TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 22:22–31. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The same that began the psalm complaining, who was no other than Christ in his humiliation, ends it here triumphing, and it can be no other than Christ in his exaltation. And, as the first words of the complaint were used by Christ himself upon the cross, so the first words of the triumph are expressly applied to him (Heb 2:12) and are made his own words: I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. The certain prospect which Christ had of the joy set before him not only gave him a satisfactory answer to his prayers, but turned his complaints into praises; he saw of the travail of his soul, and was well satisfied, witness that triumphant word wherewith he breathed his last: It is finished.
Five things are here spoken of, the view of which were the satisfaction and triumph of Christ in his sufferings: -
I.That he should have a church in the world, and that those that were given him from eternity should, in the fulness of time, be gathered in to him. This is implied here; that he should see his seed, Isa 53:10. It pleased him to think,
1.That by the declaring of God's name, by the preaching of the everlasting gospel in its plainness and purity, many should be effectually called to him and to God by him. And for this end ministers should be employed to publish this doctrine to the world, and they should be much his messengers and his voice that their doing it should be accounted his doing it; their word is his, and by them he declares God's name.
2.That those who are thus called in should be brought into a very near and dear relation to him as his brethren; for he is not only not ashamed, but greatly well pleased, to call them so; not the believing Jews only, his countrymen, but those of the Gentiles also who became fellow-heirs and of the same body, Heb 2:11. Christ is our elder brother, who takes care of us, and makes provision for us, and expects that our desire should be towards him and that we should be willing he should rule over us.
3.That these is brethren should be incorporated into a congregation, a great congregation; such is the universal church, the whole family that is named from him, unto which all the children of God that were scattered abroad are collected, and in which they are united (Joh 11:52, Eph 1:10), and that they should also be incorporated into smaller societies, members of that great body, many religious assemblies for divine worship, on which the face of Christianity should appear and in which the interests of it should be supported and advanced.
4.That these should be accounted the seed of Jacob and Israel (Psa 22:23), that on them, though Gentiles, the blessing of Abraham might come (Gal 3:14), and to them might pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenant, and the service of God, as much as ever they did to Israel according to the flesh, Rom 9:4, Heb 8:10. The gospel church is called the Israel of God, Gal 6:16.
II.That God should be greatly honoured and glorified in him by that church.
His Father's glory was that which he had in his eye throughout his whole undertaking (Joh 17:4), particularly in his sufferings, which he entered upon with this solemn request, Father, glorify thy name, Joh 12:27, Joh 12:28. He foresees with pleasure,
1.That God would be glorified by the church that should be gathered to him, and that for this end they should be called and gathered in that they might be unto God for a name and a praise. Christ by his ministers will declare God's name to his brethren, as God's mouth to them, and then by them, as the mouth of the congregation to God, will God's name be praised. All that fear the Lord will praise him (Psa 22:23), even every Israelite indeed. See Psa 118:2-4; Psa 135:19, Psa 135:20. The business of Christians, particularly in their solemn religious assemblies, is to praise and glorify God with a holy awe and reverence of his majesty, and therefore those that are here called upon to praise God are called upon to fear him.
2.That God would be glorified in the Redeemer and in his undertaking. Therefore Christ is said to praise God in the church, not only because he is the Master of the assemblies in which God is praised, and the Mediator of all the praises that are offered up to God, but because he is the matter of the church's praise. See Eph 3:21. All our praises must centre in the work of redemption and a great deal of reason we have to be thankful,
(1.)That Jesus Christ was owned by his Father in his undertaking, notwithstanding the apprehension he was sometimes under that his Father had forsaken him. (Psa 22:24): For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted one (that is, of the suffering Redeemer), but has graciously accepted it as a full satisfaction for sin, and a valuable consideration on which to ground the grant of eternal life to all believers. Though it was offered for us poor sinners, he did not despise nor abhor him that offered it for our sakes; no did he turn his face from him that offered it, as Saul was angry with his own son because he interceded for David, whom he looked upon as his enemy. But when he cried unto him, when his blood cried for peace and pardon for us, he heard him. This, as it is the matter of our rejoicing, ought to be the matter of our thanksgiving. Those who have thought their prayers slighted and unheard, if they continue to pray and wait, will find they have not sought in vain.
