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Psalm 22, Part 2, A Song of Triumph

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In Part 1, we looked at the first 18 verses of Psalm 22 as a lament. It was a perfect picture of Christ’s crucifixion as described in the New Testament. It is one of the most amazing segments of literature ever written. Starting with verse 19, however, an entirely different mood prevails. And yet, the reference to dog, bulls, lions, and the sword makes it clear that part 2 of the psalm fits with verses 1-18. In the later verses of part 1, the sufferer is laid in the dust of death. He dies! So how is he rejoicing in the entire rest of the psalm? 19 But you, Lord , do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. I know I’m pushing it here, but I like to think that we are seeing the soul of the not yet resurrected Christ in the above verses. A sword has literally been pushed into his heart to make su