They cried unto thee, and were delivered. If they were delivered because they cried, the Sufferer who cries "day and night" (vex. 2) can scarcely remain unheard for ever. They trusted in thee, and were not confounded; or, were not put to shame ( οὐ κατησχύνθησαν , LXX .). read more
But I am a worm, and no man (comp. Job 25:6 ; Isaiah 41:14 ). The worm is a symbol of extreme weakness and helplessness—it is naturally despised, derided, trodden upon. A reproach of men, and despised of the people (Comp. Isaiah 49:7 ; Isaiah 53:3 ; and for the fulfilment, see Matthew 27:39 ). How deeply Christ was "despised of the people" appeared most evidently when they expressed their desire that, instead of him, a murderer should be granted to them ( Acts 3:14 ). read more
All they that see me laugh me to scorn ; ἐξεμυκτήρισάν με , LXX . (comp. Luke 23:35 , "The people stood beholding;and the rulers also with them derided him ( ἐξεμυκτήριζον )") . They shoot out the lip, they shake the head , saying. read more
He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him . This is a translation of the Septuagint Version rather than of the Hebrew text, which runs, Trust in the Lord (literally, Roll [ thy care ] upon the Lord ): let him deliver him. Let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him . St. Matthew has put it on record that this text was actually cited by the scribes and elders who witnessed the Crucifixion, and applied to our Lord in scorn ( Matthew 27:43 ). They quoted apparently from... read more
But thou art he that took me out of the womb (comp. Job 10:8-11 ). God's creatures have always a claim upon him from the very fact that they are his creatures. Every sufferer may appeal to God as his Maker, and therefore bound to be his Helper and Preserver. Thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts. Thou gavest me the serene joy and trust of infancy—that happy time to which man looks back with such deep satisfaction. Every joy, every satisfaction, came from thee. read more
I was cast upon thee from the womb. In a certain sense this is true of all; but of the Holy Child it was most true ( Luke 2:40 , Luke 2:49 , Luke 2:52 ). He was "cast" on God the Father's care in an especial way. Thou art my God from my mother's belly . The Child Jesus was brought near to God from his birth ( Luke 1:35 ; Luke 2:21 , Luke 2:22 ). From the first dawn of consciousness God was his God ( Luke 2:40 , Luke 2:49 ). read more
Be not far from me . The considerations dwelt upon in Psalms 22:3-5 , and again in veto. 9, 10, have removed the sense of desertion expressed in vex. 1; and the Sufferer can now confidently call on God to help him. "Be not far from me," he says, for trouble is near . The time is come when aid is most urgently required. For there is none to help; literally, not a helper. David himself had never been in such straits. He had always had friends and followers. Under Saul's persecution... read more
Prayer in suffering. The persecuted exile continues to speak of his sufferings, but seems to rise up out of the despair of the first verse into the faith implied in prayer. Much of the suffering here described, if not productive, was at least typical , of the suffering of Christ. An argument is still going on in the sufferer's mind as to whether God had finally forsaken him or not. He has been trying in the first ten verses to argue down the feeling, but has not yet succeeded; and now... read more
Many bulls have compassed me. The Sufferer represents the adversaries who crowd around him under the figure of "bulls"—fierce animals in all parts of the world, and in Palestine particularly' wild and ferocious. "Bulls,, and buffaloes are very numerous, says Canon Tristram, "in Southern Judaea; they are in the habit of gathering in a circle around any novel or unaccustomed object, and may be easily instigated into charging with their horns". Strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round .... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 22:4
A pedigree of faith and piety. "Our fathers trusted," etc. The Bible takes great account of pedigree. Yet not on those grounds in which men commonly glory—rank, title, wealth, fame; but in the line of faith and piety. These words contain— I. A THANKFUL REMEMBRANCE . It is no small honour and blessing to spring from a godly stock. Those who have not this happiness in family lineage may yet claim it by adoption. A true Christian has all past generations of God's people as spiritual... read more