Psalms 22:8

KJV

He trusted on the LORD [that] he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

KJV (with Strong's)

He trusted {H1556} on the LORD {H3068} that he would deliver {H6403} him: let him deliver {H5337} him, seeing he delighted {H2654} in him.

Complete Jewish Bible

"He committed himself to ADONAI, so let him rescue him! Let him set him free if he takes such delight in him!"

Berean Standard Bible

“He trusts in the LORD, let the LORD deliver him; let the LORD rescue him, since He delights in him.”

American Standard Version

Commit thyself unto Jehovah; let him deliver him: Let him rescue him, seeing he delighteth in him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:8 vividly portrays the profound anguish and steadfast faith of a righteous sufferer facing cruel mockery. This verse captures the cynical challenge of onlookers who twist the sufferer's confident reliance on God into a basis for derision, daring God to deliver him if He truly delights in him. It underscores the deep spiritual and emotional pain of apparent abandonment and misunderstanding, while simultaneously serving as a powerful prophetic foreshadowing of the Messiah's ultimate suffering and unwavering trust.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22 is a deeply prophetic and intensely personal lament of David, often referred to as "the Psalm of the Cross" due to its striking parallels with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The psalm begins with the iconic cry of abandonment, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" [Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Cry of Abandonment"), and continues to describe the psalmist's profound physical and emotional torment, including being surrounded by enemies, experiencing extreme thirst, and having his hands and feet pierced. Verse 8 falls within the initial section of the psalm (verses 1-11), which is dominated by the psalmist's desperate plea and vivid description of his suffering and the taunts of his adversaries. The mockers' words in verse 8 are a direct response to the psalmist's expressed trust in God, turning his faith into an object of scorn and challenging God's very character and willingness to intervene. This sets up the profound theological tension that is ultimately resolved in the psalm's latter half, which shifts dramatically to praise and confident expectation of God's ultimate deliverance and universal worship, as seen in [Psalm 22:22-31](/psalms/22-22-31 "Psalm 22:22-31 - Shift to Praise and Vindication").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, public shaming and mockery were potent tools of social control and humiliation. To be mocked, especially in a state of vulnerability or suffering, was to be stripped of dignity, honor, and social standing. The taunt in Psalms 22:8 reflects a common ancient worldview where divine favor was often associated with prosperity and immediate deliverance from hardship, while suffering was sometimes interpreted as a sign of divine displeasure or abandonment. The mockers' challenge, "let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him," taps into this cultural understanding, implying that if God truly favored the sufferer, He would not allow such distress. This cultural expectation makes the psalmist's (and ultimately Christ's) steadfast trust in God, even in the face of apparent abandonment and public ridicule, all the more remarkable and counter-cultural. The setting is likely one of public humiliation, perhaps at the city gates or a place of judgment, where the sufferer is exposed to the scorn of the crowd, echoing the public nature of the [crucifixion of Jesus](/matthew/27 "Matthew 27 - The Crucifixion").

