Psalm 22:19-31
Q.1. What were David’s current circumstances? On Whom was his confidence of victory based? Whom did David expect to benefit from his experience documented in this song? – (Ps.22:19-24)
The early verses of this Psalm are rich with Messianic prophecies of the sufferings of Jesus on the Cross. David was battling against insurmountable odds, when he cried – … Lord, be not far off; O You my help, hasten to my assistance (Ps.22:19). In spite of his circumstances, David’s faith that God would bring victory was strong – I will tell of Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You (Ps.22:22). His confidence was based on his understanding of the character of God – For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; Nor has He hidden His face from him; But when he cried to Him for help, He heard (Ps.22:24). David composed this song for his people – You who fear the Lord, praise Him; All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him, and stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel (Ps.22:23).
Q.2. From where did David’s praise come? Who will join him at a future time? What did David see beyond his sufferings and death? How did he understand his trials? (Ps.22:25-31)
By faith, David saw himself worshiping God at the Tabernacle, among His people (Ps.22:25). He would join them in praise – The afflicted will eat and be satisfied; Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever! (Ps.22:26). David foresaw a multitude of nations turning to the Lord, because he knew that God is over all people – All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will worship before You. For the kingdom is the Lord’s and He rules over the nations (Ps.22:27-28). In fact all generations, past and future, will acknowledge David’s Lord – 29 … All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him, even he who cannot keep his soul alive. 30 Posterity will serve Him; It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation. 31 They will come and will declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, that He has performed it (Ps.22:29-31). Jesus would have found comfort in these prophecies, as He surrendered His life for the sin of the world (c.f. Isa.53:6; Jn.1:29; 1 Jn.2:2). It is our calling and privilege to make the Gospel known to those yet to be reborn.