We come now to the conclusion of our four-part look at Psalm 22, ‘the psalm of the cross.’ In the last section (22-31) we hear words of the Savior that belong after the cross. They are words of victory for what was established at Calvary.
The first four verses are a public thanksgiving (22-25). They were uttered by David after the LORD delivered him from his undisclosed calamity. They mirror the words of Christ after Calvary. I will declare your name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. (23) Ye that fear the LORD, praise Him; all ye seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him, all ye the seed of Israel. (24) For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither has He hid His face from Him; but when He cried unto Him, He heard. (25) My praise shall be of Thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear Him.
Verse 22 is quoted in Hebrews 2:12. Verse 24, He has not hid His face from me is in contrast to Why have you forsaken me?, verse 1. God did not long turn His back to, and hide His face from the suffering Savior, but heard Him when He cried.
In view here is the church, the age of grace. Jesus refers to those who trust in Him as ‘brethren,’—high exaltation indeed! Following His resurrection, Jesus appeared only to believers. These would help to form the congregation, or church, after Pentecost. The church was largely Jewish at first, but of course the Gospel was commanded to be given to the whole earth (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). The praise uttered in verse (25)—my praise shall be of thee in the great congregation, though a burst of gratitude, is also an abiding and settled resolution.
The final section (26-31) displays joyful anticipation. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the LORD that seek Him; your heart shall live forever. All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD; and all the families of the nations shall worship before You. For the kingdom is the LORD’s; and He is the governor among the nations. All they that are fat upon the earth shall eat and worship; all they that go down to the dust shall bow before Him; and none shall keep alive his own soul. A seed shall serve Him; and it shall be accounted to the LORD for a generation. They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He has done this.
In view here is the millennial kingdom. Several characteristics of the one-thousand year reign of Christ on the earth are presented.
First, it will be a universal kingdom—He will rule over the whole earth. Again, this is Jewish in nature but includes the redeemed from all nations. All kinds of people will be in the kingdom. There is special emphasis upon the prosperous and poor, the young and old. Even those who are in desperate condition can be saved. The word ‘seed’ (30) refers to the race of people who know the Lord, the redeemed, Jew and Gentile alike.
Second, it will be an eternal kingdom. He has done this (31). All of this was done by the Lord! It is the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous! This can be compared to the end of Creation (Gen 2:3—God rested). It can be compared to Jesus’ words on the cross—It is finished! The responsibility of each believer is to declare His righteousness (31). This is what I am trying to do. Notice, if you will, the nature of conversion (26)—remember and turn. Turn to the Lord from your sin in faith and He will receive you!