Psalm 22 (21):1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To the end, regarding His resurrection, as stated by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. (John 20:1-17) On the first day of the week, He rose, granting Him access to eternal life, a state over which death will no longer hold dominion. (Rom. 6:9) Further declarations are made in the voice of the Crucified. The words He uttered while on the Cross are drawn from this Psalm, reflecting the experience of the old self, whose mortality He bore. Our old self was crucified alongside Him. (Rom. 6:6)

Those who interpret this title, 'of the intercession of dawn' (Ps. 21), in the same manner, will not be mistaken. Scriptures often describe the dawn as the moment that bridges night and day, marking the end of darkness and the arrival of light. In various passages, the term darkness symbolizes moral decay. However, through God's advocacy, as we rise to a life of virtue, we will experience triumph, as the Apostle instructs us: ‘putting off dark deeds’ and ‘as in the day, walking decently’ (Rom. 13:12-13).

This psalm celebrates the 'intercession of the dawn,' which signifies the emergence of the only begotten Word of God, referred to as 'the Rising Sun from on high' (Luke 1:78). He has illuminated our lives, rescuing us from the darkness and shadows cast by the adversary. Alternatively, 'the intercession of the dawn' can denote the moment of the Savior's resurrection, as Christ rose 'very early' (Luke 24:1), leading humanity towards incorruption. Furthermore, this Psalm is voiced by Christ Himself in representation of humanity, making it evident that He endured suffering at the hands of the Jews during His crucifixion.

This Psalm anticipates the agony and resurrection of our Lord Christ, the calling of the nations, and the redemption of creation. The title itself confirms this; for 'the coming of the morning' symbolizes the arrival of our Savior, who, much like the dawn, shines upon those dwelling in darkness. The Lord is the ultimate light; the light that emerges brings forth the day, dispelling the shadows with its presence. Thus, a psalm is dedicated to Him. It is essential to trust the holy Apostles and the Savior, who clearly indicated the psalm’s commencement as referring to Himself, over those who seek alternative interpretations.

This psalm, as noted by Theodoret and Gregory the Theologian, clearly alludes to Christ. It foretells His human experience and His redemptive suffering, which ultimately came to fruition. The heading indicates ‘for intercession,’ as it includes a request directed to the Father for Christ, seeking His aid and fortification during His tribulations. The aspect of ‘morning’ is meant to signify Christ, who is referred to as the morning or the dawn; for in truth, Christ illuminated those of us lost in the shadows of error, emerging as the sun of truth and the light of knowledge. As a man, Christ beseeched the Father, thereby instructing us to pray during our time of passing, since those who are righteous naturally experience fear at such moments.

David and Christ The Holy Spirit declared as accomplished what had previously been unheard by human ears. King David, from whom Christ descended through a human lineage, lived a full eleven centuries before Christ's crucifixion. Although David spoke of sufferings he experienced, he did not endure the exact torments he referenced. Instead, through the prophetic voice of the One who would take on the suffering flesh of humanity, the events of the crucifixion were appropriately foreshadowed in the earthly existence of the Saviour. Thus, David genuinely participated in the sufferings of Christ, for Christ was, in a real sense, crucified in David's humanity.

It seems that the dawn invariably arrives before the sun ascends, dispelling the darkness that shrouds the world. As the morning light gradually chases away the lingering fog, the contours of creation become visible, bathed in a fresh illumination. After the earth has been enveloped in the obscurity of a singular, dark essence, the initial beams of dawn reveal the diversity of life. Initially, everything existed in blindness, but with the dawn, sight is restored. It is as if the night veils the eyes of all creation, while the dawn restores vision, a sensation we can perceive even prior to the sun’s emergence.

The Paschal Psalm is the hymn that the Church reverently sings during the Easter liturgy. Isn’t this psalm sufficient to strengthen our faith in the Passion, which the Truth has explicitly revealed about itself?

The Christological Psalm is exclusively focused on Him, and no one else, as its content is uniquely applicable to Him alone. Anyone who argues that this psalm refers to another—be it a king, a prophet, or any celebrated Jew known for their devotion to God—should demonstrate how the text corresponds to such an individual. For who among humanity, having been born of a woman, possessed the virtue and strength to attain a profound understanding of God and to place complete faith in Him, as expressed in the lines: "But thou hast taken me out of the womb; my trust is from my mother's breasts. To You I am committed from birth; from my mother's womb You are my God" (Ps 21:10-11)? Which of those treasured by God has ever faced disgrace among men and shame from the people (21:7)?

At the conclusion of the morning intercession, there is a psalm attributed to David. This song, designated for the chief musician during dawn, encapsulates David's lament over his afflictions, which make him feel as if he were dead. Following his enumeration of these trials, emerging as from a deep pit, he finds encouragement and renewed hope. Throughout this psalm, David embodies the image of Christ, detailing the intense suffering and extraordinary tribulations He endured in His state of vulnerability, prior to being glorified by the heavenly Father. Ultimately, the psalm foretells the magnificence of His kingdom and the diversity of tongues that will proclaim His glory.

According to Matthew 27:35, John 19 (see also Matthew 27:39,43,46; Mark 15:34), and Hebrews 2:11-12, it is clear to Christians that Psalm 21 should be acknowledged as Messianic. The interpretation offered by Theodore of Monsut, which limits this psalm solely to David and claims that the writers of the New Testament merely adapted it for the Messiah, has been rejected by the Church. David never experienced the level of suffering described in the psalm, even during his trials under Saul. Furthermore, how could David or any righteous figure from the Old Testament, such as Hezekiah or Jeremiah, anticipate the transformative outcomes from their sufferings that are portrayed in this psalm? All Orthodox and Catholic theologians view this psalm as distinctly Messianic.

Ultimately, it is to the immeasurable glory and honor of Christ that this psalm was inspired by the Holy Spirit for David. The intercession during the early morning signifies that the entire psalm encompasses not only the Passion of Christ and His crucifixion but also His Resurrection. For, by the intercession of God the Father, He was raised from the dead in the early morning (Luke 24:1). As noted in Psalm 107, Christ Himself declares: "I will rise early, for the Lord will intercede for Me" (Psalm 3:6).

The initial antiphon features verses 2, 3, and 4 from Psalm 21, which prophetically illustrate the anguish of Christ the Savior and His subsequent exaltation. This is evident in Christ's own lamentation to God the Father in verse 2, where He expresses feelings of abandonment during His suffering. Furthermore, the writers of the New Testament reference this psalm as a prophecy concerning Christ, as seen in Psalm 21:19, which states: "They have divided My garments unto themselves, and for My clothing they cast lots" (Matthew 27:35; see also John 19:23-24), as well as the passage in Psalm 21:23: "I will sing Your name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church I will sing unto You" (Hebrews 2:12).