Sunday, January 22, 2006 pm
“MY GOD, MY GOD”
Psalm 22
Tonight we examine another psalm of David. This psalm is remarkable and ought to have special meaning to each of us as it is messianic. Parts of it are quoted in the New Testament and it describes the crucifixion of our Lord. Some have contrasted this psalm with Isaiah 53 noting that Isaiah paints a picture of the cross from those below looking up. Here, in this psalm we have a picture of the suffering savior looking down at the people below.
Obviously this is a psalm with dual implication, meaning that much of was relevant to David as he penned it. He is writing with anxiety concerning his present state, but through inspiration He is describing the Lord’s death, perhaps in even greater detail than his own actual condition. It was a psalm that David assigned to “the Chief musician”. The KJV, ASV and NASV all say, “upon Aijeleth Hashshahar.” The NKJV says, “Set to ‘The Deer of the Dawn’” Others believe this means, “the morning hart” or “concerning the kind of the morning” (See Treasury of David, Psalm 22, overview, Spurgeon) While this may not be the exact interpretation, possibly these instructions describe the tune to which this psalm was to be sung.
Let us notice this psalm, first – from David’s viewpoint (briefly – because much of what he says here is similar to other psalms) and second – from the Lord’s viewpoint upon the cross.
I. David’s plight –
a. OVERALL – in this psalm I see David struggling within himself as he goes from frustration in his seemingly hopeless state to his ultimate trust in God. He is, if you will, answering his own complaints
b. Vs. 1-2 – He seems impatient as he seeks the Lord’s strength (as He has been there at other times)
c. Vs. 3-5 – yet in this he understands that God is just and can deliver. Thus vs. 1-2 are NOT a denial of God abilities, David just doesn’t understand what is happening this time.
d. Vs. 6-8 – David is mocked by whoever his enemies are. He is despised in their presence.
e. Vs. 9-11 – God has been there for him from the beginning. David knows that he is special to God.
f. Vs. 12-18 – he is surrounded and overwhelmed by enemies and exhausted as they have mistreated him.
g.
Vs. 19-21- he cries to Jehovah, his Lord for
deliverance. Deliverance from his current state.
He ends vs. 21 saying, “You have answered me.”
h.
Vs. 22-31 – David declares that he will proclaim the
Lord to his brethren. In the midst of the assembly, he would praise Him.
25-26 - He will do good so that God will be glorified in his good works (Matthew
5:16).
27-31 – his influence would spread as far as possible, even beyond the borders
of Israel. And in so doing, he will win many to serving God.
i. In brief, that is the cry of David, as I believe it to be.
II. The Suffering Savior
a. That Jesus, the Messiah is his ultimate theme is seen in the specific details as they apply to Him surrounding His crucifixion and death. As already noted, the details of this psalm are even more fitting concerning Jesus than they are for David (according to the knowledge we have).
b. Vs. 1 - “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” – quoted by Jesus on the cross, in Matthew 27:46.
c.
Vs. 2- “O My God, I cry…in the night season, and am
not silent”. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayer at night, Luke 22:41-42.
In vs. 3-5, we find trust. Just like David, Jesus trusted God – EVEN as He
prayed in the Garden, “not my will, but yours be done.”
d. Vs. 6 – “I am a worm…a reproach of men, and despised by the people” – Matthew 27:20-21 is one example, where Jesus is despised to the point that the people elect Barabbas to be set free in His place.
e. Vs. 7-8, truly Jesus was laughed to scorn while on the cross. Vs. 8 is virtually quoted in Matthew 27:42-43.
f. Vs. 9-11 – as with David, He can recall His chosen purpose. John 12:47 – Jesus knew the purpose of His coming. Perhaps as Jesus was on the cross thoughts about these thoughts came to His mind.
g.
Vs. 12-13 – “Many bulls have surrounded Me. Strong
bulls of Bashan…”
Bashan was a region east of the Jordan and north of Gilead in the eastern
inheritance of Manasseh. It was known for its fertility and evidently strong
cattle. Actually these are mentioned a number of times.
As Jesus stood trial, He was mocked and slapped and abused. Corrupt, Jewish
leaders plotted against Him and falsely accused Him. He also faced Pilate
twice, Herod and a number of Roman soldiers (Matthew 26:3-5, 26:59-65, 27:1-2).
h.
VS. 14 -15 describe His suffering on the cross and
possibly the cruel scourgings before.
“I am poured out like water” - Luke 22:44 records His sweat becoming as drops
of blood.
Bones out of joint – possibly from the beatings, but also while on the cross as
He experienced problems breathing with His body being stretched and pulled in
different directions.
He has no strength and a dry mouth – hence His words on the cross, “I thirst” –
John 19:28.
Truly He was brought to the dust of death – as He will die.
i.
Vs. 16-17 – “dogs have surrounded Me” - consider the
attitude of those surrounding the cross, mocking Him.
”They pierced My hands and feet” – predicting by what death He would die.
Matthew 27:24 simply says, “they crucified Him”
Note vs. 17 – where He can count His bones – while we may, in a small way,
comprehend the suffering He was enduring, he we find that His bones were NOT
broken – Psalm 34:20 says this more clearly.
John 19:36-37 point to the fulfillment of this verse, including “they look and
stare at Me.”
j. Vs. 18 – “they divide My garments, and for my clothing they cast lots.” Mathew 27:35 quotes this verse as it describes the soldiers sharing the spoils. Also John 19:23-24 which gives a little more detail.
k. Vs. 19-21 – yet after having endured all these things, Jesus dies trusting God that He would deliver Him. Just as Jehovah God answered David, so He answered our Lord. He did not remain in the grave, but on the third day He arose again. (Matthew 28:1, etc.)
l. Vs. 22 – after He arose, Jesus made numerous appearances to prove His resurrection. John records Jesus appearing later that Sunday and then the next Sunday, appearing to His apostles and others. (John 20:19-20, 26-29)
m. Vs. 23-31 – make reference to the results of His deliverance. All would have opportunity to worship including the Gentiles. Many of these statements could also be reconciled with statements about Jesus. Perhaps at a later date, we will notice these verses in greater detail.
Thus in this psalm we see SPECIFIC reference to Jesus, as our Savior. Vs. 31 concludes with the statement, “They will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, That He has done this.” This is a statement that indicates completion. And another way of saying that is to quote the words of Our Lord on the cross in John 19:30, “It is finished.” Truly Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, and He did it so that we could have hope.
As I close, I want you to think about this: David prophesied in vivid detail concerning what Jesus would endure. David may not have fully understood it, but Jesus DID! Yet He left heaven and came to this earth anyway. What would you have done? Considering the greatness of His love for you, what WILL you do for Him?