What does Psalm 22:23 mean?
This begins describing a prayer David is planning to pray, at the point of his expected deliverance by God (Psalm 22:22).David's poetry here summons the descendants of Jacob, which would be the twelve tribes of Israel. His call is for them to glorify God and stand in awe of Him. Every Israelite should have been familiar with the wonders the LORD had performed on behalf of the nation when He led His people through the wilderness. The pagan nations worshiped false gods that could do nothing for them, but Israel's true and living God led His people by day and night through the wilderness, provided food and water miraculously for them, and kept their sandals from wearing out. He toppled the massive walls of Jericho and defeated the Amalekites.
In the times of the judges God delivered His people from their oppressors, and in David's lifetime delivered David from his ferocious enemies. Therefore, all the people of Israel had good reasons to reverence the Lord, stand in awe of Him, and glorify Him. We, too, have many reasons to reverence the Lord, to stand in awe of Him, and to glorify Him. He has saved us; He keeps us; provides for us; and enables us to win over trials and temptation.
