Psalm 22 explained: A Cry of Abandonment Becomes Praise

Why so far away? (vv. 1-5)

He keeps calling God 'my God' while feeling ignored day and night, yet he holds on to the memory that this holy God rescued the ancestors who trusted. Christians read the psalm in light of Jesus, who cries verse 1 from the cross in Matthew and Mark, and the Gospels also echo its mocking crowd and divided clothes.

Mocked, yet held since birth (vv. 6-11)

Calling himself 'a worm' shows he is treated as worthless, and onlookers sneer that if God delights in him, God can rescue him (v. 8). He answers by recalling God's care since his birth and begs God to stay near, because no one else will help (v. 11).

Surrounded by wild animals (vv. 12-15)

Bulls of Bashan, a rich grazing land east of the Jordan known for strong cattle, and roaring lions picture powerful enemies closing in. Water, loose bones, a melting heart and a dry mouth describe total collapse, and he names God as the one bringing him to 'the dust of death,' meaning the grave.

Hands, feet and clothing (vv. 16-18)

Verse 16 is uncertain: the standard Hebrew text reads roughly 'like a lion, my hands and my feet,' while the ancient Greek translation and some early copies have a verb usually rendered 'pierced.' He is so worn down his bones show, and people split up his clothes by casting lots, a kind of dice, as if they expect him to die.

A last plea, and a turn (vv. 19-21)

He begs God to hurry and rescue him from sword, dogs, lions and wild oxen, calling his life 'my only one' in Hebrew, which translations render differently, for example 'my precious life' or 'my darling.' The Hebrew of verse 21 ends 'you have answered me,' which some translations keep as the moment the prayer turns, while others make it one more plea, 'save me.'

Praise spreading to everyone (vv. 22-31)

Now sure that God has not ignored his suffering (v. 24), he vows to praise God before the gathered people, probably with a thank offering meal where the poor eat their fill (vv. 25-26). The praise then widens to every nation, to the rich and the dying, and to people not yet born, ending with the declaration that the LORD 'has done it.'

Key verse: Psalm 22:24

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether the psalm is mainly a direct prediction of Jesus' crucifixion or a real sufferer's lament, traditionally David's, that Jesus took up as his own, while Jewish readers understand it as the prayer of David or of Israel in its suffering.

Something to think about

The opening line says 'my God' and 'why have you forsaken me' in the same breath; can deep complaint and deep loyalty toward someone exist at the same time?