Psalm 22 stands as a significant Messianic psalm, with major portions dedicated to foretelling aspects of Jesus Christ's life, character, ministry, and death. It is among the select psalms where a substantial section carries Messianic prophecy, clearly identifying Christ in His suffering and ultimate triumph. As part of the broader collection of Messianic psalms, it contributes to the rich tapestry of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Savior, pointing to both His first coming in humility and His profound sacrifice.

Psalm 22 presents a direct prophecy of the Messiah's crucifixion. Its opening verses capture His cry of abandonment and the scorn of onlookers who mock His trust in God. The psalm then describes His physical torment in detail, including bones out of joint, a heart melted like wax, strength dried up, a tongue clinging to the jaws, and being brought to the dust of death. Enemies surround Him like dogs, piercing His hands and feet, exposing His bones, staring at Him, dividing His garments, and casting lots for His clothing. These events fulfill the accounts recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Verses 9 and 10 further note His incarnation and possession of the Spirit from birth. Although David may have experienced analogous suffering, the psalm functions primarily as prophecy of the Messiah rather than a record of David's own life. The prophecy continues beyond the suffering to its results. The Messiah declares God's name among His brethren and offers praise in the great congregation. God has not despised the affliction of the afflicted but has heard His cry. The poor eat and are satisfied, all the ends of the earth remember and turn to the Lord, and the families of the nations worship before Him. The kingdom belongs to the Lord, who rules over the nations. Even those who go down to the dust bow before Him. A posterity serves Him, and His righteousness is recounted to succeeding generations, ensuring that those born afterward hear what He has done. These outcomes magnify the preaching of the gospel through the disciples and the church, leading ultimately to the establishment of His rule over all nations.

Jesus Christ was made to be sin for humanity even though He knew no sin. This occurred so that believers might become the righteousness of God in Him. The Greek word rendered sin in this statement refers to sin itself rather than a sin offering. In becoming sin Christ was identified with sin and became its representation. The Father therefore dealt with Him as sin must be dealt with. Christ experienced the full effects of sin including separation from God and being forsaken. The same principle appears when Christ is described as having become a curse for humanity after being hanged on a tree. Thorns placed on His head symbolized the curse that entered the world through sin. Darkness covered the land while He bore the iniquities of all and while God withdrew because of transcendent purity. The Messiah thus took the sins and their penalties in full.