Psalms 22 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Psalms 22

The Book of Psalms is a collection of sacred songs and prayers attributed to King David, the second king of ancient Israel. Psalm 22 is a powerful and poignant lament, written from the perspective of a suffering individual who cries out to God in the midst of their anguish. The author expresses a deep sense of abandonment and despair in this chapter but ultimately finds hope in the faithfulness of God. The passage foreshadows the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as evident in the New Testament’s references to this Psalm during the Passion narrative.

The author’s raw honesty and vulnerability in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the human experience of faith and doubt. God hears our cries and is ever-present, even if His ways are not always immediately clear to us as we journey through this Psalm. This passage invites us to trust in the Lord’s ultimate redemption, even when our circumstances seem bleak.

Psalms 22:1-5

The psalmist in Psalm 22:1-5 begins by crying out, “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 opening line emphasizes a deep sense of abandonment and distress, echoing feelings of despair and loneliness. It is a poignant expression of the psalmist’s feeling of being abandoned by God in a time of great need, akin to how Jesus felt on the cross when he quoted these words (Matthew 27:46).

The imagery used in these verses vividly describes the intensity of the psalmist’s suffering: “I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.” The psalmist is experiencing relentless distress, praying earnestly for relief, yet feeling as though God is not present to hear or respond. This feeling of anguish and separation from God is a universal human experience, showcasing the depth of human suffering and the need for God’s presence and intervention.

Despite the overwhelming sense of abandonment, the psalmist demonstrates unwavering faith and trust in God’s character and past faithfulness: “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. You delivered them because our ancestors put their trust in you.” Here, the psalmist acknowledges God’s sovereignty and faithfulness in the history of Israel, drawing strength from the collective memory of God’s past deliverance. This serves as a reminder that even in moments of darkness and despair, remembering God’s faithfulness in the past can sustain hope and trust in the present.

The psalmist continues to pour out his heart before God, recounting his current state of suffering: “But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.” This imagery of feeling like a worm, lowly and despised, conveys the depth of the psalmist’s humiliation and suffering. It points to a sense of dehumanization and isolation, as the psalmist experiences rejection and ridicule from those around him. This language resonates with the suffering servant imagery found in Isaiah 53, where the servant of the Lord is portrayed as despised and rejected by others. The psalmist articulates the complex interplay of human suffering, faith, and trust in God in these opening verses of Psalm 22. The raw emotions expressed here provide a powerful example of how to approach God in times of deep distress, laying bare one’s pain and vulnerabilities while still holding onto the hope of God’s eventual deliverance. This passage serves as a poignant reminder that even in moments of apparent abandonment, God is still present, listening to our cries, and inviting us to pour out our hearts before Him in honesty and trust.

Psalms 22:6-10

The psalmist in Psalm 22:6-10 describes their plight, feeling like a mere worm and not a man, scorned by the people and despised by the nation. This powerful imagery conveys a sense of deep despair and isolation. The psalmist is pouring out their heart before God, expressing the depth of their suffering and how they are treated with contempt by those around them. This section reflects a common theme in many Psalms where the author is overwhelmed by their circumstances and cries out to God for deliverance and comfort.

The mention of being “scorned by everyone, despised by the people” is reminiscent of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53, a prophetic passage that foretells the suffering of Jesus Christ. The psalmist’s words here can resonate with the feelings of rejection and persecution that Jesus experienced during His earthly ministry. This connection adds a layer of significance to the psalm, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of these words in Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.

The psalmist acknowledges God as their stronghold and source of confidence from birth, highlighting their dependence on God throughout their life. This demonstrates a deep trust in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty, despite the challenging circumstances they find themselves in. The imagery of being cast on God from birth and carried from the womb evokes a sense of protection and care that God provides for His people from the very beginning of their lives.

Furthermore, the reference to being cast upon God from birth can also be interpreted as a recognition of God’s sovereignty and control over one’s life. Just as God is intimately involved in the psalmist’s life from the moment of birth, He is also intricately involved in the lives of all believers, guiding and protecting them through every stage of life. This reaffirms the biblical truth that God is the ultimate sustainer and provider in whom we can place our trust and security. The psalmist is laying bare their vulnerability and need for God’s intervention in these verses. Their honest expression of despair and suffering serves as a reminder that it is acceptable to bring our deepest struggles and pain before God. This raw and heartfelt plea for deliverance sets an example for believers to approach God with authenticity and transparency, knowing that He is always ready to hear our cries and offer comfort and strength in times of trouble.

Psalms 22:11-15

The psalmist in Psalms 22:11-15 delves into a heartfelt cry to God, expressing feelings of abandonment and distress. Let’s break down this passage into sections for a more detailed analysis:

1. “Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. The psalmist in this verse is calling out to God to be close to him during a time of trouble when he feels isolated and without any human assistance. This cry for God’s presence highlights the psalmist’s deep reliance on God for help and support in times of distress. It demonstrates a fundamental aspect of faith – the belief that God is the ultimate source of comfort and strength.

