Quoted Yes, Forsaken No!
Read Psalm 22 it is an amazing song in both David's life and in the prophetic. Jesus used the same words on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
- Here is the first question, was this Jesus' plea or was he intentionally quoting scripture while he was hanging there? A teachable moment as it were.
- If he was quoting scripture, was he pointing out the amazing similarities between the events unfolding and what David had penned through the Spirit.
- verse six David pens, Im a worm (meaning the female 'coccus ilicis') not a man.
This is what Google has to say about this worm. ➡️ The coccus ilicis, also known as kermes ilicis or kermes vermilio, is a species of insect found primarily in the Middle East, particularly on oak trees like the Israeli Common Oak (Quercus calliprinos).
It is commonly referred to as the "crimson worm" or "scarlet worm" in English, and its Hebrew name is tôlā’ (or tola‘ath).
This insect is notable for its role in producing a brilliant red dye used in ancient times.
The life cycle of the female coccus ilicis is central to its significance. When it is time to reproduce, which occurs only once in her life, the female climbs a tree, fencepost, or stick and attaches herself permanently to the surface.
A hard crimson shell forms around her body, securing her so firmly that removing her would require tearing her apart.
She then lays her eggs under her body and protective shell.
The hatched larvae remain under this shell, feeding on the living body of their mother for several days.
After the young worms become capable of surviving independently, the mother dies.
As she dies, she excretes a crimson or scarlet dye that stains the wood she is attached to and colors her offspring.
This process has led to symbolic interpretations, particularly within Christian theology. The dying mother worm, whose body produces the red dye, is seen as a metaphor for Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, with the red dye symbolizing His blood.
The transformation of the mother's body from red to white after her death is interpreted as a symbol of resurrection and the cleansing of sins, as referenced in Isaiah 1, which states that sins "shall be as white as snow".
The term "worm" used in Psalm 22, referring to the "towla’" or "tola‘ath," is specifically linked to this insect, reinforcing the messianic connection.
Historically, the dye extracted from the bodies of coccus ilicis insects was used for coloring garments, including the priestly robes in the tabernacle.
Modern studies have also explored its potential as a histological counterstain, showing staining ability comparable to the commonly used eosin dye, particularly for collagen and muscle fibers.
Archaeological evidence supports its historical use, with a 3,800-year-old piece of fabric dyed with this crimson dye discovered in Israel's "Cave of Skulls"
Sorry google is wordy sometimes. ⬅️
- the end of verse six and verse seven says he was scorned and despised and they made fun of him. They said he trusts in the LORD let him deliver him. Look at the similarities in Isaiah 53:3 and also:
Matt 27:29 & Mark 15:31 - they mocked Jesus
Matthew 27:30 - they spit on him
Matthew 27:39 - hurled abuse at him.
Matthew 27:43 "He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”
An interesting similarity?
- verses eleven to seventeen sound remarkably like a crucifixion. There was approximately 1,000 years separating this Psalm from Jesus' death on the Roman cross. The earliest reported crucifixion is mentioned by the Greek historian Herodotus in the third book of his Histories, describing the execution of Polycrates, the tyrant of Samos, in 522 BCE by Oroetus, the satrap of Lydia, whose dead body was crucified.
- verse 16 has the controversial passage like a lion (pierced) my hands and feet. The ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministry tackled this thorny subject. See youtube link - (note this will open a new page)
- 12 Strong Bulls of Bashan surrounded him. Bashan was the location where King Og had lived. See Deuteronomy 3:11, he was a remnant of the Rephaim and they were related to the Nephilim from the pre-flood period. This was the same area associated with the pagan god Baal who was often represented as a bull. Knowing that was this the spiritual representatives of the principalities and powers, Jesus was seeing from the cross, the "bulls" that surrounded him. They were also the ones Paul wrote about, see Ephesians 6:12 and 1 Corinthians 2:8
- Verses 18 and 19 they divided his garments and cast lots for his clothing. Compare that to Matt 27:35, Mark 15:24, and John 19:23
- Verse 22 "my brothers" & "in the midst of the congregation" compare this to Hebrews 2:11
- verse 27 "the families of the nations
shall worship before you." compare this to Revelation 7:9-10
If Jesus was indeed quoting scripture during his suffering on the cross, gasping for air, this if nothing else shows the great strength and resilience of our saviour. Don't forget what he said in John 10:18 ESV — No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”
The Romans weren't enough, the religious leaders of Israel weren't enough, the rulers, principalities, and authorities weren't enough, and finally the old serpent the Devil wasn't enough, Jesus did it willingly. Strength beyond our imagination.
My prayer, thank you Jesus for what you did for us on the cross. Words and thanks will never be enough to express what you have done to save us.
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