(2.)That he himself will go on with his undertaking and complete it. Christ says, I will pay my vows, Psa 22:25. Having engaged to bring many sons to glory, he will perform his engagement to the utmost, and will lose none.
III.That all humble gracious souls should have a full satisfaction and happiness in him, Psa 22:26.
It comforted the Lord Jesus in his sufferings that in and through him all true believers should have everlasting consolation.
1.The poor in spirit shall be rich in blessings, spiritual blessings; the hungry shall be filled with good things. Christ's sacrifice being accepted, the saints shall feast upon the sacrifice, as, under the law, upon the peace-offerings, and so partake of the altar: The meek shall eat and be satisfied, eat of the bread of life, feed with an appetite upon the doctrine of Christ's mediation, which is meat and drink to the soul that knows its own nature and case. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness in Christ shall have all they can desire to satisfy them and make them easy, and shall not labour, as they have done, for that which satisfies not.
2.Those that are much in praying shall be much in thanksgiving: Those shall praise the Lord that seek him, because through Christ they are sure of finding him, in the hopes of which they have reason to praise him even while they are seeking him, and the more earnest they are in seeking him the more will their hearts be enlarged in his praises when they have found him.
3.The souls that are devoted to him shall be for ever happy with him: "Your heart shall live for ever. Yours that are meek, that are satisfied in Christ, that continue to seek God; what ever becomes of your bodies, your hearts shall live for ever; the graces and comforts you have shall be perfected in everlasting life. Christ has said, Because I live, you shall live also, (Joh 14:19); and therefore that life shall be as sure and as long as his."
IV.That the church of Christ, and with it the kingdom of God among men, should extend itself to all the corners of the earth and should take in all sorts of people.
1.That it should reach far (Psa 22:27, Psa 22:28), that, whereas the Jews had long been the only professing people of God, now all the ends of the world should come into the church, and, the partition-wall being taken down, the Gentiles should be taken in. It is here prophesied,
(1.)That they should be converted: They shall remember, and turn to the Lord. Note, Serious reflection is the first step, and a good step it is towards true conversion. We must consider and turn. The prodigal came first to himself, and then to his father.
(2.)That then they should be admitted into communion with God and with the assemblies that serve him; They shall worship before thee, for in every place incense shall be offered to God, Mal 1:11; Isa 66:23. Those that turn to God will make conscience of worshipping before him. And good reason there is why all the kindreds of nations should do homage to God, for (Psa 22:28) the kingdom is the Lord's; his, and his only, is the universal monarchy.
[1.]The kingdom of nature is the Lord Jehovah's, and his providence rules among the nations, and upon that account we are bound to worship him; so that the design of the Christian religion is to revive natural religion and its principles and laws. Christ died to bring us to God, the God that made us, from whom we had revolted, and to reduce us to our native allegiance.
[2.]The kingdom of grace is the Lord Christ's, and he, as Mediator, is appointed governor among the nations, head over all things to his church. Let every tongue therefore confess that he is Lord.
2.That it should include many of different ranks, Psa 22:29. High and low, rich and poor, bond and free, meet in Christ.
(1.)Christ shall have the homage of many of the great ones. Those that are fat upon the earth, that live in pomp and power, shall eat and worship; even those that fare deliciously, when they have eaten and are full, shall bless the Lord their God for their plenty and prosperity.
(2.)The poor also shall receive his gospel: Those that go down to the dust, that sit in the dust (Psa 113:7), that can scarcely keep life and soul together, shall bow before him, before the Lord Jesus, who reckons it his honour to be the poor man's King (Psa 72:12) and whose protection does, in a special manner, draw their allegiance. Or this may be understood in general of dying men, whether poor or rich. See then what is our condition - we are going down to the dust to which we are sentenced and where shortly we must make our bed. Nor can we keep alive our own souls; we cannot secure our own natural life long, nor can we be the authors of our own spiritual and eternal life. It is therefore our great interest, as well as duty, to bow before the Lord Jesus, to give up ourselves to him to be his subjects and worshippers; for this is the only way, and it is a sure way, to secure our happiness when we go down to the dust. Seeing we cannot keep alive our own souls, it is our wisdom, by an obedient faith, to commit our souls to Jesus Christ, who is able to save them and keep them alive for ever.
