Appendix 4 - Psalm 22
This Psalm of David has been interpreted in a wide variety of ways, even Christian theologians can’t agree to its meaning, let alone its application. Regardless of how it is interpreted, the parallels between this psalm and Jesus’ time on the cross are unmistakable and that fact alone should be sufficient motivation for all Christians to know and study this chapter. Psalm 22 is truly prophecy in its purest form, pointing to David’s most famous relative, the Messiah Himself, Jesus Christ.
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.
Matthew recorded while Jesus was on the cross, “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46, see also Mark 15:34). The Hebrew ‘ǎzǎḇt’[1] emphasizes being totally abandoned. When David wrote this he felt the absence of God, the pain is expressed through his groaning and crying. He believes that God has rejected his plea for help as there has been no answer from Him, nothing, no relief from the pain, no rest in sight.
If this is a foreshadow of Jesus on the cross, how do these words apply to Him? Was Jesus simply quoting David’s plea to fulfill prophecy, or was there something else going on? First, we need to recognize that this was the only time in any of the gospel accounts where Jesus calls His Father “My God.” Why the change? Paul would remind us that, “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us,” (Romans 8:3-4a) and that, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” ( 1 Corinthians 5:21) What is Paul telling us? That while on the cross, Jesus was carrying our sin, all the sin that was done in the past, and all sin yet future. In other words, He was representing all believers, He was calling out to His Father in the same manner we would call out to God in distress! God substituted our sinful lives with His Son’s sin-free life, thus fulfilling His law, allowing believers of Jesus to be forgiven and considered righteous in His eyes.
3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 4 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. 5 To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
In essentially the same ‘breath’, David recognizes the holiness of God who is pure without sin and deserves all praise! David further notes that in the past his predecessors trusted God and they were delivered, as they also likewise cried. Their rescue was complete, yet they were not shamed for their cries for help, God listened and responded.
Shortly after creation mankind disobeyed God and all became guilty of sin, a condition that was not repairable, nor possible to be reconciled by only human effort. From that point on humanity has been praying, crying, and pleading for relief from pain, suffering, and death. Instead of being put to shame, God answered by sending His only Son to die for humanity’s sins so they can be saved and then live forever with Jesus.
6 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. 7 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; 8 “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”
David sees himself as a worm, something way less significant than a man. At this time David had been scorned and rejected by man and despised by many. He notes that he has been mocked and “they make mouths at me” (believed to be some form of sneer, some think it refers to being spit upon) as they shake their heads in disbelief. These naysayers mockingly acknowledge David’s trust in God, saying let God deliver him.
When we think of what Jesus did for us, do we consider the complete and total reversal He did for us? He willingly set aside His power to become the lowest human being! Not once did He complain or choose any shortcuts, He willingly suffered and died for us. While on the cross people continued to sneer and ridicule Jesus, Matthew records, “And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:39-43, see also Mark 15:29-32; Luke 23:35-36)
9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. 10 On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God. 11 Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.
Continuing in the theme of trusting in God the Father, David goes back to a time in his mother’s womb, a time of feeling safe and secure. But once born he acknowledges that his trust has always been in God, he essentially asks why would now be different? So, he pleads with God to be close to him, as “trouble is near” and he has no one else to turn to (see also James 4:8).
While not stated in any way, Jesus knew that He will be truly alone and desires His Father to stay close during His time of agony. On the cross, perhaps thinking how His fellowship with His Father will be temporarily broken for the first time.
12 Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13 they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.
Mature male cattle are referred to as bulls, which are more muscular and more aggressive than their female counterparts. Having bulls surrounding you would make life a lot more challenging, if at all even possible. David goes one step further by noting that the bulls are from Bashan, a region recognized for strong cattle (see Deuteronomy 32:14-16; Amos 4:1; Micah 7:14). He also notes that these bulls were behaving like ravenous loud lions with their mouths hanging open threatening him.
During Jesus’ crucifixion He was definitely surrounded by the visible show of the enemy, especially the unrepentant Jewish leadership, and of course the Pharisees, scribes, and Sadducees, as well as a number of mocking Romans. But what was undoubtedly there as well was the dark and ominous presence of evil, perhaps even Satan himself, hoping to bring an end to Jesus.
