Psalms 22
My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?
Overview
This profound messianic psalm moves from the cry of abandonment to triumphant praise, prophetically detailing Christ's crucifixion and His ultimate vindication.
Introduction
Psalm 22 is arguably the most remarkable messianic psalm, quoted by Jesus from the cross (Matthew 27:46">Matthew 27:46). It moves from agonized complaint to universal praise, prophetically describing the crucifixion in stunning detail centuries before crucifixion was invented. What begins in despair ends in global worship.
The Cry of Abandonment
[1-2] The psalm opens with the words Jesus quoted from the cross.
- My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? [1]: The cry of felt abandonment—not rejection but perceived distance
- Why are You so far from saving me [1]: God seems distant from the sufferer's groaning
- I cry by day, but You do not answer [2]: Prayers seem to go unheard
- By night, but I find no rest [2]: Even darkness brings no relief—constant anguish
Remembering God's Faithfulness
[3-5] Despite feeling forsaken, the sufferer affirms who God is.
- Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel [3]: God's character hasn't changed—He remains holy
- In You our fathers trusted [4]: Previous generations found God faithful
- They trusted, and You delivered them [4]: Trust led to rescue in the past
- To You they cried and were rescued [5]: Their cries were answered
- In You they trusted and were not put to shame [5]: Their faith was vindicated
The Suffering Described
[6-18] A detailed picture of the sufferer's agony—prophetically fulfilled in Christ.
- I am a worm and not a man [6]: Reduced to the lowest form of life—despised
- Scorned by mankind and despised by the people [6]: Universal rejection
- All who see me mock me [7]: Surrounded by mockery—fulfilled at the cross
- They wag their heads [7]: Contemptuous gestures—Matthew 27:39">Matthew 27:39 records this happening
- "He trusts in the LORD; let Him deliver him" [8]: The exact taunt of those at the cross (Matthew 27:43">Matthew 27:43)
- From my mother's womb You have been my God [10]: Lifelong dependence on God
- Bulls of Bashan encircle me [12]: Strong enemies surround like fierce animals
- They open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening lion [13]: Predatory threats
- I am poured out like water [14]: Complete exhaustion and weakness
- My bones are out of joint [14]: Physical agony—consistent with crucifixion
- My heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast [14]: Inner collapse
- My strength is dried up like a potsherd [15]: Dehydration and exhaustion
- My tongue sticks to my jaws [15]: Extreme thirst—Jesus said "I thirst" (John 19:28">John 19:28)
- You lay me in the dust of death [15]: Death approaches
- Dogs encompass me [16]: Surrounded by enemies
- A company of evildoers encircles me [16]: The mob at the cross
- They have pierced my hands and feet [16]: Remarkably specific prediction of crucifixion
- I can count all my bones [17]: Stretched and exposed
- They stare and gloat over me [17]: Spectators watch the suffering
- They divide my garments among them [18]: Exactly fulfilled—John 19:23-24">John 19:23-24
- For my clothing they cast lots [18]: The soldiers gambled for Jesus' seamless robe
Prayer for Deliverance
[19-21] The sufferer pleads for rescue.
- But You, O LORD, do not be far off [19]: A direct plea for God to come near
- O You my help, come quickly to my aid [19]: Urgent request for intervention
- Deliver my soul from the sword [20]: Save from violent death
- My precious life from the power of the dog [20]: Rescue from enemies
- Save me from the mouth of the lion [21]: Deliverance from devouring threats
- You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen [21]: Suddenly, the tone shifts—rescue has come
Praise and Universal Worship
[22-31] The psalm transforms from lament to triumphant praise.
- I will tell of Your name to my brothers [22]: Testimony to the community—quoted in Hebrews 2:12">Hebrews 2:12
- In the midst of the congregation I will praise You [22]: Public worship follows deliverance
- All you offspring of Israel, glorify Him [23]: All God's people are called to praise
- He has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted [24]: God did not reject the sufferer
- He has not hidden His face from him [24]: Despite verse 1, God was present all along
- When he cried to Him, He heard [24]: The cry was answered
- The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied [26]: The poor will feast
- Your hearts shall live forever [26]: Eternal life for those who seek God
- All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD [27]: Universal conversion
- All the families of the nations shall worship before You [27]: Global worship
- For kingship belongs to the LORD [28]: God reigns over all
- Posterity shall serve Him [30]: Future generations will worship
- They shall come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn [31]: The message continues
- That He has done it [31]: The work is finished—cf. Jesus' "It is finished" (John 19:30">John 19:30)
Key Takeaways
- Felt abandonment is not actual abandonment [1, 24]: God hears even when He seems silent
- This psalm prophesies Christ's crucifixion [16-18]: Details fulfilled centuries later
- Suffering leads to universal praise [27-28]: The cross leads to worldwide worship
- "He has done it" [31]: The work of redemption is accomplished
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever felt God-forsaken? How does knowing Jesus experienced this bring comfort?
- How does the movement from despair to praise in this psalm model faith during suffering?
- Reflect on the details fulfilled in Christ's crucifixion. What does this tell you about Scripture?
Pause and Reflect
"They have pierced my hands and my feet... they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots." — Psalm 22:16, 18
Take 5 minutes to read this psalm slowly as a meditation on Christ's passion. See Jesus in the details—the mockery, the thirst, the pierced hands and feet, the divided garments. Marvel that all this was written 1,000 years before it happened. Worship the one who endured this for you.
This Bible study was written by Claude AI to help you engage with God's Word while our team prepares in-depth studies. We believe Scripture speaks for itself, and we hope this serves as a helpful starting point for your study.