Finding Yourself in the Psalms

Psalm 22

A Psalm To Reflect on Christ’s Suffering

One of the most quoted Psalms in the NT
Psalm 22:1 (Matthew 27:46, NIV) "About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
“Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”"
(Mark 15:34, NIV) "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”"
Psalm 22:18 (John 19:24, NIV) "“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, “They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” So this is what the soldiers did."
Psalm 22:22 (Hebrews 2:12, NIV) "He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.”"

2 parts

1) a cry to God. 22:1-21 Note that GOD DOES NOT ANSWER
2) praise to God. 22:22-31. “God has answered”
1) “The Silence of Heaven”
2) “The Triumph of Heaven”

There is no part of David’s life that matches the details of this Psalm.

Unusual aspects of this Lament Psalm:

1) There is no confession
2) There are no imprecations
3) The Psalm more accurately describes an execution rather than persecution
David is PRAYING, but Christ is PICTURED
“The Church has understood this psalm to be typological of the death of Jesus Chris. This means that David used many poetic expressions to portray his immense sufferings, but these
poetic words became literally true of the suffering of Jesus Christ at His enemies’ hands.” BKC, 811
I. A Cry to God. 22:1-21
A. 22:1 “My God, why have you forsaken me”
1. Isa 53:4. “Stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted”
2. 2 Cor 5:31
3. Romans 8:3 “For what the law was powerless to do. . .”
4. (Galatians 3:13, NIV) "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by
becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung
on a tree.”"
B. 22:2. When God does not answer.
Job 30:20
C. 22:6 “I am a worm”
1. Mocking,
2. Insults
3. no defense
D. 22:14 “poured out like water, my bones are out of joint”
1. “The Crucifixion of Jesus” Dr. Truman Davis, MD
II. Praise to God. 22:22-31
A. Jesus has made us His brothers!
1. Hebrews 2:10-13
2. Eph 2 1-6
3. (Colossians 2:13, NIV) "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,"