Psalms 22:8

“He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.”

Psalm 22:8 (KJV) says: “He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.”

Context: Psalm 22 is attributed to King David and is considered a Messianic psalm. It contains a mixture of David’s personal experiences and prophetic language that points to the suffering and victory of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The Suffering Servant: Psalm 22 is often associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It describes the deep anguish, physical pain, and abandonment that the Messiah would endure on the cross. The verse you mentioned, Psalm 22:8, is part of the taunting and mocking that Jesus experienced while on the cross.

Trust in the LORD: The verse begins with the statement, “He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him.” Despite the intense suffering and apparent abandonment, Jesus maintained His trust in God the Father. Even when it seemed that God had forsaken Him, Jesus continued to put His trust in the Father’s plan and purpose.

Let Him Deliver Him: The latter part of the verse says, “Let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” This phrase was used by the people around the cross to taunt Jesus, challenging Him to prove His relationship with God. Little did they know that Jesus’ ultimate deliverance would come not from the cross, but through His resurrection, securing victory over sin and death.

Application: Psalm 22:8 serves as a reminder of the unwavering trust Jesus displayed in the face of suffering. It encourages believers to trust in God’s faithfulness and purposes, even in the midst of trials and apparent silence from God. Jesus’ trust in the Father’s plan ultimately brought salvation to all who believe in Him.

• Fulfillment in the New Testament: The events of Jesus’ crucifixion, including the mocking and taunting, find their fulfillment in the New Testament accounts, particularly in Matthew 27:39-43, Mark 15:29-32, and Luke 23:35-37.

In summary, Psalm 22:8 portrays the trust Jesus had in God the Father, even during His crucifixion. It also reveals the mockery and challenge He faced, which ultimately led to His victory over sin and death through His resurrection. This verse provides a powerful reminder of the trust we can place in God, even when circumstances seem dire.