Psalms 22:23
“Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.”
Context:Psalms 22 is a psalm attributed to King David. It begins with a lament, expressing feelings of abandonment and distress. However, as the psalm progresses, it shifts towards a message of trust in God’s deliverance and praise for His faithfulness.
Fear of the Lord:The verse begins by addressing those who fear the Lord. In the biblical context, “fear” does not refer to terror but rather reverence and awe for God. It implies a deep respect and acknowledgment of His sovereignty, holiness, and authority.
Praise and Glorify:The verse encourages those who fear the Lord to praise Him. Praise is an act of worship and adoration directed towards God. It involves expressing gratitude, acknowledging His attributes, and magnifying His name. Additionally, the verse calls for the seed of Jacob (referring to the descendants of Israel) to glorify God. Glorifying God means recognizing His greatness, honoring Him, and ascribing glory and honor to Him alone.
Inclusive Invitation:The verse extends an inclusive invitation to both the seed of Jacob and the seed of Israel. This demonstrates that God’s invitation to worship and fear Him is not limited to a specific group but is open to all who identify themselves as part of His covenant people. It highlights the universal nature of God’s call to worship Him.
Application:As believers, this verse reminds us of the importance of revering and fearing God. It encourages us to offer Him our heartfelt praise and worship, acknowledging His attributes and the mighty works He has done. This verse emphasizes that our worship and praise should not be limited to personal experiences but should extend to our entire community of faith.
Connection to Christ:Psalms 22 is considered a messianic psalm, and it contains several prophetic references to Jesus Christ, particularly in verses 1-21. These verses foreshadow Jesus’ sufferings on the cross, His abandonment, and His ultimate triumph. In verse 23, we see an invitation for all, including the seed of Jacob and Israel, to “fear” the Lord and glorify Him. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, people from all nations are invited to worship and fear the Lord, finding salvation and forgiveness in Him.
