Psalm 22 is a poignant and emotive psalm attributed to King David and often considered one of the Messianic Psalms, with Christian interpreters seeing in it prophetic references to the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The psalm begins with a cry of anguish, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These words are familiar to Christians as they are echoed by Jesus on the cross in the New Testament. The psalmist expresses feelings of abandonment and distress, yet also maintains trust in God’s faithfulness.

Throughout the psalm, there’s a vivid description of the psalmist’s suffering, with imagery of being surrounded by enemies, mocked and scorned by onlookers, and physically afflicted. Despite the intense suffering described, the psalmist clings to the hope of God’s deliverance, expressing confidence in God’s power to save.

The psalm shifts towards praise and thanksgiving as the psalmist anticipates God’s response to their cries. There’s a sense of victory and vindication as the psalmist declares that God hasn’t despised or scorned their affliction, but rather hears their cries and responds with deliverance.

In the final verses, the psalmist calls on future generations to praise God for His faithfulness and deliverance. They envision a time when all nations will worship and acknowledge God’s sovereignty.

Interpretations of Psalm 22 vary across religious traditions. For Christians, the psalm is often seen as foreshadowing the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, with many phrases and images in the psalm being seen as directly fulfilled in the events of Christ’s crucifixion. In Jewish tradition, Psalm 22 is recited during times of distress and is seen as a prayer for deliverance and redemption.

Overall, Psalm 22 is a powerful expression of faith in the midst of suffering, highlighting the tension between feelings of abandonment and trust in God’s faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God is present and working towards redemption and deliverance.

On this Good Friday we’re reminded that Christ spoke the first words of this psalm, and possible recited it all, on the Cross. It starts with darkness and despair, yet ends in light and hope. In abandonment and death we look forward to companionship and new life on Easter Sunday.