Psalm 22

Verses 1-10

The 22nd Psalm bursts out with a shocking accusation from the author against God. 1-2

What issue could the Psalmist have against God?

It is clear from the plea, that the Psalmist is feeling abandoned.

Sarcasm 3

The author casts doubt on the holiness of god.

He inhabits the praise of Israel.

He seems to be playing favorites.

Past faithfulness for others. 4-5

Men of the past were helped by God.

They faced troubles and when they called out to God, He answered them.

He helped people before.

Feelings of unworthiness. 6-8

I must not be good enough for you to help me.

I am not important enough.

Because you have abandoned me, I am become a mockery.

But I don’t understand because...

God was good in the past. 9-10

You let me live when I was born.

I had hope for a good life when I was a baby, just like everyone else.

You were there for me every step of the way.

Until now...

Now you just feel very far away...

Verses 11-21

Plea for help. 11

Won’t you return to me?

I have no one else to turn to.

If you don’t help me, no one will.

My situation is getting desperate.

Predators are closing in. 12

Bulls of Bashan - 12

Roaring lions - 13

Dogs - 16

Unicorns - 21

The author relates the impact of the trouble upon his health and well-being. 14-18

It has brought pain into every aspect of his existence.

He has no energy left.

His joints are so overworked, they are refusing to work.

He has no courage left.

His strength is gone.

He is dehydrated and nearing the point of death.

At the last moment, when all seemed lost, God heard the cries of the author. 19-21

He is in the lions mouth when he makes his final plea.

He is between the horns of the unicorn when God answers him.

Verses 22-31

No longer alone, no longer in danger, the psalmist changes his tone.

Call to praise. 22-23

Realization of true reality: God never left him. 24

Return to life of peace

Return to life of praise. 25 - 31

God will be praised by the meek. 26

God will be praised by the world. 27-28

God will be praised by the fat. 29

He will be praised by the dying. 29

He will be praised by future generations. 30-31