Analysis of Psalms Chapter 22
Psalms Chapter 22 is one of the most profound and deeply emotional psalms in the Book of Psalms. Traditionally attributed to King David, it is a powerful piece that has been revered for its poignant expression of despair turning into faith and ultimate triumph. This psalm is also known for its prophetic elements that Christians believe point directly to the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In this analysis, we will delve into each verse to uncover the rich layers of meaning, interpretation, and theological significance within this chapter.
Verses 1-2: A Cry of Abandonment
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?” (Psalm 22:1)
“My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” (Psalm 22:2)
The opening lines of Psalm 22 strike a powerful chord of anguish and abandonment. King David begins with a profound cry to God, feeling entirely forsaken. This opening verse has gained significant attention in Christian theology, as it is cited by Jesus Christ on the cross (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34), highlighting His own moment of desolation. The repetition of “My God” emphasizes the personal relationship between David (and later Jesus) and God. The intense inquiry, “Why have you forsaken me?” reveals the depth of pain and the seeming silence from God during times of suffering.
Verses 3-5: Remembering God’s Holiness
“Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.” (Psalm 22:3)
“In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.” (Psalm 22:4)
“To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.” (Psalm 22:5)
Despite the initial expression of abandonment, David quickly shifts to acknowledging God’s holiness and righteousness. This segment reflects a transition from despair to trust. David recalls how the ancestors of Israel placed their trust in God and were delivered. This remembrance serves to strengthen his faith during his moment of crisis, reaffirming that even when God seems silent, He remains sovereign and trustworthy.
Verses 6-8: The Depths of Humiliation
“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.” (Psalm 22:6)
“All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.” (Psalm 22:7)
“‘He trusts in the Lord,’ they say, ‘let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.’” (Psalm 22:8)
David describes an acute sense of humiliation and dehumanization, likening himself to a worm. The mockery and scorn he faces from others amplify his suffering. Verse 8 is particularly interesting, as it foreshadows the taunts Jesus faced during His crucifixion (Matthew 27:43). The derision of David by his enemies serves to deepen his isolation but also underscores the steadfastness of his trust in God, despite the external disdain.
Verses 9-11: Recalling God’s Past Care
“Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.” (Psalm 22:9)
“From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.” (Psalm 22:10)
“Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.” (Psalm 22:11)
David reflects on God’s care from his earliest moments of life, recognizing that his trust in God was instilled from birth. This recollection serves as a profound assertion of faith, emphasizing that God has been a constant presence throughout his life. The plea in verse 11 for God not to be distant in his time of trouble encapsulates the desperate need for divine proximity and aid.
Verses 12-18: The Encircling Foes and Physical Anguish
“Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.” (Psalm 22:12)
“Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me.” (Psalm 22:13)
“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me.” (Psalm 22:14)
“My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.” (Psalm 22:15)
“Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.” (Psalm 22:16)
“All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me.” (Psalm 22:17)
“They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.” (Psalm 22:18)
This passage vividly describes the intense agony and aggression that David faces. The imagery of fierce animals—bulls, lions, and dogs—encircling him conveys the sense of being overwhelmed by hostile forces. Verses 14-15 poignantly depict physical suffering, similar to what Jesus experienced on the cross. The prophetic elements become even more apparent in verses 16-18, with specific details such as the piercing of hands and feet and the dividing of garments, which align closely with the crucifixion narrative in the New Testament (John 19:24).
Verses 19-21: A Direct Plea for Deliverance
“But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.” (Psalm 22:19)
“Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.” (Psalm 22:20)
“Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.” (Psalm 22:21)
David earnestly calls upon the Lord for immediate help and deliverance. The intensity of his plea underscores the urgency of his perilous situation. By asking God to rescue him from the “sword” and the “power of the dogs,” he seeks salvation from both physical and metaphorical threats. The repeated references to fierce animals encapsulate his desperate need for God’s intervention.
Verses 22-24: Proclaiming God’s Name
“I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.” (Psalm 22:22)
“You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!” (Psalm 22:23)
“For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.” (Psalm 22:24)
This segment marks a notable shift from despair to praise. David vows to proclaim God’s name and praise Him publicly. By calling on all who revere God to join in this praise, he emphasizes communal worship and gratitude. Verse 24 reassures that God does not ignore the plight of the suffering but listens and responds to their cries, reinforcing His compassionate and responsive nature.
Verses 25-31: A Vow of Praise and Future Hope
“From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows.” (Psalm 22:25)
“The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever!” (Psalm 22:26)
“All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him,” (Psalm 22:27)
“for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:28)
“All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him— those who cannot keep themselves alive.” (Psalm 22:29)
“Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.” (Psalm 22:30)
“They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!” (Psalm 22:31)
The final verses of Psalm 22 extend the scope from personal deliverance to a universal vision of hope and praise. David acknowledges that his praise stems from God’s intervention and commits to fulfilling his vows of gratitude in the assembly. Verse 26 encapsulates the satisfaction and vitality that come from seeking the Lord. The subsequent verses (27-31) envision a future where all nations recognize and worship God, acknowledging His sovereign rule over the earth.
The psalm closes with a powerful declaration that spans generations, affirming God’s righteousness and works. The phrase “He has done it” resonates with finality and triumph, echoing the New Testament’s “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying the completion of God’s redemptive work. This ultimate praise anticipates a time when God’s glory will be universally acknowledged and celebrated.
Conclusion
Psalms Chapter 22 is a masterful blend of personal lament, prophetic insight, and ultimate trust in God. It captures the raw emotions of abandonment, humiliation, and physical torment while simultaneously affirming faith in God’s deliverance and righteousness. The psalm’s prophetic elements are particularly significant for Christian theology, providing a vivid foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Throughout the psalm, the transition from deep despair to fervent praise demonstrates the transformative power of reflecting on God’s past faithfulness and promises. David’s journey from anguish to triumph serves as a powerful reminder of God’s enduring presence and the hope that lies in His salvation. This chapter not only resonates with individual believers but also points to a grand vision of God’s dominion and the universal worship that is to come.