Main Highlights
A lament expressing intense suffering and abandonment, followed by a declaration of trust in God and a promise to praise Him.
Key Verses
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?— Psalm 22:1
But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid!— Psalm 22:19
I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.— Psalm 22:22
Related Scripture
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.— Hebrews 4:15
Scholar Insight
"Psalm 22 is a psalm of lament and trust, which expresses the experience of abandonment and alienation, but also the conviction that God will ultimately deliver. - Nancy deClaissé-Walford, Rolf A. Jacobson, and Beth Laneel Tanner, The Book of Psalms (New International Commentary on the Old Testament; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2014), p. 197."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
Even in moments of apparent abandonment, God is still present and can be trusted. You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3) God is holy and worthy of praise even in the midst of suffering.
Christological Connection
Psalm 22 is famously quoted by Jesus on the cross (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?). It is a powerful prophecy of his suffering and death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet Psalm 22:16.
Systematic Theology
Atonement. The Psalm anticipates the suffering of Christ, who took upon himself the sins of humanity.
Law & Grace
The Psalm does not explicitly address law and grace, but the Psalmist's plea for deliverance suggests a reliance on God's mercy rather than personal merit. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace Romans 11:6.
Personal Application
When facing suffering, we can express our pain and lament to God, trusting that he hears us and will ultimately deliver us. Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22.