Psalm 22

Psalm 22 – Psalm of the Cross

In the first verse of this psalm it becomes obvious that the psalm is prophetic and that it is pointing to the cross upon which our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ was executed. This psalm is the most quoted in the New Testament. Here are just a few where it is quoted: Verse 1: Matthew 27:46; Verse 6: Matthew 27:39-44; Verse 8: Matthew 27:39,43; Mark 15:29-30; Luke 23:35; Verse 16: John 19:37; Verse 17: Luke 23:27,35; Verse 18: John 19:23,24; Verse 22: John 20:17; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 2:12; Verse 31: John 19:30. This psalm has also been referred to as “A Passion Psalm” because it pictures the rejection and pain of Jesus as He died on the cross for our sins. It has long been thought of as a “messianic” psalm.

At the same time, this psalm deals with the pain felt by David. David suffered much loss in his life. He was separated from Jonathan his good friend. He suffered because of his sin with Bathsheba and his murder of Uriah. He felt the pain of losing his son Absalom. He almost gave up the throne to Adonijah. He understood both victory and defeat. He knew how important it was to turn to God and trust in Him with a faithful life. Thus David points us to the Messiah, the only One who could save us from sin and give us victory.

Christ bore our sins on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). He had to humble Himself and be faithful until death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-12). His death was cruel and unlawful, but He willing died so that we might have life. In so doing, He realized that separation from the Father so that we might be united with God once again. Our sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1,2). Since there is not a one of us who is sinless or righteous we need a Savior so that we would not suffer the consequences of sin, including being lost and spending eternity in Hell (Romans 3:10,23; 6:23).

In Psalm 22 we recognize the pain and frustration of this world can be taken away by the Savior because of His death on the cross. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to everyone who obeys Him (Hebrews 5:9). Jesus spoke those awesome words, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Jesus suffered amazing pain and loneliness for each of us because of His love (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16). If you love Him, you must obey Him (John 14:15; 15:14; 1 John 5:3). If we can help you to know, love and obey God, don’t hesitate to contact us.