Listen "#173 | In the Footsteps of David: The truth behind "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" in Psalm 22"
Episode Synopsis
Podcast Episode Description:
In this episode, we explore the profound connection between Psalm 22 and Jesus' cry of dereliction on the cross as recorded in Matthew 27:46: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" By quoting the opening verse of this Psalm, Jesus points us to its deeper context and meaning.
We begin by examining the historical backdrop of Psalm 22, which likely reflects David’s anguish during his flight from Saul, as recorded in 1 Samuel 21:10-15. In this narrative, David finds himself in the Philistine city of Gath, alone, disoriented, and wondering if God can still deliver him while he is outside the boundaries of the Holy Land. For David, being in Gath may have symbolized being cut off from God’s presence and protection—a sentiment Jesus echoes in his cry from the cross.
As we walk through Psalm 22 verse by verse, we uncover vivid imagery and phrases that directly relate to Jesus’ experience of crucifixion. Many of these are explicitly quoted in the Gospel of Matthew, including the mocking taunts, the casting of lots for Jesus’ clothing, and the physical agony described in the Psalm. These connections deepen our understanding of how Jesus fulfilled the suffering described by David.
A key focus of the episode is Psalm 22:24, where David proclaims that God does not hide His face from the afflicted or turn away from their suffering. This verse challenges common interpretations of Jesus’ cry as indicating divine abandonment. Instead, we suggest that Jesus’ lament reflects a sense of being forsaken to the Gentiles—just as David felt forsaken to the Philistines. Rather than signaling that God turned His back on Jesus, this cry underscores the weight of human suffering and the depth of Jesus’ identification with the forsaken.
We conclude by discussing the triumphant ending of Psalm 22, which envisions Gentiles coming to worship the Lord as a result of David’s suffering. This prophetic outcome is mirrored in Matthew’s Gospel, where a Roman centurion—a Gentile—confesses, "Surely this was the Son of God," after witnessing the manner of Jesus' death.
Join us as we delve into the rich layers of Psalm 22, uncover its Messianic significance, and see how it illuminates the heart of the Gospel: a God who enters into human suffering to bring redemption to all people.
Key Passages:
Matthew 27:46
Psalm 22
1 Samuel 21:10-15
Key Resources:
A book that explores Jesus' cry form the cross and offers an interpretation similar to the one we offer
Explainer Video on how to use www.biblehub.com and www.blueletterbible.org
Leave us a question or comment at our website podcast page.
* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music