V.That the church of Christ, and with it the kingdom of God among men, should continue to the end, through all the ages of time.
Mankind is kept up in a succession of generations; so that there is always a generation passing away and a generation coming up. Now, as Christ shall have honour from that which is passing away and leaving the world (Psa 22:29, those that go down to the dust shall bow before him, and it is good to die bowing before Christ; blessed are the dead who thus die in the Lord), so he shall have honour from that which is rising up, and setting out, in the world, Psa 22:30. Observe,
1.Their application to Christ: A seed shall serve him, shall keep up the solemn worship of him and profess and practice obedience to him as their Master and Lord. Note, God will have a church in the world to the end of time; and, in order to that, there shall be a succession of professing Christians and gospel ministers from generation to generation. A seed shall serve him; there shall be a remnant, more or less, to whom shall pertain the service of God and to whom God will give grace to serve him, - perhaps not the seed of the same persons, for grace does not run in a blood (he does not say their seed, but a seed), - perhaps but few, yet enough to preserve the entail.
2.Christ's acknowledgment of them: They shall be accounted to him for a generation; he will be the same to them that he was to those who went before them; his kindness to his friends shall not die with them, but shall be drawn out to their heirs and successors, and instead of the fathers shall be the children, whom all shall acknowledge to be a seed that the Lord hath blessed, Isa 61:9; Isa 65:23. The generation of the righteous God will graciously own as his treasure, his children.
3.Their agency for him (Psa 22:31): they shall come, shall rise up in their day, not only to keep up the virtue of the generation that is past, and to do the work of their own generation, but to serve the honour of Christ and the welfare of souls in the generations to come; they shall transmit to them the gospel of Christ (that sacred deposit) pure and entire, even to a people that shall be born hereafter; to them they shall declare two things: - (1.) That there is an everlasting righteousness, which Jesus Christ has brought in. This righteousness of his, and not any of our own, they shall declare to be the foundation of all our hopes and the fountain of all our joys. See Rom 1:16, Rom 1:17. (2.) That the work of our redemption by Christ is the Lord's own doing (Psa 118:23) and no contrivance of ours. We must declare to our children that God has done this; it is his wisdom in a mystery; it is his arm revealed.
In singing this we must triumph in the name of Christ as above every name, must give him honour ourselves, rejoice in the honours others do him, and in the assurance we have that there shall be a people praising him on earth when we are praising him in heaven.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"And My Soul shall live to Him." And My Soul, which in the contempt of this world seems to men as it were to die, shall live, not to itself, but to Him. "And My seed shall serve Him" [Psalm 22:30]. And My deeds, or they who through Me believe in Him, shall serve Him.
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Summary
Psalms 22:30 is a profound prophetic declaration nestled within a psalm that transitions dramatically from the depths of messianic suffering to the heights of universal triumph. Following vivid portrayals of abandonment and affliction, the psalm shifts to a vision of God's global dominion and the gathering of a redeemed people. This particular verse looks forward to an enduring spiritual legacy, envisioning a future "seed" or spiritual posterity who will faithfully serve the Lord, recognized and affirmed by Him across generations as His own, thereby ensuring the perpetual worship and glorification of God's name.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 22 is a deeply messianic psalm, often called the "Psalm of the Cross" due to its striking prophetic descriptions of Christ's crucifixion, including details like the piercing of hands and feet, the parting of garments, and the taunts of onlookers, as found in Psalms 22:16-18. However, the psalm undergoes a dramatic and pivotal shift in tone from agonizing lament (e.g., Psalms 22:1) to exuberant praise and a global vision of God's kingdom, beginning around Psalms 22:22. This transition underscores the ultimate victory inherent in the Messiah's suffering. Psalms 22:30, therefore, is an integral part of this triumphant culmination, looking forward to the fruit of the Messiah's redemptive work and the establishment of a people for Him, extending into the future. It sets the stage for the concluding declaration in Psalms 22:31, which affirms God's righteous acts and the coming generation.