2. “Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.” (Psalms 22:12-13)
   Here, the psalmist uses vivid imagery to describe the overwhelming opposition and hostility he is facing. The reference to bulls and lions conveys a sense of ferocity and threat. This portrayal serves to emphasize the magnitude of the challenges and adversaries the psalmist is up against, making his plea for God’s intervention even more urgent.

3. “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; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. The psalmist vividly expresses the physical and emotional toll of his suffering in these verses. The imagery of being poured out like water, bones out of joint, heart like wax melting, and strength drying up portrays a state of utter weakness and helplessness. The psalmist’s description of being laid in the dust of death evokes a sense of impending doom and mortality.

This passage in Psalms 22 captures the raw emotions of human suffering and desperation, while also showcasing the unshakeable faith and reliance on God as the ultimate deliverer and refuge. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of turning to God in times of trouble and finding solace in His presence. The psalmist’s words resonate with those who have experienced trials and tribulations, offering a message of hope and trust in God’s faithfulness. Various other passages echo this theme of crying out to God in distress and finding comfort in His presence in the broader context of the Bible. For instance, Psalm 34:17-18 declares, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” This reinforces the idea that God is attentive to the cries of His people and offers solace and deliverance in times of need.

Psalms 22:16-21

A band of evil men has surrounded me, they have pierced my hands and my feet, as read in Psalms 22:16-21. I can count all my bones; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. But you, O Lord, do not be far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.”

The imagery presented in these verses is strikingly reminiscent of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The mention of hands and feet being pierced is a direct allusion to the crucifixion of Jesus, where he was nailed to the cross. The dividing of garments and casting lots for clothing also mirrors the scene at the crucifixion of Jesus, where the soldiers divided his garments among themselves. This prophetic description of the suffering and abandonment experienced by the psalmist reflects the intense agony and distress that Jesus himself endured on the cross.

The mention of “dogs” and “evil men” surrounding the psalmist can symbolize the enemies and adversaries that seek to harm him. Darkness and evil that exist in the world constantly seek to oppress and persecute the righteous, representing the forces of darkness in a broader context. However, amidst all of this suffering and persecution, the psalmist calls out to the Lord for deliverance and salvation. This is a powerful reminder of the unwavering faith and trust in God’s ultimate power and sovereignty, even in the midst of intense suffering and despair.

The plea for God to come quickly and deliver the psalmist from the sword and the power of the dogs is a cry for rescue and redemption. This resonates with the broader theme of salvation and deliverance that runs throughout the Bible. From the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt to the ultimate redemption offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Bible consistently portrays God as a savior who delivers his people from oppression and bondage. The New Testament vividly shows the fulfillment of this psalm in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The suffering and death of Jesus on the cross, as foretold in Psalms 22, ultimately lead to the victory of his resurrection and the salvation of all who believe in him. This demonstrates the redemptive power of God and his ability to turn even the darkest moments of suffering into avenues for grace and salvation. Psalms 22:16-21 serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering, deliverance, and redemptive power of God that echoes throughout the Bible. It points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and the hope and salvation that his resurrection brings to all who put their trust in him.

Psalms 22:22-26

The verse in Psalms 22:22-26 can be broken down into several key sections that express powerful messages about faith, deliverance, and praise. Beginning with verse 22, “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you,” the psalmist is declaring his intention to proclaim God’s name and praise Him among the assembly of believers. This sets the tone for the verses to follow, emphasizing the importance of worship and spreading the word of God in community.

The mention of proclaiming God’s name to the psalmist’s people highlights the role of believers in spreading the message of faith and salvation. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who are called to be messengers of God, such as Moses, Isaiah, and Paul. Their stories show how God uses ordinary people to carry out His plans and share His word with others. This verse serves as a reminder of our responsibility as believers to share the good news and praise God in fellowship with other believers.

Moving on to verse 23, “You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!,” the psalmist calls on all who fear and reverence the Lord to praise and honor Him. This is a call to the Israelites, reminding them of their covenant relationship with God and the importance of showing Him reverence and respect. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God’s people are called to worship Him with awe and gratitude. This verse reinforces the theme of worship and recognition of God’s sovereignty over His chosen people.

The mention of the descendants of Jacob and Israel in this verse is significant because it links back to the covenant God made with His people. The story of Jacob, who later became Israel, is one of transformation and divine intervention. Despite Jacob’s flaws and mistakes, God remained faithful to His promise to bless him and his descendants. This theme of God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Israel is woven throughout the Bible, illustrating God’s enduring love and mercy towards His chosen people.

Continuing to verse 24, “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 psalmist reflects on God’s compassion and attentiveness to the cries of the afflicted. This verse speaks to the intimate relationship between God and His people, where He is portrayed as a compassionate and responsive listener to the prayers of the suffering. This portrayal of God’s character as a compassionate and present help in times of need is a recurring theme in the Bible.

