The book of Malachi is the last prophetic book of the Old Testament, closing the Hebrew Scriptures with a powerful message of rebuke, warning, and hope. Written around 430 B.C., Malachi addresses the spiritual complacency and corruption of Israel’s priests and people after their return from exile. This book serves as God’s final words to His people before a period of 400 years of prophetic silence, which would not be broken until John the Baptist came as the forerunner of Christ.
Malachi’s name means “My Messenger,” fitting for a book that not only exposes Israel’s sins but also points forward to the coming of the Messiah and His messenger, John the Baptist (Malachi 3:1, Matthew 11:10).
This study will walk through the key themes and passages of Malachi, highlighting its historical context, prophetic warnings, and its fulfillment in Christ.
Background and Context
By the time Malachi was written, Israel had been back in their land for nearly 100 years after the Babylonian exile. Under Ezra and Nehemiah, the Temple had been rebuilt, and worship had been restored. However, spiritual decline set in quickly.
The people had grown indifferent toward God, treating worship as a duty rather than devotion. The priests were corrupt, offering defiled sacrifices, and the people robbed God through neglecting tithes and offerings. Even marriage had become dishonorable, as men divorced their wives to marry pagan women.
Malachi confronted these sins head-on, calling the nation to repentance while prophesying about the coming Messiah, who would bring both judgment and salvation.
Malachi’s Message: A Conversation Between God and His People
Malachi is unique because it is written as a series of disputes between God and Israel. Each section begins with God making a statement, Israel questioning Him, and then God responding with proof of their guilt.
Israel’s Doubt of God’s Love (Malachi 1:1-5)
The book opens with God declaring His love for Israel:
“I have loved you,” says the Lord. (Malachi 1:2)
But the people respond with doubt:
“In what way have You loved us?” (Malachi 1:2)
God reminds them that He chose Jacob (Israel) over Esau (Edom), showing them grace while leaving Edom to judgment (Malachi 1:2-5). Despite their faithlessness, God had been faithful, a truth they refused to recognize.
The Corruption of the Priests (Malachi 1:6 – 2:9)
God rebukes the priests for dishonoring Him in worship:
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor?” (Malachi 1:6)
They were offering defiled sacrifices—blind, lame, and sick animals—rather than giving their best to God (Malachi 1:8). God’s response is severe:
“Oh, that one of you would shut the doors, so that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you.” (Malachi 1:10)
God warns that because of their corruption, He will reject their priesthood and spread “dung on their faces” as a sign of disgrace (Malachi 2:1-3). This passage foreshadows Jesus cleansing the Temple, rebuking the corrupt religious leaders in Matthew 21:12-13.
Unfaithfulness in Marriage and Divorce (Malachi 2:10-16)
Israel’s spiritual decay was also seen in marriage. Men were divorcing their wives to marry pagan women, breaking their covenant with God and their families.
“The Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.” (Malachi 2:14)
God’s verdict is clear:
“For the Lord God of Israel says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence.” (Malachi 2:16)
This passage emphasizes that marriage is a sacred covenant before God, not something to be broken.
The Coming Messenger and the Day of the Lord (Malachi 3:1-5)
One of the most significant prophecies in Malachi concerns the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ:
“Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple.” (Malachi 3:1)
This prophecy was fulfilled in John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus (Matthew 11:10). The passage also speaks of the refining fire of Christ:
“He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi.” (Malachi 3:3)
This points to Jesus’ first coming, where He purified His people through the gospel, and His second coming, where He will judge the wicked.
Robbing God in Tithes and Offerings (Malachi 3:6-12)
God directly confronts Israel about their failure to give:
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” (Malachi 3:8)
Because of their neglect, they were experiencing curses. But God offers a challenge:
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing.” (Malachi 3:10)
This is the only place in Scripture where God says, “Test Me.”
The Book of Remembrance and the Coming Judgment (Malachi 3:13 – 4:6)
While many were unfaithful, a remnant remained true to God:
“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him.” (Malachi 3:16)
God promised that they would be His on the day of judgment, while the wicked would be consumed like stubble in a fire (Malachi 4:1). The book ends with the prophecy of Elijah, referring to John the Baptist, who would come in the spirit of Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5-6, Luke 1:17).
