The Crucifixion Psalm

Do you believe in prophecy?

Psalm 22 is the most graphic description of Christ’s crucifixion found anywhere in the Bible. Yet here it is - tucked away among the Psalms - written 900 years before the birth of Christ.

How could this be? During David’s time, crucifixion as a form of execution had not yet been invented.

Furthermore, crucifixion is portrayed from the victim’s point of view - Jesus’ point of view. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” These are the words of Jesus on the cross, and they form the opening line of this psalm. Then we read (verses 16-18)

Dogs surround me,

a pack of villains encircles me;

they pierce my hands and my feet.

All my bones are on display;

people stare and gloat over me.

They divide my clothes among them

and cast lots for my garment.

With these words, we see, hear and feel Christ’s perspective from the cross. He endured the taunts and insults of men for me. He experienced the abandonment and the piercing agony for me. He was laid in the dust of death, for me. Oh, what love! Oh, what love for such a one as me!

But we also catch a glimpse of the resurrection and the future glory of Jesus (verses 30, 31):

Posterity will serve him;

future generations will be told about the Lord.

They will proclaim his righteousness,

declaring to a people yet unborn:

He has done it!

Remarkably, David saw it all. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he beheld the cross nine centuries in advance.

I believe in prophecy.

Respond in Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the cross and for redemption. Thank you for your holy word. I put my trust in you. You have been faithful in the past; you will be faithful now. You will carry out your promises and fulfill your word to me. Amen.

David Kitz

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).