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Psalms 22 · Grade 5

The Psalm of the Cross

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Read and Think

Psalm 22's title says it is for the Chief Musician, set to The Doe of the Morning, and is a Psalm by David. Its opening line is a cry of abandonment: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me? The writer alternates between pain and memory. He remembers that God is holy, that the fathers trusted and were delivered, and that God has been his God since birth. Yet he is mocked by those who say, He trusts in Yahweh. Let him deliver him.

The middle verses describe intense suffering in vivid images: enemies like bulls, lions, and dogs; strength poured out like water; and the line, They have pierced my hands and feet. The writer adds, They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing. In the New Testament, the Gospel writers show these words fulfilled at the crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus cries the opening words from the cross (Matthew 27:46), the mockers say much the same thing (Matthew 27:43), and the soldiers cast lots for his clothing (John 19:24).

After the plea for help, the psalm turns to triumph. The writer declares God's name to his brothers, which the New Testament applies to Jesus (Hebrews 2:12). God has not hidden his face from the afflicted. The circle of praise widens: the humble shall eat and be satisfied, all the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to Yahweh, and posterity shall serve him. The last line says they shall declare his righteousness to a people that shall be born, for he has done it. In the New Testament, Jesus teaches that the Christ would suffer and that the good news would be preached to all the nations (Luke 24:46-47).

Show What You Know

  1. What two things does the writer alternate between?

  2. Name two details the Gospels show fulfilled at the crucifixion.

  3. How does Hebrews 2:12 use this psalm?

  4. How does the circle of praise widen at the end?

Crossword

34215

Across

  1. I will declare your name to my ____.
  2. They shall ____ Yahweh who seek after him.

Down

  1. Why have you ____ me.
  2. Our fathers ____ in you.
  3. But you are ____.

Think About It

  1. In the New Testament, Jesus cried words from Psalm 22 on the cross (Matthew 27:46). What does that show you about how much he suffered for us?

  2. The psalm ends, for he has done it. How does the finished work of Jesus give you hope?

Memory Verse

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to Yahweh. All the relatives of the nations shall worship before you.”

Psalms 22:27 (WEB)

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Prayer

Dear God, thank You for hearing those who cry to You. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • David moved from feeling forsaken to praising God among the congregation. How can sharing your story of God's rescue strengthen others?
  • What does for he has done it mean to believers?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.