My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? Why are You so far from helping Me, and from the words of My groaning? O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear; and in the night season, and am not silent. (Psalm 22:1-2)
In the previous devotion we mentioned that Jewish commentators regard this psalm of David as prophetic in nature; specifically they believe David was looking ahead to a time when the Jewish people would be in a desperate situation — seemingly forsaken. It is an interesting concept to explore, but as we highlighted previously, this psalm ultimately points us to the suffering Messiah. In fact, that David was speaking of the Messiah is hinted at in the introduction to the psalm — “To the Chief Musician. Set to The Deer of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.”
The Hebrew words translated, “Deer of the Dawn” are Ayelet HaShachar. Many commentators say this referred to a certain instrument especially selected for this particular prayer. There are other commentators who argue that the words should be rendered “morning star,” which is an interesting notion I’d like for us to consider. Immediately before the rise of the morning star, the night is at its darkest because the moon and other stars have already begun to fade as the sun prepares to emerge from the horizon. So then, the appearance of the morning star occurs in the darkest hour, and by so doing, marks the end of night and the beginning of a new day.
David begins this psalm with a cry of despair — “God, why have you forsaken me?” — which is to say, he expressed a sense of being lost and hopeless, as if he was groping in the dark. However, David moved from this sentiment to expressions of hope and ultimate victory. So in a sense, this psalm follows the pattern revealed with the appearance of the morning star — it begins in the darkest hour, progresses to the breaking of day (hope) and then culminates with the appearance of the sun’s light (victory). But how does this hint of the Messiah? For starters, Messiah referred to Himself as “the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). Secondly, Peter has this to say: “We have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).
By merging these two verses with our other thoughts of the day, it seems to me that our relationship with God means we will experience darkness and the distress that often goes with it. However, He has given us something to focus upon in the darkest hour — the Bright and Morning Star — which is there to cause hope to rise within us. If we can but keep our focus on the Author and Finisher of our faith, we know that the day will dawn and, in Him, we will overcome. So when we find ourselves feeling as if we have been forsaken, remember the prophetic words of David and let the morning star arise in your heart.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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