Psalm 22 Story behind the Psalm
Overview
Background ideas
- YHWH has been faithful in Israel's past and in David's early life.
- YHWH's faithful loyalty results in his praise.
- Onlookers think that anyone who suffers must deserve it.
- If YHWH does not help, there is no one else.
- YHWH does not treat the sufferer's affliction as worthless.
- The rescued hold a thanksgiving meal and invite the poor.
- Those invited join the recovered in songs of praise.
Background situation
Expanded paraphrase
(For more information, click "Expanded Paraphrase Legend" below.)
v. 1
For the director. According to “The Doe of the Dawn.” A psalm by David.
v. 2
My God, my God, (I'm at the end of my crying out.) (Normally, I enjoy and can even expect your presence, but now I do not, and so I ask,) Why have you abandoned me? Why are you far from my protection, from my words of groaning?
v. 3
(Danger is present.) My God, I cry out by day but you don’t answer. And by night, and I am not silent.
v. 4
But you are holy, the one sitting enthroned on Israel’s songs of praise, (because your continual loyalty gave Israel continual reason to recognise your faithful rule).
v. 5
(Indeed, after rescuing them in the Exodus event, you became Israel's praise). (Even when they, too, had dangerous situations), Our ancestors trusted you; they trusted and you rescued them.
v. 6
They called to you, so that they escaped; they trusted you and they were not disappointed. (I can expect you to answer because of your faithfulness to previous generations). (I can expect to not be disappointed).
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v. 7
But (since you have not answered me) I am (considered as insignificant as) a worm and (less than human,) not a man; (those who see me conclude I am not really trusting you,) (that obviously I have done something to deserve this,) (and that I am responsible for my own suffering, so) I am scorned by mankind and despised by people.
v. 8
Everyone who sees me mocks me; they open their mouth wide; they shake (their) head (and curse me,) (saying mockingly:)
v. 9
“Commit (it) to YHWH! - Let him rescue him, let him deliver him because he is pleased with him” (They do not think you will rescue me); (they have concluded that you cannot be pleased with me).
v. 10
(They mock because they know I have trusted you since birth). Because you are the one who took me out of the womb, (you brought me into being, you cannot leave me destitute now); and who made me feel secure upon my mother’s breasts.
v. 11
I have been cast upon you from the womb; you have been my God from my mother’s womb. (You were faithful to protect me then; you should be faithful to protect me now).
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v. 12
(Since I normally enjoy and can therefore expect your presence and proximity, I request that you) Don’t be far from me, because trouble is near (and there is no escape); because there is no one helping. (In your absence, helping me in my suffering would stain people's social reputation, since people consider me responsible and deserving of my suffering). (Instead, people take advantage of my situation).
v. 13
(My enemies are like dangerous animals who threaten me.) Many (proud and strong) bulls have surrounded me, (I am outnumbered); mighty ones of Bashan have surrounded me, (I am out-strengthened).
v. 14
They have opened their mouth wide against me (to devour me), like a mauling and roaring lion, (warning off anyone else who might get involved to help). (I am terrified. I can barely stand or move.)
v. 15
I am poured out like water and all of my bones are disjointed (because of my emotional distress); my heart is like wax; it is melted like wax in the midst of my interior, (disappearing and dying).
v. 16
My strength has dried up like a potsherd, (thrown out as useless), and my tongue clings to the roof of my mouth and (I am as good as dead, because) you place me in the dust of death, (—yes, you are ultimately to blame—)
v. 17
because dogs have surrounded me, a company of evildoers has encompassed me, like a lion (they have encompassed) my hands and my feet.
v. 18
(I'm so weak and frail that) I can count all of my bones; (but the onlookers,) they look, they gaze at me, (but not out of compassion). (They are taking satisfaction in my situation and anticipating my death).
v. 19
They divide my clothes among themselves and cast a lot for my garment, (as if I was already dead). (They consider me as good as dead.) For Visual, click "Expand" to the right
v. 20
But you, YHWH, don’t be far! My strength, hurry to my aid!
v. 21
Rescue my life from a sword, my only (life) from a dog’s power,
v. 22
save me from a lion’s mouth! (Even though you haven't yet, I know you will deliver me. I will proclaim:) You answered [and saved me] from wild oxen’s horns.
v. 23
I will announce your name to my brothers, (they will all know why your name is famous); I will praise you in the midst of the community.
v. 24
You who fear YHWH: praise Him! All you offspring of Jacob: honour Him! All you offspring of Israel: be in awe of Him! (Don't accuse him of any injustice!)
v. 25
Because he has not regarded as worthless nor detestable the sufferer’s affliction. (Suffering itself is something purposeful and valuable in YHWH's eyes). He has not hidden his face from him. (Crying out is not in vain and YHWH does not ignore the afflicted) but he has heard when he cries to him for help.
v. 26
My praise among a great community is from you. (The very motivation to praise you comes from you and what you have done); I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who fear Him. (Everyone will know what you have done for me and everyone will have a reason to praise).
v. 27
(Through my own suffering, I have come to understand the suffering of others,) (and after being rescued and saved, I'll organise a fellowship meal). The afflicted will eat and be satisfied. (They can take comfort and expect the same outcome as my affliction, recognising that it is not in vain to seek you - they will end up praising you in their deliverance, too!); those who seek him will praise YHWH. (A toast:) May your heart live forever!
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v. 28
(The result of you delivering me is much bigger than this community - YHWH is due all praise from his earthly subjects everywhere. Though once near you, they are currently far off, so:) Let all of the ends of the earth consider so that they will return to YHWH, so that all of the families of the nations will worship before you (fulfilling the promise that all families of the earth would be blessed).
v. 29
because the kingdom is YHWH’s and he rules over the nations.
v. 30
(The poor and afflicted will be joined by the healthy and prosperous.) All of the strong ones of the earth have eaten and worshipped; (But their health can't save them from the inevitable:) all of those going down to dust will kneel before him - even though he hasn't saved his life.
v. 31
(The grand community is comprised not only of those here and now:) future generations will serve him; it will be proclaimed concerning the Lord to the generation (that YHWH does not abandon, after all) (and that he has acted justly towards his creation)...
v. 32
Let them come so that they tell His righteous deed to a people being born - what He has done, (so that his saving actions, which underline his faithfulness, produce his praise.)
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