Psalm 22:5

EXPOSITION

Verse 5. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. As if he had said, "How is it that I am now left without succour in my overwhelming griefs, while all others have been helped?" We may remind the Lord of his former lovingkindnesses to his people, and beseech him to be still the same. This is true wrestling; let us learn the art. Observe, that ancient saints cried and trusted, and that in trouble we must do the same; and the invariable result was that they were not ashamed of their hope, for deliverance came in due time; this same happy portion shall be ours. The prayer of faith can do the deed when nothing else can. Let us wonder when we see Jesus using the same pleas as ourselves, and immersed in griefs far deeper than our own.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 4-5. See Psalms on "Psalms 22:4" for further information.

Those who look upon this Psalm as having a primary reference to the King of Israel, attribute great beauty to these words, from the very pleasing conjecture that David was, at the time of composing them, sojourning at Mahanaim, where Jacob, in his distress, wrestled with the angel, and obtained such signal blessings. That, in a place so greatly hallowed by associations of the past, he should make his appeal to the God of his fathers, was alike the dictate of patriarchal feeling and religion. John Morison, D.D., in "Morning Meditations."

Verse 5. Thou didst deliver them but thou wilt not deliver me; nay, rather thou didst deliver them because thou wilt not deliver me. Gerhohus.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 4-5. Ancient saints.

1. Their life. They trusted.
2. Their practice. They cried.
3. Their experience. Were not confounded.
4. Their voice to us.