My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts.
I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly.
Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
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.
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.
All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.
A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.
Psalms 22 is a powerful and deeply moving psalm, often associated with both King David's personal suffering and, prophetically, with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Understanding this psalm involves recognizing its historical context in David's life, as well as its profound foreshadowing of the Messiah's passion. This psalm should be understood in association with Psalms 23 and 24. Psalm 22 describes the sufferings of the Good Shepherd, Jesus, for His sheep. Psalm 23 describes His care for His sheep. Psalm 24 describes His return in glory to reward His sheep.
A Cry of Despair (Psalms 22:1-2)
The psalm opens with a raw and agonizing cry: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?" (Psalms 22:1). These words express a profound sense of abandonment and hopelessness. David cries out because he was experiencing a sense of hopelessness and abandonment. It was this deep sense of being divinely abandoned that Jesus would experience and express on the cross (Matthew 27:46). Though these words were true of King David, they were fulfilled truly and fully in the Messiah, David’s Son. This question echoes the universal human experience of feeling alone and forsaken in times of intense suffering. It's the cry of someone asking, "Where are you, God?" That's a natural reaction to hardship.
Remembering God's Faithfulness (Psalms 22:3-5)
Even in the depths of despair, David remembers God's faithfulness to his ancestors: "Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried out to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame" (Psalms 22:3-5). Though David was living in a state of despair (Psalms 22:2), nevertheless he continues to affirm God’s holy character to declare him worthy of Israel’s praises (Psalms 22:3). He rehearses the confidence of previous generations who trusted in God and experienced his deliverance (Psalms 22:4-5). This history lesson serves as a reminder to David—and to us—to continue to trust the Lord in spite of circumstances. The Bible defines faith as a trust based on experience. Hebrews 11 notes that God's work in the lives of others is the basis of our trust in His promises (Hebrews 11:13–16). Even in what seems like a hopeless moment, David is confident that God is still in control.
The Depth of Suffering (Psalms 22:6-18)
David then returns to describing the depths of his pain and humiliation. He feels like a worm, despised and scorned by everyone (Psalms 22:6-8). David was enduring constant scorn and ridicule, being despised and mocked by others (Psalms 22:6-7). Those who hated him said, He relies on the LORD; let him save him; let the LORD rescue him, since he takes pleasure in him (Psalms 22:8). These would be the very words used to taunt Jesus as he hung on the cross (Matthew 27:43). He is surrounded by enemies who are likened to bulls, lions, and dogs (Psalms 22:12-13, 16). David’s enemies were like beasts—bulls . . . lions, and dogs—that encircled him and sought to devour him (Psalms 22:12-13, 16).
Descriptions in this psalm indicate a painful execution—something David did not suffer. This implies that the terminology used here is symbolic of David's feelings. At the same time, it serves as a prophetic explanation of what would happen to the Promised One. He was exhausted. His strength was gone (Psalms 22:14-15). The piercing of his hands and feet and the casting of lots for his clothing are not elaborated on in Scripture but proved prophetic in that they were fulfilled in Jesus’s suffering (Psalms 22:16, 18; see Matthew 27:35; Isaiah 53:5; Zechariah 12:10). The suffering one is depicted as emaciated, naked, humiliated, mocked, and battered. Despite skeptical claims, the most reliable manuscripts of these verses make it clear that this person is "pierced," further supporting this as a messianic prophecy.
Remembering God's Care (Psalms 22:9-10)
David recalls his history of dependence on the Lord. Even when he was an infant in his mother’s womb and a newborn, he was completely reliant on God. Thus, he knew he was still dependent on God even as a grown man and king of Israel. Remember to rehearse your history of trusting in God’s protection and provision. It will help you trust in him for today and tomorrow.
From Despair to Praise (Psalms 22:19-31)
The psalm takes a dramatic turn in its final verses. David cries out for deliverance (Psalms 22:19-21) and then expresses confidence that God will answer. He anticipates praising God in the assembly of his people: "I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you" (Psalms 22:22).
