◄ Psalm 22 ►
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The Psalm of the Cross (Matthew 27:32–56; Mark 15:21–41; Luke 23:26–43; John 19:16–30) For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David. 1 My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?a Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? 2I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest. 3Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. 4In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them. 5They cried out to You and were set free; they trusted in You and were not disappointed. 6But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. 7All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: 8“He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.”b 9Yet You brought me forth from the womb; You made me secure at my mother’s breast. 10From birth I was cast upon You; from my mother’s womb You have been my God. 11Be not far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help. 12Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. 13They open their jaws against me like lions that roar and maul. 14I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed. My heart is like wax; it melts away within me. 15My strengthc is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You lay me in the dust of death. 16For dogs surround me; a band of evil men encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet.d 17I can count all my bones; they stare and gloat over me. 18They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.e 19But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. 20Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of wild dogs. 21Save me from the mouth of the lion; at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me! 22I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly.f 23You who fear the LORD, praise Him! All descendants of Jacob, honor Him! All offspring of Israel, revere Him! 24For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help. 25My praise for You resounds in the great assembly; I will fulfill my vows before those who fear You. 26The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him. May your hearts live forever! 27All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD. All the families of the nations will bow down before Him. 28For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations. 29All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him— even those unable to preserve their lives. 30Posterity will serve Him; they will declare the Lord to a new generation. 31They will come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn— all that He has done. Footnotes: 1 a Cited in Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34 8 b Cited in Matthew 27:43 15 c MT; or My mouth, a possible reading of the original Hebrew text 16 d DSS, LXX, Vulgate, and Syriac; most MT like a lion at my hands and feet 18 e Cited in John 19:24; see also Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, and Luke 23:34 22 f LXX I will sing Your praises in the assembly; cited in Hebrews 2:12. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Psalm 22 Summary The Psalm of the Cross Verses 1–2 – Cry of Abandonment David begins with the haunting words, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” He feels unheard and far from rescue though he prays day and night. Verses 3–5 – Appeal to God’s Faithfulness Even while suffering, David recalls God’s holiness and past deliverances for Israel’s ancestors, reminding himself that trust in the LORD has never been in vain. Verses 6–8 – Scorn from Onlookers The psalmist is mocked as a “worm and not a man.” Observers sneer, “He trusted in the LORD, let Him deliver him,” amplifying his agony. Verses 9–11 – Lifelong Dependence on God David reflects on God’s care since birth, pleading, “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.” Verses 12–18 – Physical and Emotional Collapse Surrounded by fierce enemies (“strong bulls of Bashan”), his strength drains, bones are out of joint, and lots are cast for his garments—graphic pictures later echoed at the cross. Verses 19–21 – Urgent Plea for Rescue Turning point: “But You, O LORD, be not far off.” David asks God to save him from the sword, the lion’s mouth, and the horns of wild oxen. Verses 22–24 – Public Praise Promised Confident of deliverance, he vows to declare God’s name to the congregation, urging others, “You who fear the LORD, praise Him!” Verses 25–26 – Vows Fulfilled & The Poor Satisfied Deliverance will spark thanksgiving offerings, and “the meek will eat and be satisfied,” showing God’s care for the needy. Verses 27–31 – Worldwide Worship & Future Hope The psalm soars: all nations will remember the LORD; future generations will proclaim, “He has done it!”—a glimpse of global, lasting praise. Psalm 22 is a poignant composition by David that conveys the deep distress of someone who, despite feeling forsaken by God, continues to express steadfast faith. The Psalm begins with a heart-wrenching cry for help, takes the reader through an intense description of suffering, and concludes with a confident prophecy of deliverance and global worship. Authorship and Setting Psalm 22 carries the superscription, “For the choirmaster. To the tune of ‘The Doe of the Dawn.’ A Psalm of David.” Written by Israel’s shepherd-king, the song reflects real personal agony, yet its language stretches far beyond any event we know from David’s life. He likely composed it during a season of intense persecution—perhaps during Saul’s relentless pursuit (1 Samuel 23–24) or Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15). Structure and Flow 1. Lament (vv. 1–21a) 2. Pivot (v. 21b) 3. Praise (vv. 22–31) The psalm arcs from darkness to light, from forsakenness to worldwide worship. That turn in the middle—“You have answered me” (v. 21b, literal Hebrew)—is the hinge. Prophetic Foreshadowing of the Crucifixion • Jesus quoted verse 1 on the cross (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). • Verse 7–8 matches the mockery at the crucifixion (Matthew 27:39-43). • Verse 16, “They pierced my hands and feet,” mirrors nail wounds (John 20:25-27). • Verse 18 fulfilled when soldiers cast lots for His clothing (John 19:23-24). The psalm offers a first-person window