The Cry of Despair
The psalm opens with a profound sense of abandonment, reflecting both David's personal struggles and the future suffering of Christ (Psalm 22:1-2).

Trust in God's Faithfulness
Despite his anguish, David recalls God's past faithfulness to Israel, highlighting the importance of remembering God's deliverance (Psalm 22:3-5).

The Suffering Servant
The vivid imagery of suffering in verses 6-18 parallels the crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing the prophetic nature of this psalm (Psalm 22:6-18).

A Shift to Praise
The tone shifts from lament to praise as David anticipates God's deliverance and vows to declare His name to future generations (Psalm 22:22-31).

Messianic Fulfillment
The psalm is a powerful testament to the messianic prophecy, fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.Finding Hope in Despair
When feeling abandoned or in distress, remember that God is present and has a plan for deliverance.

Trusting God's Faithfulness
Reflect on past experiences of God's faithfulness to strengthen your trust in Him during current trials.

Embracing Suffering with Purpose
Recognize that suffering can have a redemptive purpose, as seen in the life of Christ.

Proclaiming God's Goodness
Share testimonies of God's deliverance and faithfulness with others to encourage and build up the faith community.1. The Psalmist (David)
The primary speaker in the psalm, traditionally identified as King David. He expresses deep anguish and a sense of abandonment by God, yet ultimately trusts in God's deliverance. The psalm begins with the cry, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1), which is echoed by Jesus on the cross in the New Testament.

2. God
Referred to throughout the psalm as the one whom the psalmist calls upon for help and deliverance. The psalmist acknowledges God's holiness and past faithfulness to Israel, saying, "Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel" (Psalm 22:3).

3. The Ancestors (Fathers of Israel)
Mentioned as those who trusted in God and were delivered. The psalmist recalls, "In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them" (Psalm 22:4).

4. The Mockers (People)
Those who ridicule and scorn the psalmist, reflecting the mockery Jesus faced during His crucifixion. The psalmist describes them: "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads" (Psalm 22:7).

5. The Congregation of the Righteous
Implied as those who will ultimately praise God for His deliverance. The psalmist anticipates declaring God's name to his brothers and praising Him in the assembly: "I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly" (Psalm 22:22).

6. The Afflicted (Poor)
Those who will be satisfied and praise God, as mentioned towards the end of the psalm. The psalmist declares, "The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him" (Psalm 22:26).

7. Future Generations
Implied as those who will hear of God's righteousness and acts of deliverance. The psalm concludes with a vision of future generations serving the Lord: "They will proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn—for He has done it" (Psalm 22:31).

In the original Hebrew, the psalm uses terms like "אֵלִי" (Eli, "My God") and "אָבוֹתֵינוּ" (avotenu, "our fathers"), which emphasize the personal and communal relationship with God. The psalm's vivid imagery and prophetic elements have made it a central text in Christian theology, particularly in its connection to the passion of Christ.1. The Assembly of the Wicked
This is a metaphorical place mentioned in Psalm 22:16, "For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me." The "assembly" or "band" refers to a gathering of those who oppose and persecute the psalmist, symbolizing a place of hostility and danger.

2. The Dust of Death
In Psalm 22:15, the psalmist says, "You lay me in the dust of death." This phrase symbolizes a place of extreme suffering and near-death, reflecting the psalmist's deep distress and sense of abandonment.

3. The Horns of the Wild Oxen
In Psalm 22:21, the psalmist cries out for deliverance "from the horns of the wild oxen." This imagery represents a place of peril and threat, as wild oxen were known for their strength and danger in ancient times.

4. The Congregation
Psalm 22:22 states, "I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly." Here, the "congregation" or "assembly" is a place of worship and community, where the psalmist vows to praise God among fellow believers.

5. The Ends of the Earth
In Psalm 22:27, it is written, "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD." This phrase signifies a place of universal reach, indicating that the message of God's deliverance will extend to all corners of the world.

6. The Great Assembly
Psalm 22:25 mentions, "From You comes my praise in the great assembly." This "great assembly" is a place of public worship and testimony, where the psalmist acknowledges God's faithfulness before a large gathering.1. Cry of Abandonment
The psalm begins with a profound cry of abandonment, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). This expression of distress is echoed in the New Testament by Jesus on the cross, highlighting a deep sense of separation from God.

