Overview

Psalm 22 is one of the most profound and prophetic psalms in the entire book of Psalms, often referred to as the “Psalm of the Cross.” It begins with the heart-wrenching cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”—a verse that Jesus quoted while on the cross. This psalm vividly describes the suffering of an innocent sufferer who feels abandoned by God and ridiculed by others. The psalm transitions from lament and despair to a triumphant expression of hope, trust, and praise for God’s deliverance.

Theologically, this psalm is significant because it serves as a prophetic portrayal of the Messiah’s suffering and victory. Many details of the psalm, such as the piercing of hands and feet and the dividing of garments, are strikingly fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion. It also emphasizes the universal scope of God’s salvation, as the psalm envisions a future where all nations will come to worship the Lord.

Historical and Literary Context

Psalm 22 is attributed to King David and is written in the style of an individual lament. David likely composed this psalm during a time of intense personal suffering and persecution, though the specific historical event is not mentioned. While it reflects David’s immediate experience, the psalm also transcends his situation, pointing prophetically to the suffering and exaltation of Jesus Christ.

This psalm is part of the first book of Psalms (Psalms 1–41), which focuses on themes of God’s sovereignty, justice, and the challenges of righteous living in a fallen world. The language of Psalm 22 is poetic and vivid, using metaphor and hyperbole to convey intense emotions. The psalm moves from a plea for help (verses 1–21) to an expression of praise and confidence in God’s ultimate justice and deliverance (verses 22–31).

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

The first theme is the reality of suffering and the human cry for God’s presence. The psalmist’s lament highlights the anguish of feeling forsaken by God, a common experience for believers in times of trial. This suffering is depicted not only as physical but also emotional and spiritual, reflecting the depths of human despair.

The second theme is the prophetic portrayal of the Messiah’s suffering. Psalm 22 provides vivid imagery that parallels the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, underscoring the redemptive purpose of His suffering. The detailed descriptions of mockery, physical agony, and the casting of lots for clothing point unmistakably to the events of the cross.

The third theme is the universality of God’s salvation. The psalm anticipates a time when all nations and peoples will acknowledge and worship the Lord. This prophetic vision emphasizes the inclusivity of God’s redemptive plan, extending beyond Israel to encompass the entire world.

The final theme is the triumph of faith and trust in God’s deliverance. Despite the initial lament, the psalm ends with a declaration of praise and hope. It reminds believers that suffering and despair are not the final word; God’s faithfulness and salvation bring ultimate victory and joy.

Psalm 22 serves as a bridge between human suffering and divine redemption, offering profound insights into God’s purposes in allowing trials and the hope found in Christ’s victory over sin and death.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Verse 1:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?”

This verse begins with the cry of abandonment that Jesus Himself uttered on the cross (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). It expresses the deep anguish of feeling separated from God during intense suffering. For David, this lament reflects a personal experience of despair and desperation. For Christians, it points prophetically to Christ’s substitutionary atonement, where He bore the sins of humanity and experienced separation from the Father. The application is a reminder that Jesus understands our deepest pain and that, in our suffering, God remains sovereign and present, even if He feels distant.

Verses 2–5:

“My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. 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. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”

The psalmist continues to cry out to God, feeling unheard despite his pleas. However, there is a shift in focus to God’s character and faithfulness to Israel’s history. The psalmist remembers how God delivered His people in the past, building a foundation of trust. This passage teaches believers to ground their faith in God’s unchanging character and past acts of deliverance, even when present circumstances seem bleak (Hebrews 13:8).

Verses 6–8:

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. ‘He trusts in the Lord,’ they say, ‘let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.'”

Here, the psalmist describes the depth of his humiliation and rejection. The imagery of being a “worm” conveys utter worthlessness. The mockery and scorn of the crowd parallel the ridicule Jesus endured at the cross (Matthew 27:39–43). The taunt, “Let the Lord rescue him,” is directly echoed in the Gospels. This section underscores the truth that following God often invites persecution (John 15:18–20), but Jesus’ suffering provides hope and vindication.

Verses 9–11:

“Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”

The psalmist appeals to God’s intimate care and providence since birth. This passage highlights God’s sustaining presence throughout life. It calls believers to lean on their personal history with God, recalling His faithfulness during times of need (Philippians 1:6).

