This week’s “Wednesday Word” is a summary of an exposition of Psalm 22 Dr. Wellum from Sunday July 13, 2008.

The opening line of Psalm 22 is familiar to anyone who has read the crucifixion narratives in the gospels. Perhaps a lesser-known fact is that this psalm is also quoted in Hebrews 2:12. Before considering the New Testament use of Psalm 22, it must be considered in its own context.

Psalm 22 is about suffering, trusting God, and vindication and victory. It can be broken down into two parts. Part 1, consists of verses 1-21, and it is a cry of lament with elements of trust interspersed throughout. Part 2 consists of verses 22-31, and it has the themes of vindication and victory. This is a psalm of David, and though it is not possible to assign it to a specific instance of suffering in the life of David, it no doubt reflects on the many things that he suffered throughout his life at the hands of Saul and others.

Three different aspects of suffering are taken up in the first part of Psalm 22. First, in verses 1-2, the lament is made that God is far away. This lament is reminiscent of other sufferers in the Old Testament, especially Job. Yet, the psalmist follows this lament with trust in verses 3-5. He reminds himself of the character and position of God. He is holy, and He is enthroned with power. He also reminds himself of how God has delivered His people in the past. Second, in verses 6-8, David complains that the people are against him. He has become a social outcast. Again in verses 9-11, there are elements of trust among the laments. Third, strong metaphors are used to describe the physical wasting away of the psalmist in verses 12-18. The picture brings to mind a dying man in a desert wasteland among his enemies. Again a plea of trust comes in verses 19-21. It is a cry for God to come near and rescue him.

The second part of the Psalm can be seen as an answer to the prayer in verse 19-21. The Lord brings vindication and victory. Now the psalmist will lead the people in praise. In verse 27-28, the promise to Abraham concerning the nations is developed. They will come and bow before the Lord as well. All peoples will praise the Lord. When we read this and other Psalms that describe the suffering king as a part of the book of Psalms, certain themes emerge. God’s chosen ruler in Psalm 2 is understood more fully. He is a suffering servant. These themes help us interpret the suffering of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. What does the messianic king look like? He will be one who suffers before entering His glory.

It is no mistake that Jesus quoted this Psalm on the cross. He was indeed forsaken by the Father as he bore our sin on the cross. Through His suffering, He enters into glory. This becomes more apparent when we look at Hebrews 2:12. Psalm 22:22 is quoted. The author of Hebrews explains that Jesus, the author of our salvation, was made perfect through suffering. When he quotes this part of the Psalm that begins with the king leading the congregation in the praises of God, we must think of the Psalm in its entirety. Jesus fulfills Psalm 22 as the suffering King who is ultimately vindicated and victorious. When we suffer, we can learn from the psalmist. We should look upon God recognizing His holy character and position of power to save us. We should remember how He has delivered those who trusted Him in the past. We should call out to Him when He is far off. As those who live in the light of the New Testament, we have an even greater hope. Jesus, who suffered to enter His glory, saves us. We can trust him as he leads us to praise God. God is able to deliver us when we suffer. Even if we suffer unto death we know that King Jesus has won the victory over death and the grave and will lead us in His glory.

Audio from this week’s lesson: Psalm 22

~TWM