Psalms 22:1-31

The Ps. has two sections, in the first of which (Psalms 22:1) the writer earnestly seeks God's help in a time of extreme trouble, while in the second (Psalms 22:22) he breaks into a song of thanksgiving and praise. The trouble is caused by strong and relentless enemies who scorn his trust in God, and persistently threaten his life. The thanksgiving is remarkable for its anticipation of the worldwide acknowledgment of God that is to follow the Psalmist's deliverance. The last-named fact has led some to the view that the Ps. describes a national rather than a personal experience, while the use made of it in the NT. has caused others to regard it as wholly prophetic of the sufferings of Christ. There seems to be a real personal element in the Ps., but at the same time the writer as a righteous sufferer has a representative character, and his words have a partial fulfilment in the experiences of the faithful remnant in Israel, and a complete fulfilment in those of Jesus Christ, which axe the supreme type of righteous suffering leading to the establishment of a universal kingdom of God. The contents of the Ps. explain its use on Good Friday.

Title.—(RV) 'Set to Aijeleth hash-Shahar' (the hind of the morning); probably the name of some well-known song, to the melody of which the Ps. was intended to be sung.