Notes on Psalms 22

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Psa. 22 was given to us by God for our devotion and worship. The 53rd of Isaiah is a dialog between Jehovah, the prophet, and the remnant concerning Christ's sufferings. The 2nd chapter of Jonah is the Lord's sufferings being described by Him when past or deliverance is anticipated when in them. But this Psalm is most touching-it is the Lord Jesus Himself expressing His own sufferings when passing through them. He was expressing then His feelings, sentiments and emotions of both the external and moral sufferings during those six hours atoningly, governmentally and morally an account of personal righteousness.
Seven aspects of His sufferings are recorded for us in this beautiful Psalm. The word "Love" is not mentioned in this Psalm. It is not necessary to do so when we read of such deep sufferings. These sufferings are not recorded here chronologically-importance is first given to the atonement.
2. "A reproach of men. Psa. 22:66But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. (Psalm 22:6). This refers to the rejection by the Gentiles.
3. “And despised of the people." Psa. 22:66But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. (Psalm 22:6). The nation refused its King, and said, "Away with Him. We will not have this man to rule over us.”
4. Next we have Israel's leaders. (Psa. 22:1111Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. (Psalm 22:11)-15.) There is some detail given here, and note He enters this deep sorrow by turning to God in prayer-'Be not far from Me, for trouble is near." Psa. 22:1111Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help. (Psalm 22:11). "Many bulls have compassed Me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset Me round" refers to those leaders.
5. The Roman soldiers (Psa. 22:16-1916For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. 17I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. 19But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me. (Psalm 22:16‑19)) are now brought before us. The sufferings the Lord endured at the hands of these brutal and ruthless soldiers have found a place in the Holy Scriptures. It is worthy of note. Again the Lord prays and repeats "Be not far from Me" but significantly adds "O My strength." "For dogs have compassed Me" and the Lord's prophetic words concerning these men given with such detail and exactness confirms its own Divine and indestructible authority.
6. “Deliver My soul from the sword; My darling from the power of the dog." Psa. 22:2020Deliver my soul from the sword; my darling from the power of the dog. (Psalm 22:20). Here we have the Roman Imperial Power. God in the first place established government on the earth in Noah to restrain evil and later withdrew it from Israel on account of failure. It was then committed to the Gentiles which finally and fatally expressed itself in the Roman Imperial Power represented by Pontius Pilate's washing his hands in the presence of a condemned, innocent Victim and committing the Son of God to His murderers.
7. Lastly-"Save Me from the lion's mouth." Psa. 22:2121Save me from the lion's mouth: for thou hast heard me from the horns of the unicorns. (Psalm 22:21). This is His going into death. Three things were essential for the atonement His being forsaken, His going into death and the shedding of His blood. This was one complete Divine work settled by a Diving Person and not to be tampered with by arrogant minds.
Guilt and defilement were then dealt with by and before God in principle and totality. But other results of man's sin ensued such as sorrow, misery, disease, pain and tears. "He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled." John 11:3333When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, (John 11:33). This is the Lord entering into all that sin and its consequences meant and maybe this led the writer of Hebrews when quoting Psa. 40 to omit the words "I delight.”
Well might the blessed Lord say. "Save Mc from the lion's mouth" as well as "If it be possible let this cup pass from Me." Nevertheless He did the will of God and went into death.
The Psalm ends triumphantly with the words: "He hath done this.” R. H. Craggs