EGW WritingsPsalms 22

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 2, 1852

1LtMs, Ms 2, 1852, par. 5

That desire was with the people to dethrone their kings, but it would not be accomplished, for kings would reign until Christ begins to reign. Said she, I saw away off there in Europe just as things were moving to accomplish their desires there would appear to be a slacking up once or twice. This would serve to harden the hearts of the wicked, but the work would not settle down, only appear to; for the minds of the rulers were as intent in sustaining themselves, as were the minds of the people to get the ascendancy. I saw that each party ruled and rulers were stretching their thoughts intensely on this work before them. The sins of Israel must go to judgment beforehand. Every sin must be confessed at the sanctuary. Then the work will move, it must be done now (“Now” probably referred to some present). The remnant in the time of trouble will cry, “My God, my God, why has Thou forsaken me?” [Psalm 22:1.]

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 22—Thessalonica

AA 225.1

With convincing power Paul reasoned from the Old Testament Scriptures that “Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead.” Had not Micah prophesied, “They shall smite the Judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek”? Micah 5:1. And had not the Promised One, through Isaiah, prophesied of Himself, “I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting”? Isaiah 50:6. Through the psalmist Christ had foretold the treatment that He should receive from men: “I am ... a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see Me laugh Me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted on the Lord that He would deliver Him: let Him deliver Him, seeing He delighted in Him.” “I may tell all My bones: they look and stare upon Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” “I am become a stranger unto My brethren, and an alien unto My mother’s children. For the zeal of Thine house hath eaten Me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached Thee are fallen upon Me.” “Reproach hath broken My heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none.” Psalm 22:6-8, 17, 18; 69:8, 9, 20.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 22—A Revival and a Riot at Thessalonica

TT 119.6

9. With convincing power Paul reasoned from the Scriptures that “it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead.” The Promised One, through Isaiah, had prophesied of Himself: “I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that pulled off the hair: I hid not My face from shame and spitting.” Isaiah 50:6. Through the psalmist Christ had foretold the treatment He should receive from men: “I am ... scorned by men, and despised by the people. All who see Me mock at Me, they make mouths at Me, they wag their heads; ‘He committed His cause to the Lord; let Him deliver Him, let Him rescue Him, for He delights in Him!’” “I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over Me; they divide My garments among them, and for My raiment they cast lots.” Psalm 22:6-8, 17, 18, RSV.

The Review and Herald

July 5, 1887

RH July 5, 1887, par. 7

But he stepped still lower; the Man must humble himself as a man to bear insult, reproach, shameful accusations, and abuse. There seemed to be no safe place for him in his own territory. He had to flee from place to place for his life. He was betrayed by one of his disciples; he was denied by one of his most zealous followers. He was mocked. He was crowned with a crown of thorns. He was scourged. He was forced to bear the burden of the cross. He was not insensible to this contempt and ignominy. He submitted, but, oh! he felt the bitterness as no other being could feel it. He was pure, holy, and undefiled, yet arraigned as a criminal! The adorable Redeemer stepped down from the highest exaltation. Step by step he humbled himself to die,—but what a death! It was the most shameful, the most cruel,—the death upon the cross as a malefactor. He did not die as a hero in the eyes of the world, loaded with honors, as men in battle. He died as a condemned criminal, suspended between the heavens and the earth,—died a lingering death of shame, exposed to the tauntings and revilings of a debased, crime-loaded, profligate multitude! “All they that see me laugh me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head.” Psalm 22:7. He was numbered with the transgressors, he expired amid derision, and his kinsmen according to the flesh disowned him. His mother beheld his humiliation, and he was forced to see the sword pierce her heart. He endured the cross, despised the shame. He made it of small account in consideration of the results that he was working out in behalf of, not only the inhabitants of this speck of a world, but the whole universe, every world which God had created.