Historical & Cultural Context
While the psalm is attributed to David, its prophetic scope transcends his immediate historical circumstances, pointing to a future fulfillment far beyond his lineage. The concept of "seed" (זרע, zeraʻ) was deeply significant in ancient Israel, primarily referring to physical descendants and the continuation of a family line or covenant promises, as seen in the Abrahamic covenant (e.g., Genesis 12:7). However, the prophetic nature of this psalm suggests a broader, spiritual understanding of "seed" that would encompass not just physical Israel but a people gathered from all nations. The idea of "serving" (עבד, ʻâbad) the Lord was central to Israelite identity, encompassing worship, obedience to the Law, and participation in covenant life. The "accounting" or reckoning of a generation to the Lord speaks to divine recognition and inclusion within God's covenant people, signifying an act of divine grace and establishment.
Key Themes
This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 22 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Messianic Suffering and Triumph, showing that the Messiah's agony is not an end in itself but leads to a glorious outcome—the establishment of His kingdom and a people for Himself. Secondly, it emphasizes God's Universal Sovereignty and Global Redemption, as the "seed" will serve Him, implying a worldwide reach of His kingdom, as hinted in Psalms 22:27-28. Thirdly, the verse develops the theme of Spiritual Posterity and Generational Faithfulness, indicating that God's redemptive work will not be confined to one era but will create an enduring legacy of believers who will declare His righteousness to generations yet to come (Psalms 22:31). Finally, it touches upon Divine Imputation and Acceptance, where God Himself accounts this future generation as His own, a people belonging to Him through His gracious act and the efficacy of the Messiah's sacrifice.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
While often referring to physical offspring or descendants (e.g., the "seed" of Abraham in Genesis 13:16), in this prophetic context, particularly viewed through a New Testament lens, zeraʻ' transcends mere biological lineage. Here, it denotes a spiritual posterity, a future generation of believers who are "born of God" (John 1:13) and constitute the true children of faith, irrespective of ethnic origin. This spiritual "seed" is the fruit of the Messiah's redemptive work, a people who inherit the promises through faith.
This verb carries a rich semantic range, encompassing notions of working, ministering, worshipping, and being a servant or slave. In the context of serving God, it implies active devotion, obedience, and allegiance, rather than passive acknowledgment. This "seed" will not merely exist but will actively engage in worship, obedience, and the promulgation of God's truth, demonstrating a life consecrated to His purposes and a willing submission to His divine will.
This word means to score with a mark, to inscribe, enumerate, reckon, or declare. It signifies a divine act of recognition and affirmation. God Himself will "account" or reckon this future spiritual generation as His own, establishing their identity and belonging not based on their inherent merit but on His gracious determination and the efficacy of the Messiah's work. It suggests a divine declaration of their status as His rightful possession and people, a divine imputation of righteousness and belonging.
Verse Breakdown
"A seed shall serve him;"
This clause introduces the primary subject of the prophecy: a future "seed," understood as a spiritual lineage or posterity. This "seed" is not passive but actively engaged in serving "him," referring to the Lord, the God of Israel, whose universal dominion and redemptive work are celebrated in the preceding verses. This service encompasses worship, obedience, and a life dedicated to God's glory, indicating a vibrant, living faith that extends through time and manifests in concrete actions of devotion and allegiance.
"it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation."
This second clause elaborates on the nature and destiny of this "seed." The "it" refers to this spiritual posterity. They will be "accounted" or reckoned by God Himself as belonging to Him, forming a distinct "generation" in His sight. This is a divine declaration of ownership and acceptance, signifying that this future people, brought into existence through the Messiah's work, will be recognized and established by God as His own, continuing His covenant relationship across successive eras and ensuring a perpetual line of worshipers who proclaim His righteousness.