The last verses of the psalm shift to a hopeful tone. David anticipates that He will be delivered, one way or another, from this situation. He expects, at that time, to give God praise in a public setting. The imagery of these final verses is also prophetic. It looks ahead to the time when Christ will reign over the earth and all Israel will be reconciled to God (Psalms 22:22–31). David anticipates the time when all the ends of the earth will turn to the LORD (Psalms 22:27). Though he was chosen by God to serve as king, he recognizes that, ultimately, kingship belongs to the LORD. All the nations will one day submit to the kingdom of God when the Messiah comes to reign (Psalms 22:28-29). Then, a people yet to be born will hear all peoples declare his righteousness (Psalms 22:31).
Messianic Significance
It is interesting to note that Jesus referred to the first words of this psalm during the crucifixion (Matthew 27:46) and also echoed the last words of this psalm at the moment of His death. Both Psalms 22 and Jesus' suffering on the cross ended with an expression of accomplishment and finality (Psalms 22:31; John 19:30). This psalm contains several striking prophecies that were fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus. These include the piercing of his hands and feet (Psalms 22:16), the casting of lots for his garments (Psalms 22:18), and the mocking he endured (Psalms 22:6-8). Jesus' quotation of the opening verse on the cross (Matthew 27:46) underscores the psalm's messianic significance. Isaiah 53 also prophesies the sufferings that Jesus suffered on the cross.
Application
Psalms 22 offers both comfort and challenge. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. God is aware of our suffering, and He is faithful to deliver us. It encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness and to trust in His promises. Even in what seems like a hopeless moment, David is confident that God is still in control. It also challenges us to recognize the suffering of Christ and to respond with gratitude and obedience. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder of God's love and faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering.
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent.
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.
Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them.
They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.
All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,
He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.
But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother’s breasts.
I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother’s belly.
Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help.
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.
I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.
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.
For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion’s mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns.
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.
For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.
All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.
All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship: all they that go down to the dust shall bow before him: and none can keep alive his own soul.
A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.
Psalms 22 is a powerful and deeply moving psalm, often associated with both King David's personal suffering and, prophetically, with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Understanding this psalm involves recognizing its historical context in David's life, as well as its profound foreshadowing of the Messiah's passion. This psalm should be understood in association with Psalms 23 and 24. Psalm 22 describes the sufferings of the Good Shepherd, Jesus, for His sheep. Psalm 23 describes His care for His sheep. Psalm 24 describes His return in glory to reward His sheep.
A Cry of Despair (Psalms 22:1-2)
The psalm opens with a raw and agonizing cry: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?" (Psalms 22:1). These words express a profound sense of abandonment and hopelessness. David cries out because he was experiencing a sense of hopelessness and abandonment. It was this deep sense of being divinely abandoned that Jesus would experience and express on the cross (Matthew 27:46). Though these words were true of King David, they were fulfilled truly and fully in the Messiah, David’s Son. This question echoes the universal human experience of feeling alone and forsaken in times of intense suffering. It's the cry of someone asking, "Where are you, God?" That's a natural reaction to hardship.
Remembering God's Faithfulness (Psalms 22:3-5)
Even in the depths of despair, David remembers God's faithfulness to his ancestors: "Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. They cried out to you and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame" (Psalms 22:3-5). Though David was living in a state of despair (Psalms 22:2), nevertheless he continues to affirm God’s holy character to declare him worthy of Israel’s praises (Psalms 22:3). He rehearses the confidence of previous generations who trusted in God and experienced his deliverance (Psalms 22:4-5). This history lesson serves as a reminder to David—and to us—to continue to trust the Lord in spite of circumstances. The Bible defines faith as a trust based on experience. Hebrews 11 notes that God's work in the lives of others is the basis of our trust in His promises (Hebrews 11:13–16). Even in what seems like a hopeless moment, David is confident that God is still in control.