The Review and Herald

September 4, 1900

RH September 4, 1900, par. 7

But he stepped still lower; the Man must humble himself as a man to bear insult, reproach, shameful accusations, and abuse. There seemed to be no safe place for him in his own territory. He had to flee from place to place for his life. He was betrayed by one of his disciples; he was denied by one of his most zealous followers. He was mocked. He was crowned with a crown of thorns. He was scourged. He was forced to bear the burden of the cross. He was not insensible to this contempt and ignominy. He submitted, but, oh! he felt the bitterness as no other being could feel it. He was pure, holy, and undefiled, yet arraigned as a criminal! The adorable Redeemer stepped down from the highest exaltation. Step by step he humbled himself to die,—but what a death! It was the most shameful, the most cruel,—the death upon the cross as a malefactor. He did not die as a hero in the eyes of the world, loaded with honors, as men in battle. He died as a condemned criminal, suspended between the heavens and the earth,—died a lingering death of shame, exposed to the tauntings and revilings of a debased, crime-loaded, profligate multitude! “All they that see me laugh me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head.” Psalm 22:7. He was numbered with the transgressors, he expired amid derision, and his kinsmen according to the flesh disowned him. His mother beheld his humiliation, and he was forced to see the sword pierce her heart. He endured the cross, despised the shame. He made it of small account in consideration of the results that he was working out in behalf of, not only the inhabitants of this speck of a world, but the whole universe, every world which God had created.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 11, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 11, 1887, par. 18

What humility was this! It amazed angels. The tongue can never describe it; the imagination cannot take it in. The Eternal Word consented to be made flesh. God became man. It was a wonderful humility. But He stepped still lower. The Man must humble Himself as a man to bear insult, reproach, shameful accusations, and abuse. There seemed to be no safe place for Him in His own territory. He had to flee from place to place for His life. He was betrayed by one of His disciples. He was denied by one of His most zealous followers. He was mocked; He was crowned with a crown of thorns; He was scourged; He was forced to bear the burden of the cross. He was not insensible to this contempt and ignominy. He submitted; but oh, He felt its bitterness as no other being could feel it. He was pure, holy, undefiled, yet arraigned as a criminal. The adorable Redeemer stepped down from the highest exaltation. Step by step He humbled Himself to die; but what a death it was!—the most shameful, the most cruel, the death upon the cross as a malefactor. He did not die as a hero in the eyes of the world, loaded with honors as men in battle; but He died as a condemned criminal, suspended between the heavens and the earth to die a lingering death of shame, exposed to the tauntings and revilings of a debased, crime-loaded, profligate multitude. “All they that see Me laugh Me to scorn: They shoot out the lip, they shake the head.” Psalm 22:7. He was numbered with the transgressors; He expired amid the derision; and His kinsmen according to the flesh disowned Him. His mother beheld His humiliation, and He was forced to see the sword pierce her heart. He endured the cross, despised the shame. He made it of small account, in consideration of the results that He was working out in behalf of not only the inhabitants of this speck of a world, but the whole universe—every world which God had created.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 103, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 103, 1897, par. 9

And they that passed by railed on Him, wagging their heads in ridicule. This, prophecy had foretold. Speaking through David Christ had declared, “All they that see me laugh me to scorn; they shoot out the lip, they shake the head saying, He trusted on the Lord that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.” [Psalm 22:7, 8.]

12LtMs, Ms 103, 1897, par. 15

Through His servant Christ had foretold the treatment He was to receive at His crucifixion. He said, “For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me, they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones, they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.” [Psalm 22:16-18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 52, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 52, 1897, par. 5

“For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. ... They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture. ... My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied; they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever. And the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the Lord’s and he is the governor among the nations.” [Psalm 22:7, 8, 16, 18, 25-28.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 45, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 45, 1892, par. 28

Betrayed by a kiss into the hands of His enemies, He was dragged to the judgment hall, where sinful men mocked Him, derided Him, spit upon Him, and smote Him. He was taken from place to place, sent to Annas, Herod, and Pilate, and unjustly condemned to death. The glorious Son of God “was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.” [Isaiah 53:5.] He meekly bore insult, mockery, and shameful abuse, until His “visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.” [Isaiah 52:14.] With wonder and grief the angels looked upon Him who had been the Majesty of heaven, Him who had worn the crown of glory, and now [they] see Him crowned with thorns, wounded, bleeding, suffering beneath the rage of men who were filled with satanic madness. The Psalmist says, speaking of Christ’s sufferings, “Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion.” [Psalm 22:12, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 139, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 139, 1907, par. 7

Speaking of His sufferings and death, Christ declared, “The Son of man goeth as it is written of Him.” [Matthew 26:24.] Again and again He alluded to His death as a fulfilment of prophecy. It had been declared: “A bone of Him shall not be broken.” [John 19:36.] “They pierced My hands and My feet.” [Psalm 22:16.] “They parted My raiment among them, and for My vesture they did cast lots.” [John 19:24.] All these predictions were literally fulfilled.

