{"id":6902,"date":"2025-04-12T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-12T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milagreshoje.com.br\/?p=6902"},"modified":"2025-04-12T09:36:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-12T12:36:26","slug":"psalm-22-a-cry-that-echoes-in-faith-and-hope","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milagreshoje.com.br\/en\/psalm-22-a-cry-that-echoes-in-faith-and-hope\/","title":{"rendered":"Psalm 22: A Cry that Echoes in Faith and Hope"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Psalm 22<\/strong> is one of the most intense and moving passages in the Book of Psalms. It begins with a cry of abandonment, but ends with a powerful declaration of trust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will dive deep into the depths of this psalm, understanding its historical context, symbolism, spiritual interpretations, and how it connects with the human experience of pain, faith, and redemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complete Psalm 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u00b9 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from my help and from the words of my groaning?
\u00b2 My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.
\u00b3 Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.
\u2074 In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.
\u2075 To you they cried out, and were delivered; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2076 But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.
\u2077 All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they shake their heads, saying:
\u2078 \u201cHe trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him, since he delights in him.\u201d
\u2079 Yet you are the one who took me out of the womb; you made me trust even at my mother\u2019s breasts.
\u00b9\u2070 From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother\u2019s womb you have been my God.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b9\u00b9 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.
\u00b9\u00b2 Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan have surrounded me.
\u00b9\u00b3 They have opened wide their mouths against me, like a lion that tears and roars.
\u00b9\u2074 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax\u2014it has melted within me.
\u00b9\u2075 My strength is dried up like a potter\u2019s vessel, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you have set me in the dust of death.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b9\u2076 For dogs have surrounded me; a company of evildoers has enclosed me, piercing my hands and my feet.
\u00b9\u2077 I can count all my bones\u2014they look and stare at me.
\u00b9\u2078 They divide my garments among themselves and cast lots for my clothing.
\u00b9\u2079 But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O my strength, hurry to help me!
\u00b2\u2070 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b2\u00b9 Save me from the mouth of the lion; yes, hear me from the horns of the wild ox.
\u00b2\u00b2 I will tell your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
\u00b2\u00b3 You who fear the Lord, praise him; all you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and fear him, all you offspring of Israel.
\u00b2\u2074 For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, nor has he concealed his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.
\u00b2\u2075 My praise shall be of you in the great congregation; I will pay my vows before those who fear him.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b2\u2076 The meek shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him; your heart will live forever.
\u00b2\u2077 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before your face.
\u00b2\u2078 For the kingdom is the Lord\u2019s, and he rules over the nations.
\u00b2\u2079 All who are fat on the earth will eat and worship, and all who go down to the dust shall bow before him; and no one can keep alive his own soul.
\u00b3\u2070 A posterity will serve him; it shall be declared to the Lord to every generation.
\u00b3\u00b9 They will come and announce his righteousness to a people yet to be born, for he has done it.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse-by-Verse Explanation – Psalm 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Verse 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from my help and from the words of my groaning?”<\/strong>
The psalmist begins with a cry of despair, feeling abandoned by God at a critical moment. This is the very phrase that Jesus quotes on the cross (Matthew 27:46), directly connecting to human pain and the apparent divine silence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“My God, I cry by day, but you do not answer; and by night, but find no rest.”<\/strong>
The pain is constant. There is a plea for help both by day and by night, yet the feeling is of no response. The soul is restless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”<\/strong>
Even in suffering, there is recognition of God\u2019s holiness. The psalmist does not doubt the divine character; he only expresses his anguish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.”<\/strong>
He recalls God\u2019s faithfulness with previous generations. This strengthens his faith even amidst pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“To you they cried out, and were delivered; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.”<\/strong>
The psalmist affirms that those who trusted in God were not shamed. This shows an expectation that the same divine faithfulness will manifest again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 6<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people.”<\/strong>
Here, he expresses extreme humiliation. He feels inferior, insignificant, rejected, and treated with disdain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they shake their heads, saying:”<\/strong>
The suffering intensifies with public ridicule. There is scorn and derision from those who watch him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him, since he delights in him.”<\/strong>
The mockers ironize his faith, daring God to save him. This scene is echoed in the accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Yet you are the one who took me out of the womb; you made me trust even at my mother\u2019s breasts.”<\/strong>
The psalmist acknowledges that his life has always been in God\u2019s hands, from birth. His faith was nurtured from the very beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 10<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother\u2019s womb you have been my God.”<\/strong>
This reinforces the intimate and ancient relationship with God. Trust did not arise from suffering, but from the very start of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 11<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Do not be far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.”<\/strong>
He implores for the divine presence, for the anguish is near and no human help is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 12<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan have surrounded me.”<\/strong>
The \u201cbulls of Bashan\u201d symbolize powerful enemies and oppressors. The threat is intense and imposing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 13<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“They have opened wide their mouths against me, like a lion that tears and roars.”<\/strong>
The psalmist feels attacked with ferocity. His enemies are like lions ready to destroy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 14<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax\u2014it has melted within me.”<\/strong>
Here, he describes the physical and emotional exhaustion. The body is weak and the heart is shattered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 15<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“My strength is dried up like a potter\u2019s vessel, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you have set me in the dust of death.”<\/strong>
Life is fading away. There is dryness, thirst, and a feeling that death is imminent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 16<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“For dogs have surrounded me; a company of evildoers has enclosed me, piercing my hands and my feet.”<\/strong>
A direct image of violence and injustice. The expression \u201cpiercing my hands and my feet\u201d is seen by many as a prophetic reference to the crucifixion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 17<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I can count all my bones\u2014they look and stare at me.”<\/strong>
The pain is so deep that the bones seem visible. The suffering is observed by others, without empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 18<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“They divide my garments among themselves and cast lots for my clothing.”<\/strong>
Another passage directly connected to the crucifixion. The humiliation is complete; even his garments are taken away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 19<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O my strength, hurry to help me!”<\/strong>
Even in the face of death, the psalmist cries for help. God remains his only hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 20<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog.”<\/strong>
He pleads for the preservation of his life, asking deliverance from fierce and cruel enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 21<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“Save me from the mouth of the lion; yes, hear me from the horns of the wild ox.”<\/strong>
The psalmist acknowledges that God has begun to answer. The turning point begins: from plea to salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 22<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“I will tell your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”<\/strong>
A promise of public testimony. He will praise God before all, in gratitude for the salvation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 23<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“You who fear the Lord, praise him; all you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and fear him, all you offspring of Israel.”<\/strong>
An invitation to worship. The psalmist exhorts all the people to praise God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 24<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, nor has he concealed his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.”<\/strong>
It affirms that God does not ignore suffering. He hears the afflicted and responds with mercy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 25<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“My praise shall be of you in the great congregation; I will pay my vows before those who fear him.”<\/strong>
He reinforces his commitment to worship publicly and fulfill the promises made to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 26<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“The meek shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him; your heart will live forever.”<\/strong>
There is a blessing for the humble and the seekers. They will be nourished and live with lasting joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 27<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before your face.”<\/strong>
The psalmist looks to the future. Salvation extends to the nations\u2014a prophetic announcement of global worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 28<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“For the kingdom is the Lord\u2019s, and he rules over the nations.”<\/strong>
This affirms God\u2019s sovereignty over all the earth. He is the absolute King.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 29<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“All who are fat on the earth will eat and worship, and all who go down to the dust shall bow before him; and no one can keep alive his own soul.”<\/strong>
Rich and poor, living and dead: all are subject to God. Worship is universal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 30<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“A posterity will serve him; it shall be declared to the Lord to every generation.”<\/strong>
A lineage of the faithful will continue to serve God. The praise will be passed on from generation to generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Verse 31<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

“They will come and announce his righteousness to a people yet to be born, for he has done it.”<\/strong>
Future generations will know of God\u2019s righteousness. What God has done will be proclaimed eternally.<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Psalm<\/figure>\n\n\n

Context of Psalm 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 22<\/strong> is traditionally attributed to King David. It expresses a moment of deep suffering, yet at the same time an unwavering faith in the salvation that comes from God. Its dramatic beginning \u2014 \u201cMy God, my God, why have you forsaken me?\u201d \u2014 became famous for being quoted by Jesus on the cross, according to the gospel accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Connection with the Crucifixion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many scholars see in Psalm 22<\/strong> a prophetic prefiguration of the sufferings of Christ. Elements such as \u201cpiercing my hands and my feet\u201d and \u201cthey divide my garments among themselves\u201d are frequently associated with the crucifixion. This makes the psalm a link between the Old and the New Testament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poetic and Literary Structure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The text alternates between intense lament and declarations of trust. This creates an emotional progression from darkness to light, from pain to hope. The structure of Psalm 22<\/strong> is carefully built to lead the reader on a journey of inner transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Meanings and Messages of Psalm 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Apparent Abandonment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The psalmist\u2019s pain is real and visceral. The feeling that God is distant reflects universal human experiences. Psalm 22<\/strong> shows that it is legitimate to cry out, question, and even lament before God, without that meaning a loss of faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Remembrance of the Past<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Throughout the verses, the psalmist recalls God\u2019s deeds in the past. This serves as an anchor for his faith. He acknowledges that even though the present is painful, the Lord has always acted with faithfulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Certainty of the Response<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even amidst suffering, the author of Psalm 22<\/strong> declares that God will hear him. This brings forth a powerful message: pain is not the end of the story. There is a promise of deliverance, and faith sustains until that deliverance comes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symbolisms in Psalm 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 22<\/strong> is full of symbolic images that express anguish and redemption. Let\u2019s analyze some of these representations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animals as Metaphors for Suffering<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The psalmist mentions bulls of Bashan, dogs, lions, and other wild animals. They symbolize oppressive forces, merciless enemies, and dangers surrounding the afflicted soul. The language intensifies the drama and brings the reader closer to the described experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Torn-apart Body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

References to a weakened body, exposed bones, and pierced hands amplify the described suffering. More than physical pain, these images represent vulnerability and the total exposure of the soul before God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Divided Garment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another powerful symbol in Psalm 22<\/strong> is the divided garment. Besides alluding to the passion of Christ, this detail shows how suffering can be accompanied by humiliation and the loss of dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spiritual Interpretations of Psalm 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A Messianic Psalm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many view Psalm 22<\/strong> as one of the clearest messianic psalms. The similarities with the crucifixion of Jesus are striking, and the Christian tradition often uses this text in Holy Week liturgies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Expression of Authentic Faith<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Beyond its messianic theology, Psalm 22<\/strong> is a faithful portrayal of the human soul in suffering. It teaches that true faith does not ignore pain, but goes through it with hope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Personal Applications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Who hasn\u2019t felt abandoned, without answers, surrounded by challenges that seem greater than one\u2019s own strength? Psalm 22<\/strong> teaches us that we can bring these feelings directly to God, with trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curiosities about Psalm 22<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n