What is the meaning of Psalm 22:6? But • The psalmist shifts abruptly from confident prayer to painful lament: “But I am a worm…” (Psalm 22:6). • This sharp contrast mirrors the experience of Christ on the cross—moving from trusting the Father (Psalm 22:3–5) to feeling utterly forsaken (Matthew 27:46). • Throughout Scripture, “but” often marks a turning point where faith must confront harsh reality (2 Corinthians 4:8–9; Jonah 2:4). I am a worm • The word picture emphasizes deep humiliation and weakness. David, and ultimately Jesus, identifies with the lowest of creatures to show voluntary self-abasement (Philippians 2:7–8). • Isaiah 41:14 likewise comforts Israel, calling the nation a “worm” yet assuring God’s help—underscoring that God values what the world belittles. • In the Gospels, Jesus allows Himself to be mocked and beaten, embracing the role of suffering servant (Mark 14:65). And not a man • Feelings of being dehumanized surface here. Enemies treat the righteous sufferer as less than human (Isaiah 52:14). • Jesus fulfilled this when soldiers and bystanders denied Him ordinary dignity (Luke 23:18–21). • Yet He remained fully God and fully man, choosing to endure such treatment for our redemption (Hebrews 2:9–10). Scorned by men • Open ridicule piles onto physical pain. David experienced this from Saul’s courtiers; Jesus faced it from Roman guards (Matthew 27:29–31). • Proverbs 14:31 warns that mocking the poor insults the Maker, highlighting the seriousness of such contempt. • Though scorned, the sufferer entrusts justice to God (1 Peter 2:23). Despised by the people • Public rejection completes the picture: leaders and crowds unite in disdain (John 19:15). • Isaiah 53:3 foretells the Messiah would be “despised and rejected”—language echoed here. • Yet Psalm 22 ultimately turns to global praise (vv. 27–31), proving that temporary rejection cannot thwart God’s plan (Acts 2:23–24). summary Psalm 22:6 paints a vivid portrait of the Messiah’s voluntary humiliation: the startling contrast (“But”), the depth of His lowliness (“worm”), the stripping of dignity (“not a man”), the active mockery (“scorned”), and the sweeping rejection (“despised”). Each phrase foreshadows Jesus’ passion, assuring believers that He fully entered our suffering to secure our salvation. What seems like utter defeat becomes the foundation for triumphant praise, inviting us to trust the God who turns scorn into glory. |
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