14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; 15 my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.
David begins to describe his personal condition as the stress of being felt abandoned by God and being pursued by his enemies, he realizes that the anxiety is taking its toll on his well being. He feels like he was “poured out like water” and that his bones are unable to support him. His heart felt like melted wax and his strength dried up like a piece of pottery. He was apparently so thirsty that his tongue was sticking to the jaw of his mouth. He felt like he was ready to die, brought down to dust. In these two verses David describes himself as having little to no hope to live. The affects of his current situation has him seriously depressed which has manifested into an equally serious health issue.
After Jesus was flogged and exhausted from then having to partially carry His cross and then walk to Golgotha where the public crucifixions took place outside of town, Jesus likely had little to no strength left. He undoubtedly felt like He was poured out like water. Being on the cross He would have certainly felt like His bones were out of joint as He would have had to push up on His nailed feet just to breathe. The physical stress and trauma would have been a tremendous strain on His heart especially as His strength continued to decline. He once called out that He was thirsty (see John 19:28) and shortly afterwards died.
16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— 17 I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; 18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.
David, while hiding in the wilderness, could have been literally surrounded by wild mongrel dogs, unlike today’s domestic dogs, these would have been mean scavengers which were often very vicious. They could have considered David as easy prey in his near-death condition. But then he adds that he is also ‘encircled’ by evildoers, people who wanted to harm him. The text doesn’t state who pierced his hands and feet. Did the dogs bite? Or were the evildoers successful in harming David? Most believe David was using figurative language to stress a point regarding his unenviable situation and condition (although many interject the idea that these were dogs used to track and hunt).
It appears that David was so emaciated that he thought he could see and count all of the bones in his body. His enemy was able to stare at him and gloat over him (Hebrew ‘yir·’û’,[2] refers to being spied on, watched), perhaps at a distance. But yet in his final description about his personal condition he writes that his clothes were divided among those who were pursuing him and that they were casting lots to choose who gets the various articles of clothing. Therefore, his enemies were likely not very far away.
For Jesus, the reality was much more grim as He was literally facing death. However, the dogs mentioned were probably figurative as He was surrounded by evil people who wanted to destroy Him and His teaching (thinking perhaps when you destroy the teacher, you destroy the message too). But the text regarding being pierced in his hands and feet were quite literal. This is an interesting prophetic point as crucifixion was not developed until several years later after David’s writing. With Jesus’ frail body hanging half naked on the cross, like that of David’s emaciated body, His bones could be counted as well. Prior to being placed on a cross, all outer clothing was removed by the Romans, undoubtedly to further humiliate the criminal. When the Romans came across Jesus’ clothes they recognized their value and decided to cast lots to decide which one of them would get the garments (see Matthew 27:35; Luke 23:34; John 19:24).
19 But you, O LORD, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! 21 Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!
David then moves beyond his situation and condition to that of a dialog between him and God. He begins with a plea for God to not be far off (compare with verses one and eleven) and asks for a quick reply for aid. He wants God to deliver him from the sword to save his life from the power of the dogs. He again pleads for his life by asking for protection from the mouth of the lion, noting that he had been previously rescued from the horns of the wild oxen in the past which would be very deadly. The Hebrew (rē·mîm’)[3] for wild oxen is often used to describe someone who is spiritually depraved and therefore dangerous (see Numbers 23:22; 24:8; Deuteronomy 33:17; Job 39:9-10; Psalm 29:6; 92:10; Isaiah 34:7). This recognition of him being rescued in the past from the wild oxen begins David’s return to praising God.
Note: The Hebrew word 'rē·mîm' in the KJV is translated as 'unicorn'. Many are still unsure to the exact meaning, however, most translators today prefer 'wild oxen' (including the NKJV), as the emphasis is likely on the large animal's use of horns as powerful weapons.
