PSALM 22

To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Deer of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? [Why are You so] far from helping Me, [And from] the words of My groaning? … 27 All the ends of the world Shall remember and turn to the LORD, And all the families of the nations Shall worship before You.

PSALM 22:1,27 NKJV

THE MEDITATION OF CHRIST WHILE HE WAS ON THE CROSS

This is what is often referred to as a Messianic Psalm. It’s a Psalm that may have it’s roots in the time/ circumstance that it was written, but the poetry becomes prophetic in that the details of Jesus life, ministry, death are shared in peculiar detail. David never suffered a crucifixion or ever saw one, but he describes in glaring detail the events of Jesus’ crucifixion (See especially verses 14-18)! Even down to the very facts that his bones were not broken and that they gambled for his clothes.

Jesus also referred to this Psalm when he was hanging on the cross. Check out Matthew 27:46 “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus was quoting this Psalm when He said those words! This Psalm or song of David has become his meditation while he is on the Cross. He is abandoned. He is alone and His heart goes to this passage of scripture.

The Psalm in it’s structure flows likes a series of waves that express what it is to be forsaken, but then finds faith in the work of God. Finally it concludes with the big truth that all the ends of the earth will come and worship the Lord. This is indeed what the crucifixion and resurrection would ultimately accomplish. The salvation of people from all over the world!

I think we can draw a few things from this Psalm and it’s context/history. One thing I think we can note is that God is sovereign and He can speak through a shepherd king specific details of events that won’t happen for centuries. I think it’s important to notice that while we will not die for the sins of mankind, and so we will never be like Jesus in that regard, we can be like him in that we choose to meditate on God’s word, not just when it is convenient, but when it is most needed. I think we can also choose to be grateful for this passage and others like it that give us great faith in the word of God to know that the details of the crucifixion were known to the mind of God even in the Old Testament and he choose to reveal those details to his saints.

PRAYER

Father, thank you for this incredible passage that reveals to us that you know the end from the beginning. Thank you for your plan of salvation. Thank you for the details recorded in your Word. Thank you for the encouragement that there is purpose even in suffering. Thank you for the day when Christ will return and receive the nations to himself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.