2. Plea for Deliverance
The psalmist pleads for God's help, expressing trust in God's past faithfulness to Israel, "In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them" (Psalm 22:4). This reflects a reliance on God's historical acts of salvation.

3. Scorn and Mockery
The psalmist describes being scorned and mocked by others, "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads" (Psalm 22:7). This mirrors the mockery Jesus faced during His crucifixion.

4. Physical Suffering
The psalmist vividly describes physical suffering, "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed" (Psalm 22:14). This imagery is often associated with the physical agony of crucifixion.

5. Encirclement by Enemies
The psalmist feels surrounded by enemies, "For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me" (Psalm 22:16). This can be seen as a metaphor for the hostile forces against Jesus.

6. Casting Lots for Garments
The psalmist notes, "They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing" (Psalm 22:18). This specific event is directly fulfilled in the New Testament account of the crucifixion.

7. Prayer for Rescue
A plea for rescue and deliverance is made, "But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me" (Psalm 22:19). This reflects a deep yearning for divine intervention.

8. Declaration of Praise
The tone shifts to praise and a vow to declare God's name, "I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly" (Psalm 22:22). This signifies a transition from suffering to hope and future testimony.

9. Universal Worship
The psalm concludes with a vision of universal worship, "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD" (Psalm 22:27). This anticipates the global impact of the Messiah's work.

10. Future Generations
The psalmist speaks of future generations serving the Lord, "They will proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn" (Psalm 22:31). This points to the enduring legacy of God's salvation.Matthew 27:46
Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1 on the cross, highlighting its fulfillment in His suffering.

Hebrews 2:12
The author of Hebrews cites Psalm 22:22, connecting it to Jesus' role in declaring God's name to His brethren.

Isaiah 53
The Suffering Servant passage in Isaiah parallels the themes of suffering and redemption found in Psalm 22.

Romans 8:28
This verse reassures believers that God works all things for good, even in times of suffering. For Trust in God's Presence
Pray for a deepened trust in God's presence and faithfulness, even when He seems silent.
For Strength in Suffering
Ask for strength and perseverance during times of trial, recognizing the redemptive purpose in suffering.
For Boldness in Proclamation
Pray for the courage to share personal testimonies of God's deliverance and faithfulness with others.
For Understanding of Christ's Sacrifice
Seek a deeper understanding and appreciation of the sacrifice of Jesus, as foreshadowed in Psalm 22.

As we study Psalm 22, may we find comfort in knowing that our Savior has walked the path of suffering before us and that through Him, we have the promise of deliverance and eternal hope.

1. How do you relate to David's feeling of abandonment in verses 1-2?

2. What can we learn from David's remembrance of God's faithfulness to his ancestors in times of despair (verses 3-5)?

3. In your life, how have you handled mockery or scorn due to your faith, as David did (verses 6-8)?

4. How does David's unshakeable faith, despite his situation, inspire you (verses 9-10)?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt surrounded by 'enemies.' How did your faith influence your response (verses 11-18)?

6. How does this Psalm help you understand the role of prayer during times of crisis (verses 19-21)?

7. What are the ways you testify of God's goodness in your life (verses 22-24)?

8. How do verses 25-31 inspire you to invite others to praise God?

9. In Psalm 22, David moved from lament to praise. What does this teach you about the nature of faith?

10. What is the significance of David's prophecy about future generations (verse 31)?

11. In what ways does Psalm 22 encourage you to maintain hope in seemingly hopeless situations?

12. How can you apply the lessons from Psalm 22 to a current situation in your life?

13. How does Psalm 22 change your perspective on suffering and deliverance?

14. Why do you think David continued to express his faith in God despite feeling abandoned?

15. How can Psalm 22 guide us in responding to personal trials in our day-to-day lives?

16. How can we use David's experiences in Psalm 22 to help others who might be going through a similar situation?

17. How does Psalm 22 inform our understanding of the concept of sacrifice and redemption?

18. What lessons can we learn about community from David's call to collective worship?

19. How does Psalm 22 enhance your understanding of the relationship between lament and praise?

20. How can we use the insights from Psalm 22 to strengthen our faith and commitment to God?