Verses 12–18:

“Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. 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. 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. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.”

This vivid description of suffering portrays both physical and emotional torment. The “bulls of Bashan” and “roaring lions” represent the psalmist’s enemies, emphasizing their strength and ferocity. The prophetic elements, including the piercing of hands and feet and the casting of lots for clothing, are fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus (John 19:23–24). The agony described underscores the cost of sin and the depth of Jesus’ love in enduring the cross (Isaiah 53:5).

Verses 19–21:

“But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.”

The psalmist shifts from lament to a plea for deliverance, emphasizing God as his only source of strength and salvation. This passage reflects the believer’s reliance on God in times of dire need. It also points to Christ’s dependence on the Father during His suffering (Luke 23:46).

Verses 22–24:

“I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 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.”

The tone changes dramatically as the psalmist anticipates deliverance and declares his intent to praise God publicly. This shift mirrors the resurrection of Christ, where suffering gives way to victory and proclamation (Acts 2:24). The assurance that God hears and does not despise the afflicted provides hope for believers to trust God’s faithfulness in their trials.

Verses 25–31:

“From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever! 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, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. 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. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!”

The psalm concludes with universal praise and the proclamation of God’s dominion. This vision anticipates the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) and the universal worship of God in His kingdom (Philippians 2:10–11). The final declaration, “He has done it,” echoes Jesus’ cry, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying the completion of His redemptive work. This passage calls believers to participate in the mission of spreading the Gospel and trusting in God’s ultimate victory.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Psalm 22 stands as one of the most explicit Messianic psalms, pointing directly to Jesus Christ and His redemptive work on the cross. The opening cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” is quoted by Jesus in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34, highlighting His identification with the psalmist’s experience of suffering and abandonment. This cry encapsulates the depth of Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice, as He bore the weight of humanity’s sin and the judgment it deserved. The vivid descriptions of suffering in this psalm, such as being mocked (verse 7), having His hands and feet pierced (verse 16), and the casting of lots for His clothing (verse 18), are direct prophecies fulfilled in the crucifixion (Matthew 27:35; John 19:23-24).

The second half of the psalm transitions from lament to praise, foreshadowing Christ’s victory through the resurrection. It reflects the global proclamation of the gospel, where all nations and future generations will hear of the Lord’s righteousness and salvation (verses 27-31). In this, Jesus is revealed as the suffering servant who triumphs over sin and death, bringing redemption to the world. The psalm presents a holistic picture of the gospel: suffering, sacrifice, victory, and proclamation.

Connection to the Father

The chapter underscores the sovereignty and faithfulness of the Father. Even in the depths of despair, the psalmist recalls God’s deliverance of His people in the past, affirming that God remains trustworthy (verses 3-5). This mirrors Christ’s ultimate trust in the Father’s plan, even as He faced abandonment on the cross. The Father’s role in orchestrating redemption is evident in the way the events of the crucifixion fulfill His divine purposes. This connection highlights the Father’s love and justice—He does not spare His Son but offers Him as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Romans 8:32). The psalm reflects the unbroken relationship between the Father and the Son, even in the midst of suffering, as Christ’s obedience glorifies the Father’s redemptive plan.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit’s role is evident in the prophetic nature of this psalm. Through inspiration, David penned words that would be fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, showcasing the Spirit’s work in revealing God’s redemptive plan throughout Scripture. The Spirit also enables the proclamation of God’s righteousness and salvation, as seen in the latter verses (27-31). These verses anticipate the work of the Spirit in empowering believers to declare the gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). The Spirit’s presence is implicit in bringing comfort to those who suffer, ensuring that their cries are heard and answered by the Lord.

