Psalm 22
Theme
Suffering and Deliverance, Foreshadowing the Crucifixion
Outline
1-2, Distress 3-5, Trust and Deliverance 6-8, Despised 9-11, Be Not Far 12-13, Surrounded by Bulls and Lions 14-15, The Dust of Death 16-18, Surrounded by Dogs and Lions 19-21, Be Not Far 22-25, Not Despised 26-28, Repentance and Worship 29-31, Celebration
Key Verse
(22:1) My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning?
Notes
The suffering and crucifixion of Christ (quoted in Matthew 27:46; John 19:24, 28). Psalm 22 features a chiastic structure, beginning with a cry of distress (22:1–2) and transitioning to themes of trust and deliverance (22:3–5). David expresses feelings of being despised (22:6–8) and pleads for God's presence amidst threats from enemies (22:9–11). The psalm describes David's suffering, including physical and emotional anguish (22:14–15), framed by calls for God to not be far (22:12–21). The latter half shifts towards hope and celebration, highlighting God's faithfulness and the eventual worship of all nations (22:22–31). The psalm contrasts David's initial despair with a triumphant conclusion, emphasizing God's promise to bless all families through Abraham. The exposition is organized into three movements: The Worm, The Enemies, and The Hope.