20:1–24:10
This series of psalms shows a journey from confidence and commitment (Psalms 20–21), through anguish and abandonment (Psalm 22), and finally to comfort, insight, and hope (Psalms 23–24).
Study notes
Psalms 22
22:1–2
The psalmist feels deeply separated from God (see Psalm 10:1).
22:1–21
The psalmist switches between thinking about his current difficult situation and remembering the Lord's past faithfulness. He ends the psalm with a prayer for rescue.
22:1–31
All previous laments seem minor compared to this outcry against the enemy and God's abandonment. The psalm has two main sections:
the lament (Psalm 22:1–21) and
praise for redemption (Psalm 22:22–31).
This naturally leads to Psalm 23.
The apostles saw this psalm as expressing the sufferings of Jesus Christ. He ultimately fulfilled the purpose of David's humiliation, rejection by people, and divine abandonment (Matthew 27:35, 39, 43, 46; Mark 15:34; John 19:23–24, 28; Hebrews 2:12).
22:1–31 Section
Psalm 22 is a cry to God for help. The Israelites understood that the psalm was of David but that they could all use it. Jesus used words from this psalm when he was dying on the cross (Matthew 27:46).
This psalm helped people remember what was true about God. What is true is that God is the King and he does what is right. He has more power and authority than any other ruler. God listens to those who cry to him for help and God saves them.
This psalm helped people talk about what they felt when they were suffering. The speaker felt like God was doing nothing to save him. He felt like God was far away and had deserted him. The speaker described the people who were treating him badly. They were like strong bulls, roaring lions, wild oxen and a pack of dogs. God was the only one who could rescue him from these enemies. The speaker boldly asked God why God hadn’t saved him yet.
This psalm also helped people trust God. The speaker trusted God to rescue him even though it hadn’t happened yet. He was completely sure God would do it. He knew that later he would tell others what God had done for him. This announcement would fill people with hope. It would help others praise, honour and worship God.
22:3
God, the holy King, is set apart from all his creation, but he chooses to reveal himself to Israel.
God strongly desires that his people praise him.
22:6–8
Both the Lord and the people reject the psalmist. He clearly describes his pain (Psalm 22:1–2). He lives like a humble animal.
22:7
People ridicule the psalmist's trust in the Lord (see Psalm 3:2; Matthew 27:43), which shames him (Psalms 44:13–14; 74:10; 89:50; 109:25).
22:9
The Lord took care of the psalmist before the psalmist could do anything for himself (see Psalm 71:6; 139:13).
22:9–11
The psalmist thinks about his past relationship with God (see Psalm 22:3–5). The Lord has been his very life.
22:12
Bashan, a region famous for its herds and plants, produced strong bulls (Psalm 68:30).
22:12–18
The psalmist again shares his deep pain and suffering (see Psalm 22:1–2, 6–8). His trouble comes from human beings who act like wild animals.
22:14
The psalmist feels like he is poured out like water. This describes a temporary and empty life that leaves him drained.
22:15
Facing adversity is as terrible as dying of thirst (see Psalm 137:6).
Jesus might have thought of this verse when he said, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28).
22:16
The wild pack of dogs represents aggressive and dishonest people.
22:17–18
I can count all my bones: The psalmist's enemies have shamed him by taking his clothes. Jesus also faced this humiliation (see Matthew 27:35).
stare and gloat over me: Enemies make the psalmist a target of their ridicule (see Psalms 35:24, 26; 38:16; 55:3; compare 59:10).
cast lots: Casting lots was sometimes a way for religious people to seek God's guidance (Leviticus 16:8; Numbers 27:21; Acts 1:24–26). Here, the lots are thrown as a game of chance. The soldiers threw dice for the clothing of Jesus after the crucifixion (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:24).
22:19–21
The psalmist prays to God for help with his troubles. Only the Lord can protect him from dogs, lions, and oxen.
22:20
The sword shows that the enemy wants to kill.
22:22
I will proclaim Your name: The writer of Hebrews applies these words to Jesus (Hebrews 2:12).
22:22–24
The psalmist praises the Lord and calls for the godly to join him. He tells of God’s goodness to the needy, including himself.
22:23
The godly respond with awe (see Psalm 22:25).
22:24
Unlike how he responds to the wicked (see Psalm 21:8–12), God cares for the needy and listens to their prayers (Psalm 51:17; 69:33; 102:17).
22:25
The great assembly might include all nations (Psalm 22:27; 26:12; 35:18).
22:25–31
The psalmist promises to praise the Lord, the great King of the earth (Psalm 22:27–28), who helps those in need. Only God deserves praise.
22:26
22:27
families of the nations: All clans and tribes of humanity (see Genesis 12:3; Revelation 5:9–10) will submit to the Lord (Psalm 96:1–3; see Psalms 2, 72; Isaiah 2:2–4; 1 Corinthians 15:25–27).
22:28
God alone rules over the whole world (Obadiah 1:21).
22:29
The Lord invites everyone, both rich and poor (Psalm 22:26), to the banquet as long as they worship him.
22:30
Future generations will join those from the past in praising the Lord (Psalm 22:3–5). The descendants of the godly will receive blessings (Psalm 22:30–31), unlike the children of the wicked (21:10).
22:31
The Lord's acts of redemption (Psalms 40:9; 50:6; 71:15, 16, 24; 97:6) show that he is righteous (see 4:1). His righteousness gives him the character needed for leadership, making fair decisions, and building relationships. This virtue brings harmony and order (see Psalm 50:6).
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources