Though separated in history by about a thousand years, David wrote in stunning, graphic detail of Jesus’ crucifixion. Like Isaiah 53, Psalm 22 is a crown jewel in the Scriptures’ treasure trove of predictive prophecy. In this psalm of David, set to “The Deer of the Dawn”, David details:
- Jesus’ anguish of spirit on the cross. “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me and from the words of My groaning?” (v. 1).
- Jesus’ anguish of soul on the cross. “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people. All those who see Me ridicule Me; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, ‘He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!’” (vv. 6-8).
- Jesus anguish of body on the cross. “I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it has melted within Me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them and for My clothing they cast lots” (vv. 14-18).
The firm foundation of predictive prophecy immovably stands as infallible proof of the Bible divine authorship. It declares the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). It announces new things before they spring forth into human history (Isaiah 42:9). It predicts from ancient times things that had not yet been done (Isaiah 46:10). It proves that Jehovah is God and there is no other; He is God and there is none like Him (Isaiah 46:9).
Divine revelation and inspiration are the only plausible explanations of how David could write as though he were standing at the foot of Jesus’ cross.