into Messiah’s sufferings a millennium before Jesus was born. New Testament Echoes • Hebrews 2:12 cites verse 22 to show Jesus leading believers in praise. • Revelation 5 & 7 echo the global worship scene of verses 27-31. • Romans 15:9 reflects the call for Gentiles to glorify God, hinted here. Historical and Archaeological Notes • Crucifixion Evidence: First-century ossuaries (e.g., Yehohanan’s heel bone with a nail) confirm the practice exactly as Psalm 22 depicts. • Garment Casting: Dice and knucklebones found at Roman sites illustrate the soldiers’ lot-casting in verse 18. • “Bulls of Bashan”: Bashan’s basalt plateau east of the Jordan was famed for its strong cattle (Amos 4:1). The image signals powerful, intimidating foes. • “Piercing” of hands and feet matches Dead Sea Scroll fragments (Nahal Hever) that favor the reading “pierced” over “like a lion,” supporting the messianic view. God’s Character on Display • Holiness (v. 3) • Faithfulness across generations (vv. 4-5) • Nearness to the afflicted (v. 24) • Global King (vv. 27-28) Though David feels abandoned, the psalm ultimately affirms God’s unbreakable commitment to His people. Practical Takeaways • Honest Lament: Believers can pour out raw emotion without fear; God receives it. • Remember Past Deliverances: Rehearsing God’s track record fuels hope when present rescue seems absent. • Suffering Precedes Glory: Just as the psalm turns to praise, trials in Christ lead to eventual victory. • Gospel Mission: The closing verses propel us toward global witness, confident that “all the families of the nations will bow down.” Links to Other Scriptures • Job 30:17-19 shares similar bodily anguish. • Isaiah 53 amplifies the suffering servant theme. • Philippians 2:8-11 parallels the path from self-emptying death to universal worship. • Psalm 16 and Psalm 110 join Psalm 22 as a trio of key messianic psalms quoted in the New Testament. The Song’s Journey Through History • Early Church: Psalm 22 was read during Passion Week liturgies. • Reformation: Martin Luther called it a “gem among psalms” for its clear witness to Christ. • Modern Worship: Lines like “You answered me” inspire songs that blend lament and praise today. Conclusion Psalm 22 begins in the darkest night of the soul and ends with a sunrise of worldwide praise. It assures believers that God hears every cry, remembers every promise, and in Christ has already secured the final shout: “He has done it!” Connections to Additional Scriptures 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. Teaching Points 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. Practical Applications 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. People 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. Places 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. Events 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. Lessons from Psalm 22 1. The Cry of Desperation Psalm 22 begins with a heart-wrenching cry: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). This verse reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can turn to God with our deepest fears and questions. It’s a powerful lesson in honesty and vulnerability before our Creator, who understands our struggles and invites us to pour out our hearts to Him. 2. The Prophetic Picture of the Cross This psalm is a vivid prophecy of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, written centuries before it happened. Verses like "They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing" (Psalm 22:18) show the incredible accuracy of Scripture. It’s a reminder of the divine inspiration of the Bible and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through Christ. 3. Trust in God’s Faithfulness Despite the initial cry of despair, the psalmist quickly shifts to a declaration of trust: "In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them" (Psalm 22:4). This teaches us to remember God’s past faithfulness as a source of hope and encouragement in our present trials. 4. The Power of Praise Even in the midst of suffering, the psalmist declares, "I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly" (Psalm 22:22). Praise is a powerful tool that shifts our focus from our problems to God’s greatness, lifting our spirits and strengthening our faith. 5. God’s Nearness in Suffering The psalmist acknowledges, "For He has not despised or detested the torment of the afflicted. He has not hidden His face from him, but has attended to his cry for help" (Psalm 22:24). This assures us that God is not distant in our suffering; He is present and attentive, ready to comfort and deliver. 6. The Global Impact of God’s Salvation Psalm 22 looks forward to a time when "all the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD" (Psalm 22:27). This highlights the universal scope of God’s salvation plan, encouraging us to share the good news of Jesus with all nations, knowing that His love extends to every corner of the globe. 7. The Humility of Dependence The psalmist’s reliance on God is evident: "For You brought me out of the womb; You secured me at my mother’s breast" (Psalm 22:9). This teaches us the importance of humility and dependence on God from the very beginning of our lives, recognizing that He is our ultimate source of strength and provision. 8. The Victory of the Righteous Despite the suffering described, the psalm concludes with a note of triumph: "For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations" (Psalm 22:28). This reassures us that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, God’s ultimate victory is assured, and His righteous rule will prevail. 9. The Legacy of Faith The psalmist declares, "Posterity will serve Him; they will declare the Lord to a new generation" (Psalm 22:30). This emphasizes the importance of passing on our faith to future generations, ensuring that the message of God’s love and salvation continues to impact lives long after we are gone. 10. The Fulfillment of God’s Promises The final verse proclaims, "They will come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn—all that He has done" (Psalm 22:31). This is a powerful reminder that God is faithful to fulfill His promises, and His works will be declared throughout all generations, inspiring us to trust in His perfect plan. Topics 1. Cry of Abandonment The psalm begins with a profound sense of abandonment: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). This cry is echoed in the New Testament by Jesus on the cross, highlighting its messianic significance. The Hebrew word "עזבתני" (azavtani) conveys a deep sense of being left behind or forsaken. 