Final Thoughts: Malachi’s Relevance Today
Malachi speaks to a people who had grown numb to God. They went through the motions of worship, but their hearts were far from Him. Even today, many profess faith but treat God with indifference. Worship becomes routine, giving becomes an afterthought, and holiness is compromised.
Yet Malachi also holds a glorious promise: that the Messiah would come to refine, restore, and redeem. And He did.
Jesus Christ fulfilled Malachi’s prophecies, and one day, He will return as the refining fire and righteous Judge.
The question is: Will we be found faithful?
The life of Joseph is one of the most profound testimonies of God’s providence and faithfulness found in Genesis 37–50. His account is not merely one of hardship and triumph, but of how God uses trials to refine us, position us, and fulfill His divine purposes.
Joseph’s journey begins with prophetic dreams that spark jealousy among his brothers. He is betrayed, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Yet through every moment, “the Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2, 21). In the end, we see not only his rise to power in Egypt but also a beautiful display of mercy and reconciliation: a powerful foreshadowing of Christ.
Joseph’s Dreams and the Hatred of His Brothers
Joseph was the favored son of Jacob (Genesis 37:3), and his father made it known by giving him a tunic of many colors. This favoritism stirred resentment among his brothers. But the real breaking point came when Joseph began to have dreams from God that foretold his future authority.
“Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” (Genesis 37:6-7)
His brothers responded in anger, saying,
“Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” (Genesis 37:8).
When Joseph had another dream where the sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed before him (Genesis 37:9-10), even his father rebuked him. His brothers’ jealousy turned to hatred, and in their hearts, murder was conceived.
Betrayed, Stripped, and Sold for Silver
One day, Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers. As they saw him approaching from a distance, they conspired, saying,
“Look, this dreamer is coming! Come therefore, let us now kill him and cast him into some pit; and we shall say, ‘Some wild beast has devoured him.’ We shall see what will become of his dreams!” (Genesis 37:19-20).
Reuben, trying to prevent bloodshed, said,
“Let us not kill him. Shed no blood, but cast him into this pit which is in the wilderness, and do not lay a hand on him” (Genesis 37:21-22)
intending to rescue him later. But before he could, a caravan of Ishmaelites passed by, and Judah said,
“What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” (Genesis 37:26-27).
For twenty pieces of silver, Joseph was sold (Genesis 37:28), much like Christ would later be betrayed for thirty (Matthew 26:15). His brothers tore his coat, dipped it in goat’s blood, and presented it to Jacob, who wept bitterly, believing his son was dead (Genesis 37:31-35). Meanwhile, Joseph was taken to Egypt; his journey of suffering had just begun.
Falsely Accused in Potiphar’s House
Joseph was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard (Genesis 39:1). Despite being a slave, “the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man” (Genesis 39:2). Seeing that God blessed Joseph in all he did, Potiphar put him in charge of his entire household (Genesis 39:3-6). But Joseph’s faithfulness would soon be tested.
“Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, ‘Lie with me.’” (Genesis 39:6-7).
Joseph refused, saying,
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
But Potiphar’s wife would not relent. One day, she grabbed him by his garment, but he fled, leaving it behind (Genesis 39:12). Humiliated, she falsely accused him, and Joseph was thrown into prison (Genesis 39:14-20). Yet even in prison,
“the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison” (Genesis 39:21).
Interpreting Dreams in the Dungeon
While imprisoned, Joseph met Pharaoh’s chief butler and chief baker, who each had troubling dreams. Joseph interpreted them, revealing that the butler would be restored and the baker executed (Genesis 40:1-22). Joseph asked the butler to remember him when he was restored, but he forgot him for two years (Genesis 40:23).
Then, Pharaoh himself had a disturbing dream: seven fat cows were devoured by seven thin cows, and seven full heads of grain were swallowed by seven withered ones (Genesis 41:1-7). None of Pharaoh’s magicians could interpret it. Finally, the butler remembered Joseph, saying,
“I remember my faults this day!” (Genesis 41:9).
Joseph was brought before Pharaoh and said,
“It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” (Genesis 41:16).
He revealed that the dream foretold seven years of abundance, followed by seven years of famine. Pharaoh, recognizing the Spirit of God in him, made Joseph second-in-command over all of Egypt (Genesis 41:38-41).
