In what ways does Psalm 22:17 connect to Isaiah 53's prophecy? Psalm 22:17 and Isaiah 53—A Single Portrait of the Suffering Messiah “I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me.” “He was despised and rejected by men… But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities… Yet it pleased the LORD to crush Him.” Physical Exposure and Emaciation • “I can count all my bones” signals a body stretched thin, limbs pulled taut, skin drawn back—just what crucifixion produced. • Isaiah speaks of a Servant “crushed” (53:5, 10), implying broken-down flesh. Both passages describe real, visible suffering rather than symbolism. • John 19:34-37 shows Christ’s side pierced and bones unbroken—fulfilling the literal details. Public Spectacle and Scorn • Psalm 22:17: “they stare and gloat.” • Isaiah 53:3: “He was despised and rejected by men.” • Matthew 27:39-43 records the crowd mocking Jesus, intertwining both prophecies in one historical scene. Undiminished Integrity of His Bones • Counting the bones highlights they are intact yet exposed. • Exodus 12:46 and Psalm 34:20 (quoted in John 19:36) promise the Passover Lamb’s bones remain unbroken—Isaiah’s “servant” bears that same pattern. Shared Themes of Substitutionary Suffering • Psalm 22 lays out the cost: bodily anguish on behalf of others (vv. 1, 24). • Isaiah 53 explains the purpose: “for our transgressions… for our iniquities.” • Together they show a righteous sufferer absorbing wrath so others might be saved (2 Corinthians 5:21). Human Rejection, Divine Purpose • Scorn from onlookers (Psalm 22) matches Isaiah’s portrait of collective unbelief: “we esteemed Him not.” • Yet both passages affirm God’s design: “You laid me in the dust of death” (Psalm 22:15) and “it pleased the LORD to crush Him” (Isaiah 53:10). Crucifixion Foretold in Harmony • Psalm 22 sketches the method (bones exposed, mockery, pierced hands/feet in v. 16, garments divided in v. 18). • Isaiah 53 supplies the theology (vicarious atonement, justification, resurrection hope in v. 11). • The Gospels weave both into the Passion narrative, demonstrating the seamless connection planned centuries in advance. Takeaway Psalm 22:17 and Isaiah 53 converge on one reality: the Messiah’s body would be brutally yet purposefully displayed, despised, and crushed so that sinners could behold, believe, and be healed (John 3:14-16). |
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