how might publicly naming profound abandonment reshape expectations for those listening?

Then — the setting

Psalm 22 is a lament, a common genre in ancient Near Eastern literature and the biblical Psalter. While traditionally ascribed to King David (10th century BCE), scholars recognize psalms as a compilation over centuries, reflecting the diverse experiences of Israelite worshipers. This psalm likely served both as an individual's cry and a communal expression of distress, perhaps during times of national calamity, illness, or persecution. The public articulation of suffering, even questioning God, was a permitted and even expected part of Israelite spirituality, contrasting with cultures that demanded stoic silence before deities.

Across the Testaments

The passage is from the Old Testament Psalter, reflecting the raw faith of ancient Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus's cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), directly quotes Psalm 22:1. This connection means that Jesus, in his moment of ultimate suffering, identifies with the deep human experience of abandonment expressed in the psalm. For Christian readers, it transforms the psalm into a prophetic anticipation of Christ's passion, giving voice to a suffering that is both deeply human and uniquely divine. It suggests that even God, in Christ, knows profound abandonment.

Around the passage

Psalm 22 begins with this intense cry of abandonment (vv. 1-2), but quickly reminds God of His past faithfulness (vv. 3-5). The psalmist then describes his utter humiliation and vulnerability (vv. 6-8), contrasting it with his trust from birth (vv. 9-11). The suffering is detailed with vivid imagery (vv. 12-18), leading to an urgent plea for help (vv. 19-21a). Crucially, the psalm pivots to an assurance of God's deliverance and a vow of praise, expanding into a vision of all the earth worshiping God (vv. 21b-31). This movement from lament to praise is characteristic of many psalms of individual lament.

Key terms

• ēlî

  Literally 'my God,' an intimate and personal address, making the sense of abandonment even more acute.

• lamah

  Meaning 'why,' a direct question expressing perplexity and complaint, not just pain but a desire for understanding.

• ʿăzabtānî

  Meaning 'you have forsaken me,' from the root 'ʿāzab,' signifying to abandon, leave, or let go, implying a breach of covenant or loyalty.

Where readings differ

Scholarly and theological interpretations often discuss whether the 'forsakenness' is literal divine abandonment or a profound emotional state. Some argue it's a dramatic poetic expression of feeling, while others, particularly in Christian theology, see it as a true theological experience, especially when applied to Christ's bearing of sin. The 'scandal' of God forsaking God is a significant point of theological reflection. Another area of discussion is the genre: is it purely individual, or does the 'I' represent the nation of Israel?

How traditions read it

These are broad families of interpretation, not single positions.

Orthodox

Orthodox readings emphasize the psalm's Christological fulfillment, particularly through Jesus's cry on the cross, seeing it as prophetic of Christ's suffering and atonement. The psalm validates the expression of deep human suffering, even despair, within a framework of ultimate divine faithfulness and resurrection hope. It's often chanted during Holy Week services.

Catholic

Catholic tradition views Psalm 22 as a messianic psalm, fulfilled by Christ's passion. It underscores the Paschal Mystery, where suffering and abandonment are intimately linked to salvation. The psalm is frequently used in liturgical prayer, especially during Lent and Good Friday, highlighting the solidarity of Christ with human suffering and the ultimate triumph over despair.

Protestant

Protestant interpretations highlight both the raw humanity of the psalmist's complaint and its ultimate resolution in trust and praise. For many, it legitimizes cries of lament and questioning God in times of distress. When applied to Christ, it signifies his full identification with sinful humanity, experiencing the ultimate separation from God that sin entails, thereby making atonement. The turn from lament to praise is also a key theme.

Shared ground

Across traditions, there is broad agreement on the psalm's profound expression of human suffering and its unique Christological significance, particularly through Jesus's quote on the cross. All recognize it as a psalm that moves from deep despair to renewed faith and praise, legitimizing lament within worship while holding onto hope in God's ultimate faithfulness and deliverance.

Keep thinking

• Behind the texthow did ancient israelites typically understand god's presence or absence in suffering?
• Across the Biblehow does jesus's use of this psalm on the cross deepen or shift its meaning?
• For todaywhat might be the social impact of individuals or communities publicly voicing profound abandonment now?

Read alongside it

• Lamentations 3:1-18

  Another profound public lament, where Jeremiah grieves the destruction of Jerusalem and feels abandoned by God.

• Job 3:1-26

  Job's anguished cry, cursing the day he was born, after experiencing immense loss and suffering, questioning God's justice.

• Matthew 27:46

  Jesus quotes this exact phrase from Psalm 22 on the cross, connecting his suffering directly to this ancient cry of abandonment.

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