Psalm 22

[Josh]

Last night we were discussing the degree to which this Psalm is prophetic about the crucifixion of Christ. Michelle pointed out that "they have pierced my hands and feet" is following in many of the early manuscripts by the phrase "as a lion", perhaps referring to a practice in which hunted lions were displayed.

In thinking more about this, though this explanation may to some degree make this passage fit more neatly into an immediate context in David's life, ironically, in other ways (more subjective, but still fascinating) the phrase "as a lion" adds more to the interpretation. Jesus is the "lion of Judah"- to be pierced as a lion makes a lot of sense.

[michelle]

In reading through further commentary on this, I see that I was mistaken on the placement of "as a lion" and it is actually before "they have pierced my hands and feet" in verse 16.

I find it odd that in verse 16, David would reference being pierced as a lion, but in verse 22 he says, "Save me from the mouth of the lion". That seems like an odd shift of the lion being Jesus to the lion being something to be saved from.

Also, it should probably be noted that some commentaries dismiss the "as a lion" part. I guess that is something to look into further.

[Josh]

Don't have my bible with me right now... are you saying that it reads, "As a lion they have pierced my hands and feet" instead of "They have pierced my hands and feet as a lion", or something altogether different?

[michelle]

I'm saying it reads "As a lion they have pierced my hands and feet" according to more in depth commentary.