Psalm 22: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 22 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist opens with a cry of abandonment, asking why God seems distant and unresponsive (vv. 1-2). He remembers God’s faithfulness to Israel’s ancestors, affirming their trust in God led to their deliverance (vv. 3-5). However, he feels mocked and isolated, comparing himself to a worm and facing scorn from onlookers (vv. 6-8). From birth, the psalmist has trusted God, recognizing God as his supporter since infancy (vv. 9-11). He describes his suffering in graphic terms, feeling surrounded by dangerous enemies (vv. 12-18). The psalmist pleads for deliverance, asking God not to be far away in his time of trouble (vv. 19-21). Finally, he envisions a future of praise, where he will proclaim God's name and the nations will worship Him (vv. 22-31).

Key verse

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?”
Psalms 22:1 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 22:1–2 A Cry of Abandonment
Psalm 22:3–5 Remembering God's Faithfulness
Psalm 22:6–8 Mockery and Isolation
Psalm 22:9–11 Trust from Birth
Psalm 22:12–18 Descriptive Suffering
Psalm 22:19–21 A Plea for Deliverance
Psalm 22:22–31 A Vision of Praise

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the speaker express about their relationship with God?
In v18, what action do the people take regarding the speaker's garments?
The phrase 'I am a worm, and no man' in v6: what does it suggest about the speaker's self-view?
In v27, what implications arise from the statement that 'all the ends of the earth shall remember'?
When have you felt like you were in 'the dust of death' (v15) and needed help?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 22: Matthew 27, John 19, Mark 15.

Before next time: read Psalm 23.