Psalm 22 (World English Bible Version)
For the Chief Musician; set to “The Doe of the Morning.” A Psalm by David.
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
2 My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don’t answer;
in the night season, and am not silent.
3 But you are holy,
you who inhabit the praises of Israel.
4 Our fathers trusted in you.
They trusted, and you delivered them.
5 They cried to you, and were delivered.
They trusted in you, and were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm, and no man;
a reproach of men, and despised by the people.
7 All those who see me mock me.
They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,
8 “He trusts in Yahweh. Let him deliver him.
Let him rescue him, since he delights in him.”
9 But you brought me out of the womb.
You made me trust while at my mother’s breasts.
10 I was thrown on you from my mother’s womb.
You are my God since my mother bore me.
11 Don’t be far from me, for trouble is near.
For there is no one to help.
12 Many bulls have surrounded me.
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.
13 They open their mouths wide against me,
lions tearing prey and roaring.
14 I am poured out like water.
All my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax.
It is melted within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You have brought me into the dust of death.
16 For dogs have surrounded me.
A company of evildoers have enclosed me.
They have pierced my hands and feet.
17 I can count all of my bones.
They look and stare at me.
18 They divide my garments among them.
They cast lots for my clothing.
19 But don’t be far off, Yahweh.
You are my help. Hurry to help me!
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my precious life from the power of the dog.
21 Save me from the lion’s mouth!
Yes, you have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen.
22 I will declare your name to my brothers.
Among the assembly, I will praise you.
23 You who fear Yahweh, praise him!
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him!
Stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel!
24 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, he heard.
25 Of you comes my praise in the great assembly.
I will pay my vows before those who fear him.
26 The humble shall eat and be satisfied.
They shall praise Yahweh who seek after him.
Let your hearts live forever.
27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to Yahweh.
All the relatives of the nations shall worship before you.
28 For the kingdom is Yahweh’s.
He is the ruler over the nations.
29 All the rich ones of the earth shall eat and worship.
All those who go down to the dust shall bow before him,
even he who can’t keep his soul alive.
30 Posterity shall serve him.
Future generations shall be told about the Lord.
31 They shall come and shall declare his righteousness
to a people that shall be born, for he has done it.
Background and Context of Psalm 22
Authorship and Historical Context
Psalm 22 is attributed to King David. It was written as a deeply emotional lament but also contains elements of prophetic foresight, describing extreme suffering followed by divine deliverance. Though the exact historical context of David’s suffering is unknown, the imagery suggests a time of great personal distress, possibly during his persecution by King Saul or his later conflicts.
Messianic Significance
Psalm 22 is often called a Messianic Psalm because of its striking parallels to Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. Verses like “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v.1) and “They have pierced my hands and feet” (v.16) foreshadow Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Many details of the Psalm, such as the casting of lots for garments (v.18), were directly fulfilled in the New Testament.
Structure of the Psalm
- Verses 1-21: A cry of suffering and abandonment
- Verses 22-31: A shift to hope and praise, acknowledging God’s deliverance and global reign
Psalm 22 starts with deep anguish but ends with a declaration of God’s victory and kingdom, making it a powerful passage of both lament and triumph.
A Prayer Based on Psalm 22
Heavenly Father,
In moments of despair, when I feel abandoned, remind me that You are near. Just as David cried out in agony, and just as Jesus bore suffering on the cross, I bring my pain before You. Lord, I trust that You hear me even when You seem silent. Deliver me from my trials, strengthen my heart, and help me praise You in the midst of hardship. You are my God from the beginning, and I know that You reign forever. Let my life declare Your righteousness, and may generations to come know of Your great salvation.
Amen.
Five Questions to Test Understanding of Psalm 22
- What phrase from Psalm 22 did Jesus quote while on the cross?
- How does Psalm 22 describe the actions of those who mocked and persecuted the speaker?
- In what way does the Psalm transition from suffering to hope?
- What specific prophecy in Psalm 22:16 was fulfilled in Jesus’ crucifixion?
- How does the closing section of Psalm 22 (vv. 27-31) describe the future of God’s kingdom?
Is Psalm 22 Referenced in the New Testament?
Yes! Psalm 22 is one of the most frequently referenced Old Testament passages in the New Testament, especially in connection to Jesus’ crucifixion. Here are some key references:
- Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34 – Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
- John 19:24 – The soldiers divide Jesus’ garments and cast lots, fulfilling Psalm 22:18.
- Matthew 27:39-43 – The mocking of Jesus by the onlookers echoes Psalm 22:7-8.
- Hebrews 2:12 – Quotes Psalm 22:22 to emphasize Jesus identifying with His people.
Psalm 22 powerfully connects the suffering of David with the ultimate suffering of Christ, highlighting God’s redemption plan from Old Testament prophecy to New Testament fulfillment.