Today’s reading is Psalm 22.
Psalm 22 was written by David and is arguably the most known of the 15 Messianic Psalms which describe the coming Messiah in Jesus. This Psalm is one of the Old Testament writings many Jews who have become Christians attribute to part of their conversion because it is so convicting that it is describing Jesus’ Crucifixion. And it was written about 1,000 years before Jesus’ birth with this being translated from Hebrew to Greek in what is called the Septuagint nearly 300 years before Jesus was even born! I’m excited to dive in to this with you. The timing being fitting with Good Friday tomorrow. Please also note that I will likely only mention one cross reference (no pun intended) between Psalm 22 and actual events of the Crucifixion described in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John…yet many of the events matching Psalm 22 are in multiple, if not all, of the Gospels.
We know a lot about David’s life through the books of 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Chronicles, and 2 Chronicles. And we know that he was not in the situation described in Psalm 22, even though he wrote it, showing it was a prophecy and not events he himself experienced. In Psalm 22:16-17 he says, “For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet – I can count all my bones – they stare and gloat over me;” It is clear in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19 that this is what happened to Jesus and describes the events as a whole. As David describes what actually happened during crucifixion, it is important to note most scholars agree crucifixion was not even invented by the Romans until around 700 years after David wrote this. Stoning was the Jews choice of capital punishment. Psalm 22:14 says that his bones were out of joint which is what happens from the weight of the body hanging on the cross. It is clear this is prophetic description of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Let’s move on to some of other events as a part of the crucifixion David describes in detail. Psalm 22:18 says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” This is told in John 19:23-25 with John 19:24 quoting Psalm 22:18 and actually saying this fulfilled that Scripture.
Psalm 22:7-8 says, “All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; He trusts in the Lord; let Him deliver Him; let Him rescue Him, for He delights in Him.'” The mocking of Jesus is described in all of the Gospels, whether it be the soldiers, the crowd, or the priests, scribes, and elders with Matthew 27:43 matching Psalm 22:8.
Psalm 22:15 says, “…and my tongue sticks to my jaws;” Jesus says in John 19:28, “I thirst,” with this again saying right in this verse this fulfills Psalm 22:15.
Lastly, Psalm 22 begins with Psalm 22:1 saying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Mark 15:34 says, “At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?’ which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
I realize my writing today provides more of a historical reference of the prophecy and actual events in the Gospels, rather than a reflection or perspective. But we know Hebrews 4:12 says the Word is living and active and pierces the soul and spirit, so my prayer is that as we go into this Easter weekend it does just that and meets and speaks to each one of us where we need it.
My encouragement is to reflect and meditate on it so God can speak to you.
