What is the meaning of Psalm 22:23? You who fear the LORD, praise Him! Psalm 22 has just moved from the psalmist’s cry of abandonment (vv.1-21) to a declaration of God’s deliverance (v.22). Verse 23 is the first ripple of that good news, calling everyone who “fears the LORD” to respond with praise. • “Fear” here speaks of reverent awe and wholehearted trust (Psalm 33:8; 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). It’s the posture of hearts that understand both God’s holiness and His mercy shown in the cross-shaped prophecy of this psalm (cf. Hebrews 2:11-12 quoting Psalm 22:22). • The only fitting answer to rescue is worship: “Fear God and give Him glory” (Revelation 14:7). • This praise is not passive. It’s voiced, public, and contagious (Psalm 34:2-3). True reverence always overflows in audible gratitude. All descendants of Jacob, honor Him! The summons narrows to the covenant family—“Jacob” being Israel’s patriarchal name (Genesis 32:28). • “Honor” means giving weight to God, placing Him at the center of national and personal life (Deuteronomy 10:12, 20). • Israel’s history is laced with God’s faithfulness; honoring Him is covenant loyalty expressed in obedience and celebration (Psalm 135:19; Romans 9:4). • Because this psalm ultimately points to the Messiah who comes from Jacob’s line (Acts 3:25-26), honoring God includes recognizing and exalting His Anointed One (John 5:23). All offspring of Israel, revere Him! The call widens again, stressing every generation. “Offspring” reminds us that worship is to be handed down. • Reverence involves deep respect shown through holy living (Leviticus 19:30; 1 Samuel 12:24). • Parents and grandparents are charged to pass on God’s mighty acts so children too will “set their hope in God” (Psalm 78:4-7; Luke 1:50). • The psalm anticipates a worldwide family who will join Israel’s offspring in reverence (Psalm 22:27; Galatians 3:29). summary Psalm 22:23 layers three concentric circles of invitation: everyone who fears God, the physical descendants of Jacob, and every generation of Israel’s offspring. All are urged to praise, honor, and revere the LORD because He hears, saves, and reigns—proved supremely at the cross foreshadowed in this very psalm. Our response is wholehearted worship that proclaims His deliverance to the ends of the earth and to the end of time. |
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