Connection to God’s Love

Psalm 22 magnifies God’s love for humanity through the depth of suffering endured for redemption. The anguish described in the psalm and fulfilled in Christ’s crucifixion illustrates the costly nature of God’s love. God does not despise or ignore the suffering of the afflicted (verse 24) but hears their cries and provides salvation. The psalm’s transition from lament to universal praise reflects God’s ultimate plan to restore and redeem, inviting all people to worship Him. His love is seen in His attentiveness to human pain, His provision of a Savior, and His promise of eternal fellowship for all who trust in Him. This psalm invites believers to rest in the assurance that God’s love is both personal and far-reaching, encompassing the entirety of His redemptive story.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Title: “From Forsaken to Fulfilled: The Hope of Redemption in Psalm 22”

Introduction:

• Begin with the dramatic opening line of the psalm, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
• Highlight how these words are echoed by Jesus on the cross, immediately drawing a connection between David’s lament and Christ’s ultimate sacrifice.
• Pose the central question: How does suffering lead to redemption, and what hope does Psalm 22 offer to believers today?

Main Points:

1. The Cry of Abandonment (Verses 1-5)
   • Explain the psalmist’s feeling of being forsaken despite trusting in God’s past faithfulness.
   • Transition to Christ’s cry on the cross, emphasizing His bearing of humanity’s sin.
   • Application: Encourage believers to bring their laments honestly before God, trusting in His character even when they feel distant from Him.
2. The Depths of Suffering (Verses 6-21)
   • Describe the vivid imagery of scorn, mockery, and physical agony.
   • Connect the piercing of hands and feet and the casting of lots for clothing to the crucifixion.
   • Application: Reassure Christians that Christ understands their suffering and bore it for their redemption.
3. The Triumph of Praise (Verses 22-31)
   • Highlight the turning point in the psalm where despair gives way to praise.
   • Emphasize the global and generational proclamation of God’s righteousness and salvation.
   • Application: Challenge believers to live as witnesses of God’s faithfulness, sharing the gospel with others.

Conclusion:

• Reiterate the overarching theme of Psalm 22: suffering is not the end of the story; God’s plan leads to redemption and glory.
• Call to action: Invite the congregation to trust in Christ as the fulfillment of this psalm, bringing their burdens to Him and joining in the proclamation of His salvation.

Illustrations and Examples

1. Modern-Day Illustration: Share a story of someone who felt abandoned by God during a time of suffering but later saw His faithfulness and redemption, much like the transition in the psalm. For example, recount a testimony of a person recovering from a deep personal loss or hardship who later became a witness of God’s sustaining grace.
2. Personal Story: Reflect on a personal moment where you felt distant from God but later realized He was working behind the scenes for good. This transparency can help the congregation relate to the psalm’s themes of lament and praise.
3. Analogy: Use the image of a tapestry viewed from the back—chaotic threads that seem random and disconnected. Explain how, from God’s perspective, the front side of the tapestry reveals a beautiful design, much like the redemptive story of Psalm 22.

Application for Today’s Christian

1. Trust God in Suffering: Encourage believers to cry out to God during their trials, following the example of the psalmist and Christ. Remind them that their feelings of abandonment do not mean God is absent.
2. Find Hope in the Cross: Challenge Christians to see the fulfillment of Psalm 22 in Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Trust in His victory over sin and death brings hope even in the darkest moments.
3. Be Witnesses of Redemption: Urge the congregation to join in the proclamation of God’s salvation, as the psalm declares. Share the gospel with those around them and live as testimonies of His grace.
4. Praise God Through the Pain: Emphasize the importance of worship and gratitude even when circumstances are difficult. Worship anchors believers in God’s faithfulness and reminds them of His ultimate plan for their good and His glory.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the psalmist’s cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” resonate with your own experiences of feeling abandoned or distant from God? How does this lament teach us to approach God in times of suffering?
2. In what ways do the descriptions of suffering in Psalm 22 foreshadow the crucifixion of Jesus? How does this deepen your understanding of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross?
3. The psalmist remembers God’s past faithfulness even while feeling forsaken. How can reflecting on God’s past work in your life strengthen your trust in Him during trials?
4. The psalm shifts from lament to praise in verse 22. What does this transition reveal about the power of worship and trust in God, even in the face of hardship?
5. Psalm 22 concludes with a global proclamation of God’s righteousness and salvation. How can you personally participate in sharing the message of God’s redemption with others?
6. What practical steps can you take to trust God more fully during times of suffering? How can Psalm 22 inspire your prayer life and deepen your dependence on Him?