English Basic Explanation - Chapter 22

Chapter 22

A number of different views exist in identifying the subject and intent of this chapter.  According to the Targum (verse 1), David composed this Psalm to be recited during the daily "Tamid" sacrifice every morning.  Rashi (verse 1) cites a view from the Midrash that this chapter prophetically foresees the crisis faced by the Jewish people in Persia during the time of Ester.  Rashi himself (verse 2) follows the view that this prayer was written for the Jews of the Babylonian exile, expressing their feeling of abandonment and yearning for redemption.  Others, including Metzudat David (verse 21), explain this Psalm as referring to David's personal travails.

Towards the beginning of this chapter, David bemoans God's seeming disinterest in his prayers, the fact that he prays to God without receiving any response (verses 2-3).  Just several verses later, however, David acknowledges God as the One who has cared for him since birth (verses 10-11).  He recognizes that it was the Almighty who gave his mother the ability to feed and care for him as an infant, and he may therefore confidently trust in His ability to save and rescue him from his current troubles, as well.

In the Psalm's final section, David vows to publicly proclaim God's greatness upon being rescued, to the point where "the entire seed of Israel" (verse 24) will give honor to the Almighty and revere His Name.  Ultimately, God's greatness will be recognized by all nations on earth, who will bow and prostrate before Him (verses 28-32).

This Psalm thus traces the drastic change from the sense of God's abandonment of the world, to the public, universal recognition of His kingship and power.  At first it appears that the Almighty has deserted His nation and mankind, but the day will come when all men on earth will proudly acknowledge and declare their subservience to His rule.  This Psalm thus serves as a source of encouragement for times when we feel deserted or abandoned by God, Heaven forbid.  David reminds us that this is but an illusion; in the end, not only will we be granted the ability to recognize the Almighty's power and authority, but so will all nations on earth, even those who stubbornly deny His involvement in the world.  This knowledge helps reassure us that even when it appears as though God disregards our prayers and needs, in truth, He listens closely and intently to our pleas and will ultimately save and redeem His people.