This next section of Psalm 22 is a series of amazing prophetic declarations, describing what would happen to Jesus 1000 years after it was written; it details the happenings of a crucifixion long before that cruel method of execution was devised. Truly God knows all that will come and reveals to us what we need to know.
Psalm 22:12,13 “Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.”
[Satan and his forces, using the unbelieving rulers of Israel and the powerful Gentile Roman forces, sought to devour Christ, seemingly defeating Him with death.]
Psalm 22:14, 15 “I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.”
[Here is the clear prophetic description of Christ’s crucifixion, with bones out of joint, with extreme thirst, with His heart melting from anguish and grief, ending with His death and burial.
What a wonder for us, Lord God to see how you, living outside of time, can describe what doesn’t yet exist in such precise detail. Your knowledge is deep, detailed, wonderful and marvelous, showing us the greatness of your character, the might of your wisdom and the grace of your revelation!]
Psalm 22:16 “Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me,”
[The gentile Romans empowered by the faithless Jewish rulers brought Him to execution.]
“they have pierced my hands and my feet.”
[In crucifying you, they did exactly this.]
Psalm 22:17 “I can count all my bones;
[your bones stuck out as you were stretched and pulled on the cross.]
“people stare and gloat over me.”
[ “the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One'” (Luke 22:35).]
Psalm 22:18 “They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing.”
[And the soldiers did exactly that 1000 years later, casting lots for Jesus’ garment. The detail of prediction here is astounding.
Praise you, Lord, for your desire to share this with us, to show us how your knowledge and wisdom are limitless, always at work, waiting for the right time, bringing what is best to pass, passing all the way on the road of suffering.
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