“For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones. They stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots” (Psalm 22:16–18).
David wrote Psalm 22 out of genuine personal suffering, describing himself as surrounded, wounded, exposed, mocked, and abandoned. Yet the language the Holy Spirit gave him reached far beyond anything clearly recorded in David’s life. Centuries before crucifixion became the Roman method of execution, David described a righteous sufferer whose hands and feet were pierced, whose body was publicly displayed, and whose clothing was divided by casting lots.
The Gospel writers later showed how Jesus fulfilled the entire pattern of this psalm. He quoted its opening words from the cross. His enemies surrounded and mocked Him. His hands and feet were pierced. Spectators stared at Him while Roman soldiers divided His garments and cast lots for His tunic.
Psalm 22 is one of the most astounding among the many Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Christ. The Gospel writers did not force disconnected details onto the crucifixion. Jesus entered the complete pattern of suffering foretold through David. David supplied the inspired language of the suffering righteous King, and Jesus fulfilled it ultimately.
We can have complete confidence in God’s Word. The cross was not an accident, and Jesus was not the helpless victim of unexpected events. Everything unfolded according to God’s saving plan revealed beforehand in Scripture.
Because Christ came exactly as foretold, we can trust every promise God has made. The same Bible that predicted His suffering also promises His return. Therefore let us live faithfully, worship confidently, and wait expectantly, knowing that Christ’s crucifixion was foretold and His coming again is certain.
PRAYER: Dear Father, strengthen our confidence in Your inspired Word. Help us see Your sovereign plan in the cross and trust every promise You have made. Keep us faithful and expectant as we await Christ’s return. In Jesus’ name, amen.