Suggested reading: Psalm 22 verses 1-31; Matthew chapter 27 verses 45-50
Note the beautiful introduction to the Psalm: ‘To the Chief Musician. Set to ‘The Deer (Hind) of the Dawn’. A Psalm of David.
This moving Psalm can be meditated upon in different ways by linking it with other Psalms:
- Psalm 22 – The GOOD Shepherd, John chapter 10 verse 11 – SAVIOUR
- Psalm 23 – The CHIEF Shepherd, 1 Peter chapter 5 verse 4 – SHEPHERD
- Psalm 24 – The GREAT Shepherd, Hebrews chapter 13 verse 20 – SOVEREIGN
Or
- Psalm 22 – THE SIN OFFERING
- Psalm 40 – THE BURNT OFFERING
- Psalm 69 – THE TRESPASS OFFERING
- Psalm 118 – THE PEACE OFFERING
The Psalm can also be viewed in the following ways:
- Symbolically
- Messianically
- Historically
- Prophetically
- Christologically: pointing to Christ
It is the latter way in which we invite you to meditate upon it today. We have noted in previous meditations that the Lord Jesus taught both His followers and His critics that the Scriptures spoke of Him. Although Psalm 22 was written by David, it is clear from the outset that He is talking about someone, other than himself. The opening words, ‘My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?’, Matthew chapter 27 verse 46, was the cry uttered by Jesus from the cross; indeed, even though there have been many suggestions made as to who the Sufferer of the Psalm is, much of it could only refer to Christ.
Many parts of it are applied to Him in the New Testament. Interestingly, there are thirty-three references that apply to death by crucifixion, long before this form of execution was instituted. It was, of course, used extensively by the Romans during the time of Christ’s earthly ministry. All of this, and much more besides, testifies to the prophetic nature of the Psalm and the inspiration of Scripture!
To be continued