Psalm 22: A Prophecy Of The Cross

The greatest proof that the Bible is the inspired Word of God is fulfilled prophecy. Only God knows the future. Only God can predict the future. Only he brings it to pass. Many events were recorded in Scripture hundreds of years before they came to pass. Each one fulfilled brings indisputable confirmation that the Bible is what it claims to be — the inspired, infallible Word of God.

Psalm 22 is very amazing. It was written 1,000 years before the first coming of Jesus. This psalm reads as if it were actually recorded by a person standing at the foot of the cross. The very words spoken by Jesus from the cross as well as his thoughts and injuries he suffered are listed. David set forth a graphic portrayal of the cross hundreds of years before crucifixion was even invented as a form of capital punishment. David, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, wrote with the precision of an eyewitness observing the crucifixion of Jesus. This psalm has been called “the fifth gospel” and “the gospel according to David.” Psalm 22, a prophecy of the cross, contains several key elements.

The first key element is Christ’s separation from God in verses 1-2. God the Father was distant from God the Son as he hung on the cross. The Father did not answer the plea of Jesus but Jesus continued to trust the Father for deliverance. Verse 1 says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken Me? Why are you so far from saving me?” God the Father purposely distanced himself from God the Son as he poured out his wrath upon the sin bearer. No answer came from God because he poured out his wrath on his suffering servant under the veil of darkness.

The second key element is Christ’s strength from God in verses 3-5. Jesus continued to trust in God to deliver him. Jesus knew he would not be disappointed. The questions of verses 1-2 that seemed to convey doubt and confusion are followed by a strong assertion of trust in God and his sovereignty. “But you are holy, who inhabits the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in you; they trusted, and you delivered them. They cried to you, and were delivered; they trusted in you, and were not ashamed” (verses 3-5). As Jesus suffered upon the cross he meditated upon the character and faithfulness of God the Father.

The third key element is Christ’s scorn from God in verses 6-8. As our sins were placed upon Jesus he was rejected by his Father. Men also seized this opportunity to reject Jesus. “But I am a worm, and no man …” (verse 6a). This is an expression of reproach. It was used of a maggot that was utterly rejected. “… a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All those who see me laugh me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head… ” (verses 6b-7). The psalmist foresaw that as Jesus hung on the cross many would insult him.

The fourth key element is Christ’s submission to God in verses 9-10. Jesus remembered God’s faithfulness to him at birth and throughout his life. Earlier in verses 3-5 Jesus meditated upon the Father’s faithfulness to others. He now meditated upon God’s faithfulness to him.

The fifth key element is Christ’s suffering from God in verses 11-18. Verses 14-15 read, “… My heart is like wax; it has melted within Me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue clings to my jaws.” His failing strength, coupled with the blistering heat, produced an extreme thirst for water. In verses 16-18 the evil men who crucified Jesus were like wild dogs who pierced his hands and feet. The phrase, “… like a lion, my hands and my feet …” indicate the mauling he suffered or to the binding of his hands and feet. Jesus thought on the cross, “I can count all my bones” (verse 17). He could feel the pain of each one. “They look and stare upon me” (verse 17). The soldiers cast lots for his clothing. People stared and gloated over him. Jesus felt shame and indignity because of his nakedness before the crowd, his mother and the other women.

The sixth key element is Christ’s supplication to God in verses 19-21. As Jesus was crucified he prayed to the Father to come and save him. Verses 19-20 record the silent prayer offered by Jesus as he hung upon the cross.

The seventh key element is Christ’s salvation for God in verses 22-31. There is a dramatic shift in tone. These verses imply a future resurrection of Christ in which he would announce his triumph over sin and death. The righteous demands of God the Father were met in the suffering of the Son. Jesus died for all who would believe upon him.

All hearts everywhere must melt in humble adoration of the great sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. He became sin for us. May such love, “so amazing” and “so divine,” control our lives and lead us to commit ourselves to him.

Ethan Hansen (ethanchansen@gci.net) is pastor of Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.