Today, we are focusing today on the daily devotional on Psalms 20-25. Among these chapters is the famous Psalm 23, a source of comfort for countless readers, but just before it lies Psalm 22—a psalm that Jesus quotes while on the cross. In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on God’s faithfulness, human longing, and the deep questions of whether God can ever forsake us. As you read or listen to these Psalms, reflect on the promises, the struggles, and the hope found in these ancient words that still speak to us today. Explore if you truly love God by reading the daily devotional on Psalms 17-19.
Psalms 20-25 Commentary by Allen J. Huth
We are in day four on our trip through the Book of Psalms. Today’s readings will be Psalms 20-25. In between is that great, great passage, Psalm 23, one of the most quoted chapters in all of scripture. But Jesus quotes Psalm 22:1 from the cross at Calvary. Did God forsake His Son Jesus? Can He forsake you? Please read or listen to Psalms 20-25.
What Is the Verse for Desires of Our Hearts?
In 2007, I summarized these five psalms (NASB) with a couple of verses. I started with Psalm 20:4, “May he grant you your heart’s desire”. Then Psalm 21:2, “You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips.” Then I wrote, “Most people don’t know their heart’s desire. God places it in our hearts, that’s why He will grant it. All we need to do is uncover it.” That may be a promise for you today. Next, I went back to refer to Psalm 20:7, “Some boast in their own strength; boast in the Lord.”
What Are the Words of Psalm 22?
On to Psalm 22, I was referring to verse 2 when writing, “David cries out to God, ‘O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer; And by night, but I have no rest.’” Maybe that is the way you feel today. You feel like you cry out to God, but He does not hear you. O, He hears you. Continue to cry out to Him. Like David, who totally relied on God, praise and worship Him in victory or in waiting for victory.
What Psalm did Jesus Say on the Cross?
Concerning Psalm 22:1, 17 and 18, I wrote, “Those are prophetic about Jesus on the cross.” Let’s read those verses again. Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Those were the very words Jesus uttered on the cross. Verses 16-18 say, “they have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” Because they did not break His legs, all the bones of Jesus could be counted. They broke the legs of the two thieves next to him, but they did not break His legs. All His bones remained intact. The Roman soldiers cast lots for His garments before His crucifixion. So these are all prophetic verses about Jesus.
What is the Meaning of Psalm 24?
Back to my journal (NASB), I wrote, “Psalm 23. Beautiful.” I continued to Psalm 24 and quoted verse 1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.” Then I quoted Psalm 24:8 and 10, “Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle! Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.”
If you go back and look at Psalm 23, and I encourage you to do so, also look at Psalm 24. It too is a powerful psalm.
I finished with Psalm 25:4-5, “Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me”.
What Is the Meaning of Psalm 22:1?
From these five psalms today, we can focus on a very pressing thought I hear many Christians say, “God will never leave me nor forsake me.” I want to express caution about that thought. A reading of the Old Testament clearly shows God forsakes the nation of Israel. He destroys the very temple He once filled with His glory and carries the nation of Israel away from His Promised Land into captivity in Babylon. Here, King David writes in Psalm 22:1 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” Did King David, experience God forsaking him? If not, why write this? And we know these very words are uttered by Jesus on the cross in Mark 15:34. If Jesus felt forsaken by His Heavenly Father, do you really think He will never leave you nor forsake you?
What Is the Meaning of Psalm 25?
How can you assure God will never leave you nor forsake you? Psalm 25:1-2 say, “To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.” Lift up your soul to the Lord, trust in the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And, “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long” (25:4-5). Be led and taught in God’s truth from His Word, and wait on the Lord each and every day. If we stay with the Lord, He will stay with us; He will not leave us nor forsake us as long as we do not leave nor forsake Him.
Prayer
O Lord, teach us Your paths. Yes, Lord, we want to know Your paths. “Lead me in your truth and teach me” (25:5). And yes, Lord, we want to be led by Your truth. And we want You to continue to teach us through Your Word. We pray we will stay with You, and You will stay with us all the days of our lives. We give You thanks for Psalms 20-25. Lessons for life. To God be the glory. Amen.
