Psalm 22 is a poignant psalm attributed to David that begins with a cry of despair and evolves into a song of praise. It vividly portrays a deep sense of abandonment and suffering while ultimately expressing profound faith and hope in God. This psalm is notable for its intense emotional range and its prophetic elements, which Christians often see as foreshadowing the suffering of Jesus Christ.

The Text of Psalm 22

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Doe of the Morning.” A psalm of David.

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?
2. My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.
3. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.
4. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them.
5. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
6. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
7. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads.
8. “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”
9. Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast.
10. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.
12. Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.
17. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me.
18. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment.
19. But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
20. Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs.
21. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22. I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.
23. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
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.
25. From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfill my vows.
26. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him—may your hearts live forever!
27. 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,
28. for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.
29. 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.
30. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord.
31. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

Analysis and Reflection

A Cry of Despair (Verses 1-2)

The psalm begins with a heartfelt cry of abandonment, expressing feelings of distress and the silence of God during times of deep anguish. This opening sets the stage for an exploration of suffering and divine seeming distance.

Historical Trust and Mockery (Verses 3-8)

Despite the sense of abandonment, David recalls the faithfulness of God in the past, praising Him as the one who has delivered Israel’s ancestors. This historical reflection contrasts with the scorn and mockery David faces, highlighting the tension between past faithfulness and present suffering.

Intense Suffering (Verses 9-18)

David vividly describes his suffering, using powerful imagery of physical and emotional distress. The description includes being surrounded by enemies and experiencing severe pain, which some interpret as prophetic imagery related to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Prayer for Deliverance and Praise (Verses 19-22)

In the midst of suffering, David turns to prayer, asking for divine deliverance and rescue. He also expresses his intention to praise God in the assembly, showing that his faith remains steadfast despite his trials.

Future Hope and Praise (Verses 23-31)

The psalm concludes with a confident expectation of future praise and worship. David envisions a time when all nations will turn to the Lord, and future generations will declare His righteousness. The closing lines affirm the certainty of God’s salvation and the continuation of His praise.

Application for Today

Psalm 22 offers a profound example of navigating intense suffering while maintaining faith in God. It acknowledges the reality of feeling abandoned and distressed while also highlighting the ultimate hope and trust in divine deliverance. This psalm encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and trust in God’s promises, even in times of deep personal anguish.

Conclusion

Psalm 22 is a powerful expression of both despair and hope, blending intense suffering with a confident assurance of future deliverance and praise. It provides a model for how to approach God during difficult times and affirms the enduring nature of His faithfulness. By reflecting on this psalm, believers can find strength and encouragement in their own trials and maintain hope in God’s ultimate salvation.