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 23—Calvary

SJ 143.2

“Dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet.... They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” Psalm 22:16, 18.

The Story of Redemption

Nailed to the Cross

SR 223.2

The enemies of Jesus now awaited His death with impatient hope. That event they imagined would forever hush the rumors of His divine power and the wonders of His miracles. They flattered themselves that they should then no longer tremble because of His influence. The unfeeling soldiers who had stretched the body of Jesus on the cross, divided His clothing among themselves, contending over one garment, which was woven without seam. They finally decided the matter by casting lots for it. The pen of inspiration had accurately described this scene hundreds of years before it took place: “For dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet.... They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” Psalm 22:16, 18.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer

PK 691.6

Of the treatment He was to receive, He prophesied, “Dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet. I may tell all My bones: they look and stare upon Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” Psalm 22:16-18.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 78—Calvary

DA 746.1

In the sufferings of Christ upon the cross prophecy was fulfilled. Centuries before the crucifixion, the Saviour had foretold the treatment He was to receive. He said, “Dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet. I may tell all My bones: they look and stare upon Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” Psalm 22:16-18. The prophecy concerning His garments was carried out without counsel or interference from the friends or the enemies of the Crucified One. To the soldiers who had placed Him upon the cross, His clothing was given. Christ heard the men’s contention as they parted the garments among them. His tunic was woven throughout without seam, and they said, “Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.”

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 78—Jesus Dies on Calvary

HLv 498.6

In the sufferings of Christ on the cross, prophecy was fulfilled. “The assembly of the wicked have enclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet... . They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” Psalm 22:16-18. His clothing was given to the soldiers. His tunic was woven without seam, and they said, “Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be.”

From Splendor to Shadow

The True Character of the Messiah Revealed

SS 357.2

He prophesied: “They pierced My hands and My feet. I may tell all My bones: they look and stare upon Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture.” Psalm 22:16-18.

In Heavenly Places

Our Glorious Work, August 29

HP 248.5

If we brought the truth into the daily life as we should we would advance higher and still higher, gaining a clearer and still clearer understanding of the revelation of God. We would lift Him up in songs of praise. Through the psalmist Christ declared, “In the midst of the congregation will I praise thee” (Psalm 22:22). His voice was the keynote of the universe. His unconfined power, His unsearchable understanding, His wonderful sacrifice for the human race, help us to comprehend the love of God. We need individually to have Christ abiding in the soul. We need to open our minds and hearts to the indwelling of the Spirit of truth. We need to appreciate our privileges as the possessors of sacred, elevating truth. Think of what this means to us—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ! 46Letter 28, 1907.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 2

Manuscript 20, 1902

2SAT 192.2

He came saying, “I will declare Thy name unto My brethren: in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” [See Psalm 22:22.] He placed Himself on a level with human beings, saying, “I will stand at the head of the race, that through My humiliation they may be accepted as members of the royal family. I will declare the name of God to My brethren. I will put My trust in Him, just as I desire My disciples to do.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 28, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 28, 1907, par. 8

If we brought the truth into the daily life as we should, we would advance higher and still higher, gaining a clearer and still clearer understanding of the revelation of God. We would lift Him up in songs of praise. Through the psalmist Christ declared, “In the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee.” [Psalm 22:22.] His voice was the keynote of the universe. His unconfined power, His unsearchable understanding, His wonderful sacrifice for the human race help us to comprehend the love of God. We need individually to have Christ abiding in the soul. We need to open our minds and hearts to the indwelling of the Spirit of truth. We need to appreciate our privileges as the possessors of sacred, elevating truth. Think of what this means to us—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ!

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 96, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 96, 1901, par. 8

Brother Haskell, why should we not educate ourselves to praise God far more than we do? David says, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Ye that fear the Lord, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him: and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. ... My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied; they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live for ever.” [Psalm 22:22, 23, 25, 26.]

