For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet; I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots. (Psalm 22:16-18)
In previous devotions we have addressed the idea that the words of this psalm, though perhaps describing David’s own personal feelings, are actually speaking prophetically of the Messiah. These particular verses make it very obvious that David was, indeed, inspired by the Holy Spirit to speak of things that had not yet happened. Let’s compare what David said to what happened at Messiah’s crucifixion starting with the statement, “dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.”
The Bible tells us that, as Messiah was being prepared for execution, He was led into the Roman garrison and surrounded by soldiers who mocked and beat Him (Matthew 27:27-29). In that era, it was common among Jews to refer to pagan Gentiles as “dogs” (see Matthew 15:26), and thus, David’s words aptly describe what happened to Messiah as He was being prepared for death.
Matthew certainly saw the connection because as he continued with the narrative he quotes this psalm and refers to its author as a prophet: “Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: ‘They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots’” (Matthew 27:35). John also connected Messiah’s execution to prophecy saying, “These things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, ‘Not one of His bones shall be broken.’ And again another Scripture says, ‘They shall look on Him whom they pierced.’” (John 19:36-37).
The point is that Messiah’s death was prophesied long before it actually happened and in striking detail — only a hardened heart would have failed to recognize what was happening as it unfolded that day. Even a Roman dog had to concede, “Truly this was the Son of God!” And if there were any doubts, one of Messiah’s last statements from the cross was “My God, My God! Why have you forsaken me?” — the first line in David’s psalm. It would be easy to condemn those who witnessed these things but refused to believe knowing what we know. But let us be reminded that, because we do know these things, we have a great responsibility to be His witnesses in the earth.
We are not witnesses of a crucified Messiah, necessarily, because we were not there to see the events of that day. On the other hand, we believe these things happened because we are witnesses of a risen, living Messiah. We know He lives because His Spirit lives in us, works through us and guides us from day to day. So then, each and every day we should esteem the Risen Savior before all men because, as He said, “If I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” Amen.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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