Prophecy of the Savior’s Passion
The Bible is filled with prophecies about the life, death, and resurrection of the Messiah. In particular, Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 are two of the Old Testament passages that most closely describe the Savior’s suffering. These are not only predictions, but also powerful evidences of the fulfillment of God’s word.
Psalm 22: From Sorrow to Joy
Psalm 22 is often called the “Psalm of Broken Sobs” but can also be called the “Song of Joy” because of its journey from suffering to victory. Although it begins with the Redeemer’s heartbreaking cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (verse 1), this deep sorrow gradually turns to unspeakable joy in verses 22-31. This transformation is anchored by the holiness of God, who “dwells in the praises of Israel” (v. 3).
This psalm is deeply personal, describing the Redeemer’s physical and emotional pain through images such as “my bones,” “my heart,” “my tongue,” “my strength, my throat, my hands, my feet, my clothes,” “my cloak,” “my soul” (vv. 14-20).
The Harmony Between Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53
These two prophecies, though written by different authors at different times, show striking harmony in their descriptions of the suffering Messiah:
Isaiah 53 Description (The Suffering Servant) Psalm 22 Description (The Messiah’s Lament)
“despised by men” (v. 3) “But I am a worm, and not a man; I am insulted by men, despised by men” (v. 6).
“I am oppressed” (v. 7) “Many bulls have surrounded me… They have opened their mouths… Like a lion tearing and roaring” (vv. 12-13).
“Woe” (v. 11) “I am poured out like water… My heart is like wax melted within me” (v. 14).
“Without beauty” (v. 2) “dry as a potsherd” (v. 15).
“Pain” (v. 3) “My tongue sticks to my throat” (v. 15).
“Rejected” (v. 3) “They pierced my hands and feet” (v. 16). “They divided my garments among them; they cast lots for my cloak” (v. 18).
“Sick” (v. 3) “You laid me in the dust of death” (v. 15).
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This similarity cannot be accidental, but is evidence of the divine inspiration of Scripture, showing that God prepared and announced the Redeemer long before He came to earth.
“This” Is the Core of the Plan of Salvation
As in Genesis 22:16, which records Jehovah’s words to Abraham: “Because you have done this…” (offering up your only son), or Paul’s words in Acts 26:26: “Because the king knows these things, I have spoken boldly…” (regarding the death and resurrection of Christ). “This” here is God’s offering of His only Son to suffer and die in the place of mankind.
This is the heart of the plan of salvation, an event not only prophesied but also perfectly accomplished by God. Psalm 22:31 summarizes it: “Tell the next generation that the Lord has done this.” This affirms that the suffering of the Redeemer was not a random event but the will and action of God Himself.
The profundity of these prophecies not only highlights the Redeemer’s suffering but also foretells his glorious victory over death.