Psalm 22 - Gleanings in the Psalms

This is beyond all others THE PSALM OF THE CROSS. It may have been actually repeated word by word by our Lord when hanging on the tree; it would be too bold to say that it was so, but even a casual reader may see that it might have been. It begins with "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" and ends, according to some, in the original with "It is finished".

Before us we have a description both of the darkness and of the glory of the Cross, the sufferings of Christ and the glory which shall follow. Oh for grace to draw near and see this great sight! We should read reverently, putting off our shoes from off our feet, as Moses did at the burning bush, for if there be holy ground anywhere in the scripture it is in this psalm.

WHOLE PSALM. The volume entitled "Christ on the Cross" by Rev. J. Stevenson, has a sermon upon every verse. We give the headings; they are suggestive. Verse 1 – The Cry. 2 – The Complaint. 3 – The Acknowledgement. 4—6 ndash; The Contrast. 6 – The Reproach. 7 7ndash; The Mockery. 8 – The Taunt. 9—10 – The Appeal. 11 – The Entreaty. 12—13 – The Assault. 14 – The Faintness. 15 – The Exhaustion. 16 – The Piercing. 17 – The Emaciation and the Insulting Gaze. 18 – The Partition of the Garments and Casting Lots. 19—21 – The Importunity. 21 – The Deliverance. 22 – The Gratitude. 23 – The Invitation. 24 – The Testimony. 25 – The Vow. 26 – The Satisfaction of the Meek; the seekers of the Lord praising Him; the Eternal Life. 27 – The Conversion of the World. 28 – The Enthronement. 29 – The Author of Faith. 30 – The Seed. 31 – The Everlasting Theme and Occupation. The Finish of the Faith.

Verse 1. "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" The first verse expresses a species of suffering that never at any other time was felt in this world, and never will be again – the vengeance of the Almighty upon his child – "My God, why has thou forsaken ME?"

Verse 3. "But thou art holy …" No matter how black temptations are, faith will not listen to an ill word spoken against God, but will justify God always – "Thou art holy …"

Verse 6. "But I am a worm …" Christ calls Himself "a worm" on account of the opinion that men of the world had of Him. The Jews esteemed Christ a worm, and treated Him as such; He was loathsome to them and hated by them; every one trampled upon Him, and trod Him under-foot as men do worms. The Chaldee paraphrase renders it here "A WEAK worm;" and though Christ is the mighty God … yet there was a weakness in His human nature that He was crucified through. It has been observed by some that the word here used signifies the SCARLET worm, or the worm that is in the berry with which scarlet is dyed. And like this scarlet worm did our Lord look, when by way of mockery He was clothed with a scarlet robe; and especially when He appeared in His dyed garments and was red in His apparel.

Verse 7. "ALL they that see me laugh me to scorn …" There is a look of satisfaction on every countenance. None are silent. The theme is far too great for one member to utter. Every lip and head and finger are now a tongue. Cruel Romans! And O ye regicidal Jews! On this sad day Christ made you one indeed! Dreadful unity!

Verse 14. "I am poured out like water …" "What marvel" asks St. Bernard, "that the name of the Bridegroom should be as ointment poured forth (Song. 1–3) When he himself for the greatness of his love, was poured forth like water!"

Verse 16. "… they pierced my hands and my feet". The evangelical prophet testifies it "Behold I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands". Isaiah 49 verse 16. And were we not graven there when His hands were pierced for us? "They DIGGED my hands and my feet". And they digged them so deep that the very prints remained after His resurrection, and their fingers were thrust into them for evidence sake. Some have thought that those scars remain still in His glorious body, to be showed at His second appearing; "They shall look on Him whom they have pierced." That is improbable, but this is certain, there remains still an impression upon Christ's hands and His heart – the sealing and wearing of the Elect there as precious jewels.

Verse 17. "… they look and stare upon me". Oh, how different is that look which the awakened sinner directs to Calvary. And what gratitude should perishing men feel, that from Him that hangs upon the accursed tree there is heard proceeding the inviting sound – "Look unto me and be ye saved."

Gleanings in the Psalms

(Psalm 22)