Psalm 22 is one of the most poignant prayers in the entire psalter. Beset by enemies determined to bring him down (vv. 6-8), the psalmist prays to God, the God whom he feels has abandoned him (vv. 1-2), the God on whom he has relied since birth (vv. 9-11), the God who never failed his ancestors whenever they cried to him (vv. 3-5). The prayer shifts suddenly to exuberant praise: God will save! All generations will hear, and all humankind will take up the praise (vv. 22-31).
This psalm is evoked in the gospel accounts of Jesus’ death; and though the original occasion for this lament prayer is not known, its circumstances certainly foreshadow Christ’s suffering at Calvary (he quoted v. 1 on the cross) and his resurrection victory.
Sing! A New Creation