cast aside.