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Book of Psalms - Chapter 22 - Verse 15

22:15
My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death.

Meaning

Psalm 22:15 is a powerful verse that vividly describes the physical and emotional anguish experienced by the speaker. The imagery used in the verse conveys a sense of utter despair and helplessness. The phrase "My strength is dried up like a potsherd" suggests a complete exhaustion and depletion of energy, leaving the speaker feeling weak and powerless. The image of the tongue cleaving to the jaws illustrates intense thirst and a feeling of dryness. The final phrase "thou hast brought me into the dust of death" symbolizes a state of utter desolation and nearness to death. Overall, this verse paints a bleak picture of suffering and hardship, highlighting the speaker's sense of abandonment and desperation. It serves as a poignant reminder of the depths of human suffering and the need for resilience and hope in the face of adversity.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Psalm 22:15, the psalmist describes a sense of utter desolation and physical weakness. The phrase "My strength is dried up like a potsherd" conveys the image of complete exhaustion and loss of vitality. A potsherd, or a piece of broken pottery, is dry, brittle, and useless - much like the psalmist feels at this moment. The statement "and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws" emphasizes the psalmist's extreme thirst and dehydration, a common symptom of severe physical distress. Finally, the psalmist cries out to God, feeling as if they have been brought to the "dust of death." This phrase symbolizes the psalmist's nearness to death, both physically and spiritually, as they feel abandoned and forgotten by God. Through these vivid images, the psalmist expresses the depths of their suffering and the desperate need for God's intervention and deliverance.

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