Returning to the feeling of abandonment (see also verse one and eleven) David pleads for God to not be far away and come to his aid. Jesus being separated from His Father, as discussed earlier was likely a new sensation. We know that He agonized the night before in the garden knowing what He was going to face (see Luke 22:44), so He undoubtedly would relate to David’s words and wanted His Father near. David lists three elements that he desired to be delivered from: the sword; the power of the dog; and the mouth of the lion. While all three refer to the common goal of killing, the reason for the desire of death seems to be different. The Romans wanted Jesus dead to prevent any further political uprisings (the ‘sword’), the Jewish leadership saw Jesus as a threat to their way of living (the ‘dogs’), and Satan strongly desired to thwart God’s plan of salvation (the ‘lion’, see 1 Peter 3:8).
22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: 23 You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.
In what might be described as ‘classic’ David’s psalm writing style, he returns to praising God. No matter how bad the scenario or personal condition is, David knows that God is in control of all things and deserves praise. He will, in the midst of all the people to see and hear (no longer hiding), praise God. He adds that all those who fear God to praise Him, the offspring of Jacob to glorify Him, and for the offspring of Israel to stand in awe of Him. David reminds them why they should praise Him, because He never would disrespect or detest anyone afflicted, and would never will hide His face when someone earnestly cries out to Him.
After Jesus died on the cross He was placed in a tomb and then on the first day of the week He arose from the dead. News of His resurrection was announced first to His inner group of disciples and followers and then to all people. All who feared and knew Jesus praised Him. The offspring of Jacob were called to glorify Him and the offspring of Israel were called to stand in awe of Him. As He did not and would never turn His back against His people or anyone who calls out to Him.
Note: While the reference to the offspring of Jacob and the offspring of Israel would technically be addressing the same people, it is difficult to not notice a theme in how and when the two names are used. It seems that when the name of Jacob appears that Jacob (or the nation) is doing something against God’s wishes, and that when the name Israel is used his (or the nation) actions are in alignment with God. Here in this psalm both names are used. Perhaps for rhythm or some other literary reason, or perhaps addressing both people groups (those with a heart to serve God and those who do not), as the resurrection is for everyone’s benefit.
These verses transition the reader from the cross and grave to the resurrection. Jesus was victorious over death. Not only does He deserve praise, His accomplishment needs to be announced to all people. God, in His plan of salvation through Jesus demonstrates that He did not despise the afflicted or turn His head from anyone pleading for mercy. God heard and provided the only lasting solution, redemption through the blood of Jesus.
25 From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him. 26 The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever!
David desires to proclaim and praise God in front of many people. Those that have been afflicted (perhaps those that were innocently harmed in his conflict) will be able to eat and be satisfied as they can now openly seek and praise God.
Jesus praised His Father in front of many witnesses as death has been conquered, allowing direct access to God for those who seek Him. Their hearts will live forever. With Jesus being the “Bread of Life” (see John 6:35) whoever comes to Him will not hunger.
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. 28 For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.
David sees God’s redemption from his near-death experience as being miraculous, a story that will be heard around the world. David also acknowledges that all kings are placed in power by God, as He is the One ruling all nations (see also Romans 13:1).
The praise of Jesus will extend to all the ends of the earth as the gospel message will be proclaimed. People will turn to God, and families around the world will worship Him. God is the ultimate King of the Universe! He rules over all nations.
29 All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive. 30 Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the Lord to the coming generation; 31 they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.
Building on the truth that God oversees all things in the world and beyond, David notes that the prosperous (Hebrew ‘diš·nê’,[4] a rich harvest, in context it describes a righteous or spiritually healthy person) will feast and worship Him. Including all men and women whose lives will end as dust (the self righteous), they will bow before Him. The children of the prosperous will serve and worship Him. And that future generations will hear about God and His plan of redemption.
The world will hear about what Jesus did and at some point in the future, “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10b-11, see also Isaiah 45:23; Romans 14:11) The gospel message will continue to be presented, taught, and proclaimed until the end (when Jesus returns).
It is important to note that the ending of this psalm is the phrase, “that he has done it,” which literally means, “it is finished,” essentially the same last words Jesus spoke on the cross (see John 19:30). The plan of God for humanity’s salvation has been accomplished, people can be saved if they come to Jesus and receive the greatest gift ever offered.
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[1] Strong’s Hebrew 5800.
[2] Strong’s Hebrew 7200.
[3] Strong’s Hebrew 7214.
[4] Strong’s Hebrew 1879.