The Ultimate Test: Mercy Over Revenge
When the famine struck, Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt seeking food. They did not recognize him, but he knew them instantly (Genesis 42:6-8). He tested them, eventually revealing himself, saying:
“I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:4-5).
Joseph forgave them completely, and the entire family, including Jacob, came to live in Egypt. Later, after Jacob’s death, the brothers feared Joseph would take revenge, but Joseph replied with one of the most profound statements in Scripture:
“But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20).
My Final Thoughts
Joseph’s life is a powerful testimony to God’s providence. Though betrayed, falsely accused, and forgotten, God was always working for good.
His life teaches us:
Trials refine us and prepare us.
God’s plan is always bigger than what we see.
True forgiveness reflects the heart of Christ.
Just as Joseph was betrayed yet exalted to save many, so was Christ, who was rejected yet rose to be the Savior of all who believe. The dream was never dead: it was waiting for God’s appointed time.
The life of Joseph Smith and the origins of Mormonism is one filled with deception, contradiction, and historical inconsistencies. Many believe that he was a prophet, yet his life, his supposed revelations, and his translation of the “golden plates” raise serious theological and historical concerns. A critical examination of his claims reveals a web of fabrication, false prophecy, and deliberate misdirection that has led millions into spiritual deception.
Joseph Smith and the “Golden Plates”
Joseph Smith claimed that in 1823, an angel named Moroni appeared to him and revealed the location of ancient golden plates buried in a hill in Palmyra, New York. According to Smith, these plates contained the writings of ancient prophets who had lived in the Americas, detailing the history of two great civilizations: the Nephites and the Lamanites. Smith also asserted that these writings were recorded in “Reformed Egyptian”, a language unknown to any scholar or historian.
Smith alleged that after four years of waiting and guidance from Moroni, he was finally allowed to retrieve the plates in 1827. He then claimed to have translated them using seer stones, producing what is now known as the Book of Mormon, published in 1830.
There are several glaring issues with this story:
No Archaeological Evidence: There is no historical or archaeological proof of the existence of the Nephites or Lamanites. No ancient writings, artifacts, or ruins support the Book of Mormon’s claims.
Reformed Egyptian is a Fabrication: There is no known language called “Reformed Egyptian.” The claim that an entire civilization would record its history in an unknown script, rather than Hebrew or another Semitic language, is baseless.
The Golden Plates Were Never Seen by Anyone Else: While Smith claimed others saw the plates, those testimonies are contradictory. The so-called “Three Witnesses” (Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris) later distanced themselves from Smith or admitted they only saw the plates “in a vision” rather than physically.
Mistranslation and Fabrication: Smith had no formal training in Hebrew, Egyptian, or any other ancient language. His claims of translating an ancient script are baseless.
Joseph Smith’s False Translation of the “Book of Abraham”
One of the most damning pieces of evidence against Joseph Smith’s credibility is his supposed translation of the Book of Abraham. In 1835, Smith obtained Egyptian papyri that he claimed contained the writings of Abraham. He then “translated” these papyri into what is now a sacred Mormon text.
However, when the actual papyri were rediscovered in the 1960s, professional Egyptologists translated them and found they were nothing more than standard Egyptian funerary texts (The Book of Breathings), having nothing to do with Abraham. This outright deception proves that Smith had no ability to translate anything, calling into question the authenticity of his claims about the Book of Mormon.
Fabricated Locations and Anachronisms
The Book of Mormon contains numerous geographical and historical errors:
The Cities of Zarahemla and Bountiful: There is no historical or archaeological evidence that these cities ever existed.
Steel and Horses in Ancient America: The Book of Mormon describes Nephites using steel swords and horses, yet steel was not used in the Americas at that time; horses were not reintroduced to the continent until the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500s.
Native Americans as Lamanites: Smith taught that Native Americans were the cursed descendants of the Lamanites. DNA evidence has since proven that Native Americans are of Asian descent, not Middle Eastern, completely refuting the Book of Mormon’s claims.
Joseph Smith’s Life of Deception
Joseph Smith’s life was filled with scandal, corruption, and contradictions. He constantly altered his own teachings and engaged in questionable practices.
