God Gives David Endurance to Win The Battle
July 25, 2020
Commentary
This psalm might have been written when David was cornered by Saul in the wilderness. He could easily have thought that even God had abandoned him. However, he soon learned otherwise as in the providence of God, Israel was invaded, Saul had to give his attention to that attack, and he was forced to call off his search for David. The strong personal feelings reveal a bitter experience, but the statements go far beyond anything David personally experienced. God gave David endurance to win the battle and then gave him honor and majesty from the victory (vv. 1-7). David rejoiced in God’s strength and salvation (v. 1) and in His presence with him (v. 6).
When we compare what is written here with the story of the crucifixion the Psalmist gives a more vivid description of the sufferings of Christ on the cross than do the authors of the gospels. David was obviously enduring some great trial, but through his suffering he like the Messiah to come, gained victory. The church has understood this psalm to be a topology of the death of Jesus Christ. It does not include one word of confession of sin or revenge against the enemies. It is primarily to the account of a righteous man who was being put to death by wicked men.
Jesus quoted verse 1 on the cross (Matthew 27:46). For a moment, God turned His back on His Son when He became sin for us. This passage helps us understand what was involved in our Lord’s being forsaken on the cross (vv. 1-5). A description is given of how Jesus was despised by the people and denied His legal rights as He was arrested, tried illegally, and considered guilty before the case was even heard (vv. 6-10). Although in certain respects this may be said of every individual, it is most appropriate for the Christ to say (Lk 2:40, 49, 52). God the Son and God the Father had never been separated until that eventful moment at Calvary. Thus, the Son cried, “Be not far from me … for there is none to help” (v. 11).
Application
How long has it been since I have thought through what our Lord endured on the cross for my sins? Thank you Lord for Your willingness to die on the cross for me. He not only loved me so much that he gave His life for me, as the sinless son of God, but he suffered and died for me that the payment for my sins past, present and future was paid in full.
Psalms 22:1– 11 (NET)
1 My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? I groan in prayer, but help seems far away.
2 My God, I cry out during the day, but you do not answer, and during the night my prayers do not let up.
3 You are holy; you sit as king receiving the praises of Israel.
4 In you our ancestors trusted; they trusted in you and you rescued them.
5 To you they cried out, and they were saved; in you they trusted and they were not disappointed.
6 But I am a worm, not a man; people insult me and despise me.
7 All who see me taunt me; they mock me and shake their heads.
8 They say, “Commit yourself to the Lord! Let the Lord rescue him! Let the Lord deliver him, for he delights in him.”
9 Yes, you are the one who brought me out from the womb and made me feel secure on my mother’s breasts.
10 I have been dependent on you since birth; from the time I came out of my mother’s womb you have been my God.
11 Do not remain far away from me, for trouble is near and I have no one to help me.