Psalms 22:5

KJV

They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded.

KJV (with Strong's)

They cried {H2199} unto thee, and were delivered {H4422}: they trusted {H982} in thee, and were not confounded {H954}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They cried to you and escaped; they trusted in you and were not disappointed.

Berean Standard Bible

They cried out to You and were set free; they trusted in You and were not disappointed.

American Standard Version

They cried unto thee, and were delivered: They trusted in thee, and were not put to shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:5 profoundly articulates the enduring truth of God's faithfulness, serving as a powerful anchor of hope within the psalmist's deep lament. It recalls how past generations, in their moments of desperate need, cried out to God and were unfailingly delivered, and how their trust in Him was never met with shame or disappointment. This verse establishes a historical precedent for divine intervention, underscoring God's unwavering character as a reliable deliverer for all who place their confidence in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 22 is a poignant messianic psalm, famously opening with the agonizing cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" The psalmist, engulfed in profound personal suffering and a sense of abandonment, transitions from his immediate distress in [Psalms 22:1-2](/psalms/22-1-2 "Psalms 22:1-2 - The Psalmist's Cry of Dereliction") to a crucial recollection of God's enduring faithfulness to previous generations in [Psalms 22:3-5](/psalms/22-3-5 "Psalms 22:3-5 - God's Past Deliverances"). Verse 5, therefore, functions as a vital theological anchor and an argument for divine intervention. It reminds both the psalmist and the reader of God's consistent pattern of responding to the prayers and trust of His people throughout history. This historical memory provides a firm basis for hope even in the direst circumstances, laying the groundwork for the psalmist's eventual shift from lament to confident praise and anticipation of God's ultimate deliverance in [Psalms 22:22-31](/psalms/22-22-31 "Psalms 22:22-31 - From Lament to Praise and Vows Fulfilled").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of "crying out" to God (Hebrew: _za'aq_) was a deeply ingrained practice in the historical and cultural experience of ancient Israel. It typically signified a desperate, urgent plea for help in times of severe oppression, distress, or national crisis, as exemplified during the period of the Judges or the Exodus from Egypt when the Israelites "sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God" ([Exodus 2:23](/exodus/2-23 "Exodus 2:23 - Israel's Cry and God's Remembrance")). Furthermore, the concept of being "confounded" or put to shame (Hebrew: _bosh_) carried immense social and theological weight in a collectivist, honor-shame culture. To be put to shame meant public disgrace, a failure of one's trust, and a potential questioning of God's power or faithfulness. Conversely, to "not be confounded" meant vindication, honor, and the powerful affirmation of one's faith and God's absolute reliability. This cultural backdrop intensifies the promise of the verse, emphasizing that God's people would never regret having placed their trust in Him, as their faith would always be publicly affirmed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes woven throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **The Efficacy of Prayer**, demonstrating that a sincere, desperate cry to God is met with decisive divine action. It affirms that God hears and responds to the petitions of His people, a truth consistently affirmed throughout Israel's history and in passages like [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry and the Lord Hears"). Secondly, it highlights **Unfailing Trust in God**, asserting that ultimate security and vindication are found in placing one's complete confidence in the Lord. Those who rely on Him are never disappointed or put to shame, a promise echoed in wisdom literature, such as [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"). Thirdly, the verse serves as a profound testament to **God's Enduring Faithfulness**. By recalling God's consistent acts of deliverance for past generations, it establishes His unchanging character and reliability, providing a firm basis for present and future hope, illustrating that God's covenant promises are steadfast and reliable through all generations, as declared in [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Faithfulness to His Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cried (Hebrew, _zâʻaq'_):** This primitive root signifies a desperate, urgent cry for help, often stemming from anguish or danger. It is more than a casual prayer; it denotes a fervent appeal from a position of helplessness, indicating a deep reliance on a higher power for rescue. The use of this word emphasizes the intensity of the ancestors' pleas and the urgency of their need for divine intervention, portraying a heartfelt, often public, appeal.
* **Delivered (Hebrew, _mâlaṭ'_):** This verb, derived from a root meaning "to be smooth," implies escaping or being rescued as if by slipping away from danger. Causatively, it means to release or rescue. It conveys an active, decisive intervention by God to save His people from peril or distress. This is not merely a passive avoidance of harm but a dynamic act of liberation, often from a confined or perilous situation, highlighting God's powerful and effective intervention.
* **Confounded (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** This primitive root primarily means "to pale" and, by implication, "to be ashamed." It also carries the sense of being disappointed or delayed. In a biblical context, its negation ("not confounded") powerfully affirms that the trust placed in God is never in vain; those who rely on Him will have their faith vindicated and will never experience the disgrace of a failed hope or a delayed promise. It speaks to the ultimate honor and affirmation that comes from divine faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They cried unto thee":** The "they" refers to the collective body of God's people throughout history—the patriarchs, the nation of Israel during the Exodus, and subsequent generations who faced trials, oppression, and insurmountable challenges. Their "crying out" signifies a desperate, urgent appeal to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and their utter dependence on Him for rescue. This phrase highlights the initiative of the people in seeking divine intervention through fervent prayer.
* **"and were delivered":** This clause describes the direct, powerful, and historical response of God to the cries of His people. It indicates that their desperate pleas were not ignored but met with active, decisive liberation from their distress, danger, or enemies. This outcome serves as a historical testament to God's character as a faithful rescuer, demonstrating His willingness and ability to intervene on behalf of those who call upon Him.
* **"they trusted in thee":** This phrase identifies the essential prerequisite and accompanying posture for their deliverance: an active, unwavering reliance and confidence in God's character, power, and promises. It implies a conscious choice to place their hope and security in Him, rather than in human strength, worldly alliances, or other gods. This trust is not passive but an active commitment of faith, a firm conviction in God's reliability.
* **"and were not confounded":** This final clause describes the ultimate vindication of their trust. It means that their hope was not dashed, their faith was not proven foolish, and they were not put to shame, disgraced, or disappointed for having believed in God. Instead, their confidence was rewarded, and their expectation of divine help was fully met, affirming God's absolute trustworthiness and vindicating the faith of His people before all.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 22:5 effectively employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where the second line of a couplet reiterates or reinforces the meaning of the first. In this verse, "They cried unto thee, and were delivered" is paralleled by "they trusted in thee, and were not confounded." The act of "crying unto" God is intrinsically linked with "trusting in" Him, while "being delivered" is the positive outcome that prevents them from being "confounded" or put to shame. This parallelism not only adds poetic rhythm and emphasis but also deepens the core message: sincere prayer rooted in unwavering trust inevitably leads to divine deliverance and vindication. The verse also utilizes **Historical Allusion**, referencing the collective memory of God's past acts of salvation for His people, which serves as a powerful argument and a profound source of hope for the psalmist in his present distress, grounding his personal plea in the undeniable track record of divine faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly significant for understanding God's covenant faithfulness and the nature of true reliance upon Him. It establishes a timeless principle: God is consistently responsive to the cries of His people, and those who place their trust in Him will never experience the shame of unfulfilled hope. This is not merely a historical observation but a theological declaration about God's unchanging character as a deliverer and vindicator. The psalmist grounds his present plea in this historical reality, asserting that if God has always been faithful to those who cried out and trusted, He will surely be faithful now. This corporate memory of divine intervention provides a robust foundation for individual faith and prayer, assuring believers that their reliance on the Almighty is never misplaced and will always be honored.

* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry and the Lord Hears")
* [Romans 9:33](/romans/9-33 "Romans 9:33 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame")
* [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - Call on the Name of the Lord and Be Delivered")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 22:5 offers immense encouragement and a vital blueprint for faith in the life of every believer. When we face personal trials, uncertainties, or moments of profound distress, this verse calls us to look beyond our immediate circumstances to the consistent track record of God's faithfulness throughout history and, indeed, in our own lives. It reminds us that "crying out" to God in prayer is never in vain; He hears and actively intervenes. Our trust in Him is never misplaced, no matter how daunting or hopeless the circumstances may appear. We can stand firm in the assurance that those who truly rely on the Lord—who commit their way to Him and wait patiently—will never be left disappointed or disgraced. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep, abiding faith, knowing that God is eternally trustworthy and always delivers on His promises, ensuring that our hope in Him will always be vindicated.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness, both in biblical history and in your own life, strengthen your trust in Him today?**
* **In what specific situations are you called to "cry out" to God with desperate reliance, and what prevents you from doing so wholeheartedly?**
* **What does it mean for you personally to "not be confounded" by your trust in God, especially when circumstances seem to contradict His promises?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The "they" in Psalms 22:5 refers to the generations of God's people, particularly the patriarchs and the nation of Israel throughout their history, who faced dire circumstances and called upon the Lord. This includes figures like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the Israelites during their oppression in Egypt when they "cried out" to God, leading to the Exodus ([Exodus 2:23-25](/exodus/2-23-25 "Exodus 2:23-25 - Israel's Cry and God's Deliverance")). It also encompasses the many instances in the book of Judges where the Israelites "cried out" to the Lord in their distress, and He sent deliverers. This collective memory of divine intervention forms the basis of the psalmist's appeal and hope, underscoring God's consistent character as a rescuer.

**How does this verse relate to the rest of Psalm 22, which is a psalm of lament?**

Answer: Psalm 22:5 serves as a pivotal point of contrast and an argument for divine intervention within the psalmist's deep lament. While the psalmist begins with the agonizing cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?")), verse 5 reminds God—and the psalmist himself—of God's consistent historical pattern of delivering those who cried out and trusted Him. It grounds the psalmist's present plea in the unwavering character and past actions of God, providing a basis for hope that God will act for him just as He did for his ancestors. This historical precedent becomes the foundation for the psalmist's shift from despair to renewed faith and eventual praise later in the psalm ([Psalm 22:22-31](/psalms/22-22-31 "Psalm 22:22-31 - From Lament to Praise")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 22:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist laments his feeling of abandonment, his very words "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" were prophetically uttered by Jesus on the cross ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Like the "they" of whom the psalmist speaks, Jesus "cried out" to the Father in His deepest agony, demonstrating perfect trust even in the face of unimaginable suffering and apparent abandonment. Though He endured the full weight of sin and death, Jesus' trust in the Father was absolute. He was "delivered" not from death's experience, but through resurrection from the dead, demonstrating God's ultimate vindication of His Son. Jesus "was not confounded"; His trust was not put to shame, but perfectly honored through His glorious resurrection and ascension, proving Him to be the [Son of God with power](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Declared Son of God by Resurrection"). His suffering and vindication become the basis for our own deliverance and trust. Because He cried out and was delivered, all who now cry out to Him and trust in His name will likewise "not be confounded" but will find eternal salvation and vindication in Him ([Romans 10:11](/romans/10-11 "Romans 10:11 - Whoever Believes in Him Will Not Be Put to Shame")) and confidently await His return ([Titus 2:13](/titus/2-13 "Titus 2:13 - Looking for the Blessed Hope")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 10:11

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Isaiah 49:23

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

Romans 9:33

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

1 Peter 2:6

Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.

Isaiah 45:17

[But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.

Judges 10:10

¶ And the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim.

Judges 10:16

And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.