False Prophecies: Smith gave numerous false prophecies that never came true. In Doctrine and Covenants 84:1-5, he prophesied that the New Jerusalem and a temple would be built in Independence, Missouri, in that generation. It never happened.
Polygamy and Exploitation of Women: Smith practiced polygamy, marrying at least 30 women (some as young as 14). Many of these marriages were done in secret, even without the knowledge of his first wife, Emma Smith.
Criminal History: Before founding Mormonism, Smith was known as a “treasure seeker” and was even arrested in 1826 for using fraudulent divining methods to locate buried treasure.
Authoritarian Control : Smith demanded absolute obedience from his followers. Those who opposed him were often excommunicated or silenced.
The Violent End of Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith’s rise to power eventually led to his downfall. As he gained more followers, his teachings became increasingly authoritarian and aggressive. In 1844, after being accused of corruption and polygamy, Smith ordered the destruction of a printing press in Nauvoo, Illinois, that had published criticisms of him. This led to his arrest.
While in Carthage Jail, an armed mob stormed the prison. Smith attempted to defend himself with a gun but was overpowered and killed. His violent death marked the end of his leadership, yet his movement did not die with him.
The Rise of Mormonism: How Did It Deceive Millions?
Despite its fraudulent origins, Mormonism grew rapidly. After Smith’s death, Brigham Young took over leadership and led the group to Utah, where they built a religious empire. Several factors contributed to the spread of Mormonism:
Authoritarian Leadership: Mormonism demands absolute obedience to its prophets, making it difficult for followers to question the religion.
Missionary Zeal: The LDS Church aggressively sends missionaries worldwide, spreading its message while downplaying its controversial history.
Family and Community Focus: Mormonism emphasizes strong families and communities, making it attractive to those seeking stability.
Continual Revelation: Unlike biblical Christianity, Mormonism claims its leaders continue to receive revelation, allowing them to adjust doctrine as needed to fit the times.
Final Thoughts
Joseph Smith was not a prophet; he was a deceiver who fabricated revelations, mistranslated documents, and created an entire religion based on lies. The Book of Mormon is a false gospel that contradicts the true Word of God. Paul warns in Galatians 1:8,
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”
Smith’s claims cannot stand against history, archaeology, or the truth of Scripture. His movement, though large, is built on deception. Millions today are trapped in a system that denies the true gospel of Jesus Christ. As believers, we must continue to share the truth and expose false teachings, standing firm in the unchanging Word of God.
John 14:6 reminds us: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Salvation is found in Christ alone, not in the false teachings of Joseph Smith or any other so-called prophet.
The fall of Jericho is one of the most striking moments in the history of Israel’s conquest of the Promised Land. This event, recorded in Joshua 6, demons/”>demonstrates God’s power, the importance of obedience, and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
Where Was Jericho?
Jericho was a heavily fortified city in the Jordan Valley, near the Jordan River, just west of where the Israelites had crossed into Canaan. It was one of the oldest cities in the world and served as a stronghold for the Canaanites. This city was significant because it stood at the entrance to the land that God had promised to Israel, making it the first major battle in their conquest.
As the Israelites approached, Jericho was already in a state of fear. Joshua 2:9-11 records the words of Rahab, a woman living in Jericho, who told the Israelite spies,
“I know that the Lord has given you the land, that the terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land are fainthearted because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”
This passage reveals that the Canaanites were already aware of God’s power; yet they still resisted Him. Instead of repenting, they shut themselves inside their city, trusting in their walls instead of turning to the Lord.
Who Lived in Jericho? Were They Giants?
Jericho was inhabited by the Canaanites, a people known for their extreme wickedness, including idolatry, child sacrifice, and gross immorality. God had decreed their destruction long before, telling Abraham in Genesis 15:16 that his descendants would not inherit the land until “the iniquity of the Amorites” was complete. This judgment was now at hand.
The Canaanites included the Amorites, and Scripture tells us that some of them were giants. When Moses sent twelve spies into the land forty years earlier, they brought back this report in Numbers 13:32-33,
“The land through which we have gone as spies is a land that devours its inhabitants, and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great stature. There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.”
This fear led to Israel’s disobedience at that time, causing them to wander in the wilderness for forty years. Now, under Joshua’s leadership, a new generation had come to conquer the land, fully trusting in the Lord.