The Depth of Suffering (Psalms 22:6-18)
David then returns to describing the depths of his pain and humiliation. He feels like a worm, despised and scorned by everyone (Psalms 22:6-8). David was enduring constant scorn and ridicule, being despised and mocked by others (Psalms 22:6-7). Those who hated him said, He relies on the LORD; let him save him; let the LORD rescue him, since he takes pleasure in him (Psalms 22:8). These would be the very words used to taunt Jesus as he hung on the cross (Matthew 27:43). He is surrounded by enemies who are likened to bulls, lions, and dogs (Psalms 22:12-13, 16). David’s enemies were like beasts—bulls . . . lions, and dogs—that encircled him and sought to devour him (Psalms 22:12-13, 16).
Descriptions in this psalm indicate a painful execution—something David did not suffer. This implies that the terminology used here is symbolic of David's feelings. At the same time, it serves as a prophetic explanation of what would happen to the Promised One. He was exhausted. His strength was gone (Psalms 22:14-15). The piercing of his hands and feet and the casting of lots for his clothing are not elaborated on in Scripture but proved prophetic in that they were fulfilled in Jesus’s suffering (Psalms 22:16, 18; see Matthew 27:35; Isaiah 53:5; Zechariah 12:10). The suffering one is depicted as emaciated, naked, humiliated, mocked, and battered. Despite skeptical claims, the most reliable manuscripts of these verses make it clear that this person is "pierced," further supporting this as a messianic prophecy.
Remembering God's Care (Psalms 22:9-10)
David recalls his history of dependence on the Lord. Even when he was an infant in his mother’s womb and a newborn, he was completely reliant on God. Thus, he knew he was still dependent on God even as a grown man and king of Israel. Remember to rehearse your history of trusting in God’s protection and provision. It will help you trust in him for today and tomorrow.
From Despair to Praise (Psalms 22:19-31)
The psalm takes a dramatic turn in its final verses. David cries out for deliverance (Psalms 22:19-21) and then expresses confidence that God will answer. He anticipates praising God in the assembly of his people: "I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you" (Psalms 22:22).
The last verses of the psalm shift to a hopeful tone. David anticipates that He will be delivered, one way or another, from this situation. He expects, at that time, to give God praise in a public setting. The imagery of these final verses is also prophetic. It looks ahead to the time when Christ will reign over the earth and all Israel will be reconciled to God (Psalms 22:22–31). David anticipates the time when all the ends of the earth will turn to the LORD (Psalms 22:27). Though he was chosen by God to serve as king, he recognizes that, ultimately, kingship belongs to the LORD. All the nations will one day submit to the kingdom of God when the Messiah comes to reign (Psalms 22:28-29). Then, a people yet to be born will hear all peoples declare his righteousness (Psalms 22:31).
Messianic Significance
It is interesting to note that Jesus referred to the first words of this psalm during the crucifixion (Matthew 27:46) and also echoed the last words of this psalm at the moment of His death. Both Psalms 22 and Jesus' suffering on the cross ended with an expression of accomplishment and finality (Psalms 22:31; John 19:30). This psalm contains several striking prophecies that were fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus. These include the piercing of his hands and feet (Psalms 22:16), the casting of lots for his garments (Psalms 22:18), and the mocking he endured (Psalms 22:6-8). Jesus' quotation of the opening verse on the cross (Matthew 27:46) underscores the psalm's messianic significance. Isaiah 53 also prophesies the sufferings that Jesus suffered on the cross.
Application
Psalms 22 offers both comfort and challenge. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. God is aware of our suffering, and He is faithful to deliver us. It encourages us to remember God's past faithfulness and to trust in His promises. Even in what seems like a hopeless moment, David is confident that God is still in control. It also challenges us to recognize the suffering of Christ and to respond with gratitude and obedience. This psalm serves as a powerful reminder of God's love and faithfulness, even in the midst of suffering.