2. Plea for Deliverance The psalmist pleads for God's intervention: "O my God, I cry out by day, but You do not answer" (Psalm 22:2). This reflects a persistent seeking of God's presence and help, emphasizing the Hebrew root "שׁוע" (shava), meaning to cry out for help. 3. God's Holiness and Trustworthiness Despite feelings of abandonment, the psalmist acknowledges God's holiness: "Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel" (Psalm 22:3). The Hebrew word "קדוש" (qadosh) underscores God's sacred and set-apart nature. 4. Historical Trust in God The psalmist recalls the trust of the ancestors: "In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them" (Psalm 22:4). This reflects a historical pattern of reliance on God, rooted in the Hebrew concept of "בטח" (batach), meaning to trust or be confident. 5. Personal Scorn and Mockery The psalmist describes being scorned and mocked: "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads" (Psalm 22:7). This experience of derision is captured in the Hebrew "לעג" (laag), meaning to mock or deride. 6. Prophetic Suffering The psalmist vividly describes suffering: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed" (Psalm 22:14). This imagery is prophetic of the suffering Messiah, with "שפך" (shafach) indicating being poured out or emptied. 7. Divine Nearness and Help Despite the suffering, there is a plea for God's nearness: "But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me" (Psalm 22:19). The Hebrew "קרוב" (qarov) emphasizes the desired closeness of God. 8. Declaration of Praise The psalm transitions to a declaration of praise: "I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly" (Psalm 22:22). This reflects a shift from lament to worship, with "הלל" (halal) meaning to praise or boast in God. 9. Universal Worship The psalmist envisions a future where all nations worship God: "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD" (Psalm 22:27). The Hebrew "שוב" (shuv) signifies turning or returning, indicating repentance and worship. 10. Righteous Rule and Legacy The psalm concludes with a vision of God's righteous rule: "For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations" (Psalm 22:28). The Hebrew "מלך" (malak) denotes ruling or reigning, affirming God's sovereignty. Themes 1. Forsakenness and Lament Psalm 22 begins with a profound sense of abandonment, as expressed in the opening verse: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1). This theme of forsakenness is central to the psalm, capturing the deep anguish and sense of isolation experienced by the psalmist. The Hebrew word "עזבתני" (azavtani) conveys a sense of being left behind or deserted, emphasizing the depth of the psalmist's lament. 2. Mockery and Scorn The psalmist describes being mocked and scorned by others: "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads" (Psalm 22:7). This theme highlights the ridicule and derision faced by the psalmist, reflecting a common experience of suffering and humiliation. The Hebrew root "לעג" (la'ag) for "mock" underscores the contempt and derision directed at the psalmist. 3. Physical Suffering and Distress The psalm vividly portrays physical suffering: "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are disjointed" (Psalm 22:14). This theme of physical distress is expressed through vivid imagery, capturing the psalmist's intense pain and weakness. The Hebrew word "שפך" (shafach) for "poured out" conveys a sense of being completely emptied or exhausted. 4. Desperation and Plea for Deliverance The psalmist cries out for deliverance: "But You, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me" (Psalm 22:19). This theme of desperation and urgent plea for divine intervention reflects the psalmist's reliance on God as the ultimate source of help and salvation. The Hebrew word "חוש" (chush) for "come quickly" emphasizes the urgency of the plea. 5. Faith and Trust in God Despite the suffering, the psalmist expresses trust in God: "In You our fathers trusted; they trusted and You delivered them" (Psalm 22:4). This theme of faith and trust underscores the psalmist's belief in God's faithfulness and past acts of deliverance. The Hebrew root "בטח" (batach) for "trusted" conveys a sense of confidence and reliance on God. 6. Vindication and Praise The psalm transitions to a theme of vindication and praise: "I will declare Your name to my brothers; in the assembly I will praise You" (Psalm 22:22). This shift reflects the psalmist's confidence in eventual deliverance and the desire to publicly proclaim God's goodness. The Hebrew word "ספר" (saphar) for "declare" indicates a recounting or telling forth of God's deeds. 7. Universal Worship and Dominion 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 theme of global recognition and worship of God highlights the psalmist's hope for a future where all nations acknowledge God's sovereignty. The Hebrew root "זכר" (zakar) for "remember" suggests a calling to mind and turning towards God. Prayer Points 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. Answering Tough Questions 1. Psalm 22:1 – Does the writer’s cry of abandonment contradict other biblical depictions of God’s faithfulness to the righteous? 2. Psalm 22:6 – Is the statement “I am a worm, and not a man” hyperbole, or does it imply a scientific or historical inaccuracy? 3. Psalm 22:16 – Does the phrase “they have pierced my hands and my feet” reflect a later Christian interpretation rather than the original Hebrew text? 4. Psalm 22:18 – Is the description of dividing garments by casting lots a verifiable historical detail, or a narrative retrofitted to match the crucifixion story? 5. Overall – How can Psalm 22 be a prophecy of Jesus’ crucifixion if crucifixion was not a known form of execution at the time of the psalm’s composition? Bible Study Discussion Questions 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? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions