Psalm 22:1-18
Q.1. What makes the words of this Psalm extraordinary? Had David lost his faith amid his trials? How crucial is praise to God? What does prayer reveal about a person? – (Ps.22:1-6)
Quite apart from the general descriptions that allude to Christ’s suffering on the cross, several verses of Psalm 22 are quoted by Jesus and the Gospel writers – My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? (Ps.22:1 c.f. Mt.27:46; Mk.15:34) … They pierced my hands and my feet (Ps.22:16 c.f. Mt.27:35; Jn.20:25) … They divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots (Ps.22:18 c.f. Mt.27:35; Mk.15:24; Lk.23:34; Jn.19:24). The Romans who crucified Jesus, and the soldiers who cast lots for His garments, would have been unaware of the Scriptures that they were fulfilling. The fulfilment of these prophecies was not rigged. Far from expressing a loss of confidence in God, David asserted – 4 In You our fathers trusted; They trusted, and You delivered them. 5 To You they cried out and were delivered; In You they trusted and were not disappointed (Ps.22:4-5). David acknowledged the connection between trust and praise, since God is glorified when we express gratitude in spite of the circumstances – Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel (Ps.22:3). When we maintain such confidence in God, we give Him the glory He deserves.
Q.2. How was David treated by others? Why? Where did his trials take his thoughts? What prophecies point to Christ’s death on the cross? How do David’s words apply to Christ’s suffering? – (Ps.22:6-18)
David wrote the Psalm describing his suffering at the hands of the enemy. However, at the same time it is one of the most remarkable Messianic prophecies. This is known as the Law of Double Reference, which is often observed in the prophetic writers. Consistent with Isaiah 53:3, David alluded to the rejection of Jesus by the Jews, when He was on the cross. (Ps.22:7 c.f. Mt.27:39; Mk.15:29; Lk.23:35; Jn.1:11). The Psalm captured the cynical mocking by the leaders (Ps.22:8 & 17 c.f. Mt.27:43; Lk.23:27&35). It also described the extreme thirst of Jesus on the cross (Ps.22:15 c.f. Jn.19:28). David’s trials led him to meditate on God’s watchful care over his birth, and throughout his life – 9 Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts. 10 Upon You I was cast from birth; You have been my God from my mother’s womb (Ps.22:9-10). The implication is – It is unthinkable that You would not be with me and in control even in my darkness and despair. This is an amazing Psalm which described events a thousand years before they happened.