The concept of God hearing the cries of the afflicted is echoed throughout the Bible, particularly in the Psalms. Psalm 34:17-18 states, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This verse aligns with the sentiment expressed in Psalms 22:24, underscoring the idea that God is attentive to the pleas of His people and delivers them from their distress.

Verse 25 further emphasizes the psalmist’s praise for God’s faithfulness and deliverance, stating, “From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows.” Here, the psalmist acknowledges that his praise stems from God’s faithfulness and deliverance in his life. The psalmist is publicly declaring his commitment to worship and serve God faithfully by fulfilling his vows before those who fear the Lord. This verse captures the idea of offering praise and thanksgiving to God in a community of believers, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and faith.

The idea of fulfilling vows before those who fear the Lord reflects the importance of accountability and transparency in the life of a believer. People in the Bible took making vows or commitments to God seriously, requiring dedication and follow-through. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” This verse underscores the significance of honoring commitments made to God and reinforces the theme of integrity and faithfulness in worship.

Finally, in verse 26, “The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever!,” the psalmist highlights God’s provision for the poor and the satisfaction that comes from seeking the Lord. This verse underscores God’s care for the marginalized and His desire for all to seek Him and find fulfillment in His presence. Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God shows compassion for the poor and calls His people to do the same.

The theme of caring for the poor and marginalized is a central message in the Bible, reflecting God’s heart for justice and righteousness. Psalm 41:1 declares, “Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of trouble.” This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in Psalms 22:26, emphasizing the importance of showing kindness and generosity to those in need. It serves as a reminder of our responsibility as believers to care for the vulnerable and seek justice for the oppressed. Psalms 22:22-26 conveys profound messages of faith, worship, deliverance, and compassion. Through the psalmist’s words, we are reminded of the importance of proclaiming God’s name, honoring Him in worship, seeking His presence in times of trouble, fulfilling our commitments to Him, and caring for the poor and marginalized. These timeless themes resonate throughout the Bible, highlighting God’s faithfulness, compassion, and desire for His people to live in community and righteousness. We can deepen our faith and relationship with God by reflecting on these verses and applying their teachings to our lives, embodying the principles of love, justice, and mercy that are central to His kingdom.

Psalms 22:27-31

Several important sections can be distinguished in Psalms 22:27-31. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. “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. The Psalmist in this verse is proclaiming a message of hope and salvation that extends to all people, not just the Israelites. It emphasizes the universal reach of God’s grace and the ultimate worship of Him by all nations. This imagery aligns with the prophecies throughout the Old Testament that foretell of a time when all nations will recognize and bow down before the Lord. This verse underscores the inclusive nature of God’s salvation plan, which was not limited to a specific group or ethnicity but encompassed all who would turn to Him in faith.

2. “For dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.”

Here, the Psalmist acknowledges the supreme authority of God over all the nations of the earth. This verse echoes similar sentiments found in other parts of the Bible, such as in Daniel 4:34-35, where it is affirmed that God’s dominion is everlasting and His kingdom endures through all generations. It serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty and control over the affairs of the world, even when circumstances may seem chaotic or uncertain. This proclamation reinforces the belief that God is the ultimate ruler and that His purposes will ultimately prevail.

1. “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. A contrast is drawn in these verses between the wealthy and the humble, the powerful and the weak, all coming together in worship before the Lord. This imagery reflects a reversal of social norms, where those who are typically exalted in society (the rich and powerful) are shown kneeling alongside the downtrodden and lowly. This theme of humility and equality before God is recurrent throughout the Bible, with verses like Matthew 23:12 emphasizing that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. It underlines the principle that in God’s Kingdom, status and wealth hold no sway, and all are called to bow before Him in worship and reverence. Psalms 22:27-31 delivers a message of universal salvation, the sovereignty of God over all nations, and the equality of all people before Him. It underscores the timeless truth that God’s mercy and grace extend to all, regardless of social standing or background, and that ultimately, all will bow before Him in worship. It reminds us of the importance of humility, faith, and recognizing God’s authority in our lives, as we await the fulfillment of His promises for all nations and peoples.

After Psalms 22

The psalmist’s cries of anguish and despair had echoed through the ages, touching the hearts of countless believers. Yet, even in the depths of his suffering, a glimmer of hope shone through. The psalmist’s words hinted at a profound truth as the chapter drew to a close – that even in the darkest of times, the Lord’s salvation was near.

This promise of deliverance would be the focus of the next chapter, as the psalmist’s faith was tested and refined. The congregation would be called to witness the unfolding of God’s plan, a plan that would ultimately bring triumph out of tragedy and light out of darkness. For in the end, the Lord’s steadfast love would prevail, and the psalmist’s cries of anguish would be transformed into songs of praise.