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9

Chapter 35—To the Workers in Southern California

9T 279.2

Again and again I have been instructed to say to our people: Let your faith and trust be in God. Do not depend on any erring man to define your duty. It is your privilege to say: “I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee. Ye that fear the Lord, praise Him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him, all ye the seed of Israel. For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from him; but when he cried unto Him, He heard. My praise shall be of Thee: ... I will pay my vows before them that fear Him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live forever.” Psalm 22:22-26.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 3

Put Your Trust in God

3TT 426.2

Again and again I have been instructed to say to our people: Let your faith and trust be in God. Do not depend on any erring man to define your duty. It is your privilege to say: “I will declare Thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise Thee. Ye that fear the Lord, praise Him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify Him; and fear Him, all ye the seed of Israel. For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from him; but when he cried unto Him, He heard. My praise shall be of Thee: ... I will pay my vows before them that fear Him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek Him: your heart shall live forever.” Psalm 22:22-26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 340, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 340, 1907, par. 7

Again and again I have been instructed to say to our people, Let your faith and trust be in God. Do not depend on any erring man to define to you your duty. It is your privilege to say, “I will declare Thy name unto my brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise unto Thee. Ye that fear the Lord praise Him. All ye seed of Jacob glorify Him, and fear Him all ye seed of Israel. For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from him, but when he cried unto Him, He heard. My praise shall be of Thee. I will pay my vows before them that fear Him. The meek shall eat and be satisfied; they shall praise the Lord that seek Him; your heart shall live forever.” [Psalm 22:22-26.]

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 31—Hope for the Heathen

PK 370.1

In the years that followed the occupation of the Promised Land, the beneficent designs of Jehovah for the salvation of the heathen were almost wholly lost sight of, and it became necessary for Him to set forth His plan anew. “All the ends of the world,” the psalmist was inspired to sing, “shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee.” “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.” “The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Thy glory.” “This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. For He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; to declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem; when the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.” Psalm 22:27; 68:31; 102:15, 18-22.

The Review and Herald

June 17, 1915

RH June 17, 1915, Art. A, par. 9

In the years that followed the occupation of the Promised Land, the beneficent designs of Jehovah for the salvation of the heathen were almost wholly lost sight of, and it became necessary for him to set forth his plan anew. “All the ends of the world,” the psalmist was inspired to sing, “shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.” Psalm 22:27. “Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.” Psalm 68:31. “The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.” “This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; to declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; when the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.” Psalm 102:15, 18-22.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 31—Isaiah’s “Good News” for All the Nations

SS 195.3

No distinction of nationality, race, or caste is recognized by God. All men are one by creation; all are one through redemption. Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment of the temple courts, that every soul may have free access to God. His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it penetrates everywhere. It lifts out of Satan’s influence those who have been deluded by his deceptions and places them within reach of the throne of God. “All the ends of the world,” the psalmist was inspired to sing, “shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee.” “Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.” “The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Thy glory.” “From heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; to declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem; when the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.” Psalm 22:27; 68:31; 102:15, 19-22.

God’s Amazing Grace

Why Not Now? December 6

AG 348.4

Christ will not be satisfied until the victory is complete, and “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:11). All the nations of the earth shall hear the gospel of His grace. Not all will receive His grace; but “a seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation” (Psalm 22:30). “The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High,” and the “earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun” (Daniel 7:27; Isaiah 11:9; 59:19).

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 86—Go Teach All Nations

DA 827.4

The Saviour longs to manifest His grace and stamp His character on the whole world. It is His purchased possession, and He desires to make men free, and pure, and holy. Though Satan works to hinder this purpose, yet through the blood shed for the world there are triumphs to be achieved that will bring glory to God and the Lamb. Christ will not be satisfied till the victory is complete, and “He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied.” Isaiah 53:11. All the nations of the earth shall hear the gospel of His grace. Not all will receive His grace; but “a seed shall serve Him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.” Psalm 22:30. “The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High,” and “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” “So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun.” Daniel 7:27; Isaiah 11:9; 59:19.