While the Bible does not explicitly say there were giants in Jericho, we do know that giants were present in other cities of Canaan. Joshua 11:21-22 later records how Joshua destroyed the Anakim (giants) from the land, except for some who remained in Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. This would later become significant, as Goliath, the Philistine giant, came from Gath.
What Did God Instruct Israel to Do?
God’s battle plan for Jericho was unlike any other military strategy. Instead of attacking, God commanded them to march. In Joshua 6:2-5, the Lord said to Joshua,
“See! I have given Jericho into your hand, its king, and the mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all you men of war; you shall go all around the city once. This you shall do six days. And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. But the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. It shall come to pass, when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, that all the people shall shout with a great shout; then the wall of the city will fall down flat. And the people shall go up every man straight before him.”
For six days, Israel obeyed. They marched around the city once each day, in complete silence except for the sound of the trumpets. The Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, was carried with them. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times. Then, at Joshua’s command, they lifted up a mighty shout, and Joshua 6:20 says,
“The people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.”
Why Did the Walls Fall?
The walls did not fall because of an earthquake or military force. They fell because of faith and obedience. Hebrews 11:30 confirms this, saying,
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.”
The victory belonged to God, not to Israel’s strength. This is a powerful reminder that when we trust in the Lord, He fights our battles for us.
What Happened After the Walls Fell?
When the walls collapsed, the Israelites rushed into the city and utterly destroyed it. God had commanded that everything in the city be devoted to destruction except for Rahab and her family. Joshua 6:17 says,
“Now the city shall be doomed by the Lord to destruction, it and all who are in it. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.”
Rahab and her household were spared because she had put her faith in the God of Israel. Joshua 6:25 tells us,
“And Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father’s household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day, because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.”
Not only did she survive, but she became part of Israel and was later included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ in Matthew 1:5. After the destruction, Joshua pronounced a curse over anyone who would rebuild Jericho. Joshua 6:26 says,
“Then Joshua charged them at that time, saying, ‘Cursed be the man before the Lord who rises up and builds this city Jericho; he shall lay its foundation with his firstborn, and with his youngest he shall set up its gates.’”
This prophecy was fulfilled in 1 Kings 16:34, when Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho, and his sons died as a result.
My Final Thoughts
The fall of Jericho is a testament to the power of God and the importance of obedience. Israel did not win by military strength but by faith in the Lord. Just as they faced an impossible obstacle and saw God move, we too face walls in our lives that seem unbreakable. Yet, through faith and obedience, we can trust that God will bring down strongholds that stand in the way of His will.
The destruction of Jericho also reveals God’s judgment. The Canaanites had many years to repent, but they refused, choosing to fight against the God of Israel. Only Rahab and her family turned to the Lord and were saved. This is a picture of salvation: judgment is coming, but those who put their trust in God will be spared.
Psalm 22 is one of the most profound Messianic psalms in the Bible. Written by David under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, it vividly describes the suffering, agony, and ultimate triumph of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. When Jesus cried out from the cross, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46), He was directly referencing this psalm, not to declare that He was abandoned, but to point the people to this prophetic fulfillment of His work.
This study will examine Psalm 22 in its three major sections:
The Cry of the Messiah in Distress (Verses 1-11)
The Suffering of the Crucified One (Verses 12-21)
The Triumph and Victory of the Messiah (Verses 22-31)
The Cry of the Messiah in Distress (Psalm 22:1-11)
The Opening Cry: “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”
Psalm 22:1
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning?”
This opening cry was spoken by Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34), but it is not a declaration of abandonment; it is a prophetic reference to Psalm 22. In Jewish tradition, quoting the first line of a psalm was a way to reference the entire psalm. Jesus was pointing the people to this prophecy to show that it was being fulfilled before their very eyes!
The next verses clarify that God had not truly forsaken David (and ultimately Jesus), but that the psalmist feels temporarily abandoned in His suffering.
Psalm 22:2-3
“O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; and in the night season, and am not silent. But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
The emphasis here is not that God has rejected the Messiah, but that God’s plan is being carried out despite the suffering. Jesus, in His humanity, experienced the depth of suffering, but never lost trust in the Father.