Literary Devices
Psalms 22:30 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its prophetic and theological weight. The most prominent is Prophecy, as the verse looks forward to a future spiritual reality that transcends David's immediate context, pointing directly to the work of the Messiah and the establishment of His global church. The use of "seed" (זרע, zeraʻ) functions as Synecdoche, where a part (seed/offspring) represents the whole (a future generation of believers). This term also carries significant Symbolism, moving beyond mere physical progeny to denote a spiritual lineage born of faith, a new humanity brought forth by divine grace. The entire latter half of Psalms 22, including this verse, exemplifies a dramatic Shift in Tone, transitioning from the profound lament and suffering of the Messiah to a triumphant vision of His universal reign and the gathering of a redeemed people, thereby highlighting the ultimate victory that emerges from His sacrifice and the enduring legacy it produces.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Psalms 22:30 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, particularly through the themes of covenant, spiritual lineage, and divine imputation. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, which extend beyond physical descent to encompass a spiritual family. This "seed" represents those who, by faith, are brought into a relationship with God, a concept deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant's promise of a blessing for all nations through Abraham's "seed" (Genesis 12:3). The verse anticipates the formation of a people for God, not through human effort, but through divine reckoning and acceptance, a truth foundational to the New Testament understanding of justification by faith. It underscores the ultimate success of God's saving work through the Messiah, ensuring that His name will be honored and served by successive generations, culminating in a global community of worshipers.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 22:30 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to active discipleship for believers today. It reminds us that we are part of this prophesied "seed," a spiritual posterity brought into existence through the finished work of Christ on the cross. This identity carries with it the immense privilege and solemn responsibility to "serve" the Lord, not out of legalistic obligation, but out of grateful response to His saving grace and the triumph over sin and death He secured. Our service encompasses all aspects of life – heartfelt worship, obedient living, zealous evangelism, compassionate service, and living out our faith authentically in our daily interactions. The assurance that we are "accounted to the Lord for a generation" provides immense comfort and security, knowing that our belonging is divinely established and recognized, not based on our merit but on His gracious imputation. This verse compels us to consider our vital role in the ongoing story of God's redemption, inspiring us to live faithfully and to intentionally pass on the legacy of faith to future generations, ensuring that God's name continues to be glorified until Christ's return.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the "seed" referred to in Psalms 22:30?
The "seed" (Hebrew: zeraʻ) in Psalms 22:30 refers primarily to a spiritual posterity, a future generation of believers who will serve the Lord. While the term can refer to physical descendants, in this prophetic context, especially when viewed through the lens of the New Testament, it signifies those who are spiritually born into God's family through faith in the Messiah. This concept aligns with the spiritual children of Abraham, who are identified not by physical lineage but by their faith, as explained in Galatians 3:29. This "seed" is the fruit of the Messiah's suffering and triumph, ensuring a continuous line of worshipers for God.
How does this verse relate to the broader message of Psalms 22?
Psalms 22 is a remarkable messianic psalm that begins with a profound lament, famously echoed by Jesus on the cross in Psalms 22:1. The first half vividly describes the suffering and abandonment of the Messiah. However, around Psalms 22:22, the psalm dramatically shifts to praise, thanksgiving, and a vision of God's universal dominion. Psalms 22:30 is part of this triumphant conclusion, demonstrating that the Messiah's suffering is not in vain but results in a vast, enduring spiritual legacy. It shows that His work will secure a people who will serve God and be recognized by Him across generations, thus fulfilling the ultimate purpose of His sacrifice and establishing His kingdom among all nations.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 22:30 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the suffering Servant who became the triumphant King. The "seed" prophesied here is not merely a generic future generation but the spiritual offspring secured by the Messiah's atoning work on the cross. Just as Isaiah 53:10 declares that the Suffering Servant will "see his offspring" as a result of His soul's anguish, so the "seed" of Psalms 22:30 represents those who are redeemed and brought into God's family through Christ's death and resurrection. Jesus, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham (as affirmed in Galatians 3:16), through His sacrifice, has purchased a people from every tribe and nation to serve God (Revelation 5:9-10). This spiritual "generation" is "accounted to the Lord" not by their own merit or works, but by the imputation of Christ's righteousness to them (Romans 4:22-25). The Church, composed of all believers across history and from every nation, stands as the living fulfillment of this prophecy, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational body called to serve and glorify God, demonstrating the enduring fruit of Christ's triumph over sin and death and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom.