Briefing: This is one of the most incredible writings in the Old Testament.

Dispatch (Assignment): Read Psalm 22.

On the Street: David was the second king of Israel. He ruled over both kingdoms (Israel and Judah) about 1000 years before the birth of Christ. One of the things God promised David was that the Messiah would come from his family. This is one of the prophecies Jesus fulfilled during His ministry on earth.

We know King David was a gifted warrior and strategist. He was a gifted leader and king. God also gifted David with the ability of poetry and prophecy. David was what we would call a renaissance man. He wrote about Jesus’ crucifixion in such detail that there is no denying the fact this was prophesying the death of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of David starts out in an undeniable way. Psalm 22:1 says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” When Jesus was on the cross the Bible says, “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Matthew 27:46.

In verse 2, David prophesies of the three hours the sun hid its face during the crucifixion. He describes the crying out by day and by night. Jesus was crucified in the early afternoon/late morning hours. David shows Jesus on the cross for the first three hours during the daylight. The next three hours Jesus spent in darkness. “From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.” – Matthew 27:45.

David writes of the crying out to God during verse 2 but in verse 3 he says, “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;” This is the same way Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane as seen in Matthew 26:39, “Going a little farther, He fell with His face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Verse 3 also begins a section of verses that show Jesus lived a life of example to all of His followers. Micah 6:8 sets out three specific requirements for man to live by. All three are addressed between verse 3 and verse 6. Micah 6:8 says to seek justice. God says this about Himself throughout the Old Testament, “I am a God of justice.” He is the only one who can administer true justice because He is holy. Secondly in verse 5 David writes, “They cried to you and were saved”. This is mercy. The second point of Micah 6:8 is love mercy. And in verse 6 David speaks of the importance of being humble. The last part of Micah 6:8 says to walk humbly with your God. Jesus lived this out. He set the example of life that we are all called to follow.

In verse 8 we read, “He trusts in the LORD: let the LORD rescue Him. Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him.” While Jesus was dying on the cross the Pharisees said, “He trusts in God. Let God rescue Him now if He wants Him.” – Matthew 27:43.

Verse 14 says, “I am poured out like water”. This spoke to the prophecy that said none of Jesus bones would be broken. To prove He was dead, the soldiers pierced His side to see if the water and the blood had separated, indicating death. “Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.” This verse goes on to say, “and all my bones are out of joint.” When someone hung on the cross for hours, their shoulders would be pulled out of joint.

In verse 16 David paints the scene of Jesus being surrounded by evil men. Jesus was hung between two thieves but I think the evil men were surrounding the foot of the cross mocking Him. Read Matthew 27:38-44. The last half of verse 16 says, “they have pierced my hands and my feet.”

We know Jesus was crucified but we can read in John 20:25-27 where Thomas actually felt the pierced hands and side of Jesus.

Verse 18 says, “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.” John 19:23-24 says, “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. Let’s decide by lot who will get it.” Can there be any doubt David was prophesying about Jesus’ crucifixion?

Investigational Resources: The accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion can be found in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19-20.

Officer Safety Principle: The absolute accuracy and detail that is described in Psalm 22 is undeniable. Men and women of law enforcement are about finding truth through proof. Here it is.

from Psalms Through the Eyes of a Cop, Volume 1
©by Charles Gilliland. Used by permission.
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