Trust in the Father’s Deliverance
Psalm 22:4-5
“Our fathers trusted in You; they trusted, and You delivered them. They cried to You, and were delivered; they trusted in You, and were not ashamed.”
Even in suffering, the psalmist (and ultimately Jesus) acknowledges that God is faithful. He has always been the deliverer of His people.
Psalm 22:9-10
“But You are He who took Me out of the womb; You made Me trust while on My mother’s breasts. I was cast upon You from birth. From My mother’s womb You have been My God.”
This verse, written by David, emphasizes God’s constant presence in David’s life. He was not abandoned; rather, His suffering had a purpose in God’s plan.
The Suffering of the Crucified One (Psalm 22:12-21)
The Description of the Crucifixion
Psalm 22:12-13
“Many bulls have surrounded Me; strong bulls of Bashan have encircled Me. They gape at Me with their mouths, like a raging and roaring lion.”
The “bulls of Bashan” in Psalm 22:12 symbolize the powerful and oppressive enemies of the Messiah, particularly the religious leaders, Roman authorities, and the mocking crowd that surrounded Jesus during His crucifixion. Bashan, a region known for its well-fed, strong cattle (Deuteronomy 32:14, Amos 4:1), metaphorically represents arrogant and ruthless oppressors who sought to destroy Him.
Psalm 22:14
“I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; it has melted within Me.”
This describes the physical agony of the crucifixion. The stretching of Jesus’ body on the cross would have pulled His bones out of joint, and extreme dehydration would have made Him feel poured out like water.
Psalm 22:15
“My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and My tongue clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death.”
Jesus suffered severe thirst on the cross (John 19:28), and was nearing death.
The Prophecy of Piercing and Casting Lots
Psalm 22:16
“For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet.”
This is a direct prophecy of crucifixion: a method of execution unknown in David’s time! Jesus’ hands and feet were pierced as He was nailed to the cross (Luke 24:39-40).
Psalm 22:17-18
“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.”
This prophecy was literally fulfilled when the Roman soldiers divided Jesus’ garments and cast lots for His tunic (John 19:23-24).
The Messiah Prays for Deliverance
Psalm 22:19-21
“But You, O Lord, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog. Save Me from the lion’s mouth and from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me.”
The prayer for deliverance is not a prayer of despair; it is a prayer of trust. Jesus knew His suffering had a purpose, and He cried out knowing that victory would come.
The Triumph and Victory of the Messiah (Psalm 22:22-31)
The Turn from Suffering to Victory
Psalm 22:22
“I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will praise You.”
This verse is quoted in Hebrews 2:12, showing that Jesus’ suffering leads to victory and praise.
Psalm 22:24
“For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him; but when He cried to Him, He heard.”
This is the key to the entire psalm!
- God did NOT forsake Jesus!
- God did NOT turn His face away from Him!
- God heard His cry!
This confirms that Jesus’ suffering was part of God’s plan, not an act of divine abandonment.
The Kingdom of the Messiah
Psalm 22:27-28
“All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations.”
Jesus’ death led to the salvation of the nations! Through His sacrifice, the gospel has gone forth to the ends of the earth.
Psalm 22:30-31
“A posterity shall serve Him. It will be recounted of the Lord to the next generation, they will come and declare His righteousness to a people who will be born, that He has done this.”
The final declaration is one of completion—just as Jesus said on the cross:
“It is finished!” (John 19:30)
My Final Thoughts
Psalm 22 is not a cry of abandonment but a prophetic declaration of the Messiah’s suffering and ultimate victory. Jesus, in His agony, pointed to this psalm to reveal that His crucifixion was the fulfillment of God’s divine plan. Though He endured unimaginable pain, He was never truly forsaken; God had not turned His face away, but was present in the moment of redemption.
The suffering of Christ led to salvation, and His cry from the cross was not one of despair, but of fulfillment, pointing to the triumph that the psalm so beautifully concludes with. From agony to glory, from suffering to praise, Psalm 22 unveils the deeper reality that the cross was not the end; it was the gateway to victory. Jesus’ sacrifice has brought reconciliation, and through Him, all nations now worship the Lord. His work is finished, His name is declared among His brethren, and His righteousness is proclaimed to all generations.