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 22:8 contributes significantly to several key themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of the **suffering of the righteous**, showing how those who trust God can still face intense pain and derision, even from those who claim to understand divine justice. This theme is central to the book of Job, where Job's friends similarly misinterpret his suffering as a sign of divine displeasure ([Job 4:7-9](/job/4-7-9 "Job 4:7-9 - Eliphaz's Accusation")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **mockery and scorn**, particularly how the faithful are often ridiculed for their unwavering trust in God, especially when circumstances seem to contradict divine promises. This theme is profoundly echoed in the New Testament narratives of Christ's passion, where similar taunts are hurled at Jesus on the cross, challenging His divine sonship and God's willingness to save Him (e.g., [Matthew 27:43](/matthew/27-43 "Matthew 27:43 - Mockery at the Cross")). Thirdly, the verse directly engages the theme of **divine faithfulness and deliverance**, as the mockers cynically challenge God's ability or willingness to rescue the one He supposedly delights in. This forces the reader to grapple with the nature of God's deliverance, which may not always align with human expectations of immediate rescue but ultimately culminates in ultimate vindication and salvation, as seen in the broader narrative of [God's salvation history](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - God's Deliverance at the Red Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **trusted (Hebrew, _gâlal'_):** From H1556, this primitive root means "to roll (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it carries the figurative sense of "to commit" or "to roll upon," implying a confident reliance or casting one's burden upon the LORD. It signifies a deep, unwavering dependence and trust, a complete surrender of one's hope and security to God, despite external pressures or apparent contradictions.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the proper name of the covenant God of Israel, often translated as "Jehovah" or "the LORD." It signifies "the self-Existent or Eternal One," emphasizing God's unchanging, sovereign, and relational nature. The psalmist's trust is placed not in a generic deity, but in the personal, covenant-keeping God who has revealed Himself throughout history.
* **delighted (Hebrew, _châphêts'_):** From H2654, this primitive root means "to incline to; by implication... to be pleased with, desire." It conveys the idea of taking pleasure in someone, having affection for them, or finding favor in them. It speaks to God's loving approval and benevolent disposition towards an individual. The mockers cynically twist this concept, implying that if God truly delighted in the sufferer, He would immediately intervene, thus using the very notion of divine love to undermine the sufferer's faith and God's perceived faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He trusted on the LORD [that] he would deliver him":** This opening clause asserts the unwavering faith of the suffering one. Despite his dire circumstances, he maintains a confident reliance on Yahweh, believing that God possesses both the power and the will to rescue him. This declaration of trust stands in stark contrast to the despair that his situation might otherwise evoke, highlighting a profound spiritual resilience and a deep understanding of God's covenant faithfulness.
* **"let him deliver him":** This is the core of the taunt and the mockers' cynical dare. It is not a genuine plea for divine intervention but a challenge steeped in sarcasm and scorn, questioning God's ability or willingness to act. Their words constitute a public test, a demand for immediate, visible intervention as proof of the sufferer's claims and God's faithfulness, implying that God is either unable or unwilling to save.
* **"seeing he delighted in him":** This final clause provides the mockers' twisted rationale for their challenge. They assume that if God truly "delighted" in the sufferer, then immediate deliverance from all suffering would be a necessary and obvious outcome. By pointing to the sufferer's current predicament, they imply that God does *not* delight in him, thereby invalidating his trust and God's character. This reveals a superficial understanding of divine love and providence, which often allows suffering for deeper, redemptive purposes, ultimately demonstrating a profound lack of spiritual insight.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:8 is rich in **Irony**, as the mockers' words, intended to shame and invalidate the sufferer's faith, inadvertently highlight the profound depth of his trust and the ultimate truth of God's character. The very challenge they issue ("let him deliver him") becomes a prophetic echo of the ultimate test of faith at the cross, where God's deliverance manifests in a way the mockers could never comprehend. **Sarcasm** is evident in the tone of the mockers, whose challenge is not a genuine inquiry but a sneering dismissal of the sufferer's belief and a cynical attempt to provoke God. The verse also employs **Antithesis**, contrasting the psalmist's steadfast "trust" in the Lord with the mockers' cynical "challenge" to God's power and delight. This stark opposition underscores the conflict between faith and unbelief, and between human expectations of divine intervention and God's sovereign, often mysterious, ways. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Prophecy** through its precise foreshadowing of the taunts leveled against Jesus Christ during His crucifixion, demonstrating a divine literary and historical continuity that transcends centuries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:8 profoundly illustrates the theological tension between God's delight in His faithful ones and the reality of their suffering. It challenges a simplistic understanding of divine providence, where God's favor is always equated with immediate comfort and earthly prosperity. Instead, it reveals that true faith perseveres even when God's deliverance does not conform to human expectations or timing. The mockers' challenge, "let him deliver him," is a direct assault on the nature of God's faithfulness and His relationship with His chosen. Yet, the psalmist's initial statement of trust ("He trusted on the LORD") stands as a testament to a deeper understanding of God's character, one that transcends immediate circumstances. This verse thus prepares the reader for the profound paradox of the cross, where God's ultimate deliverance of humanity comes not through preventing suffering, but through the suffering of His beloved Son, demonstrating that His delight is not in the absence of pain, but in the ultimate redemption wrought through it.

* [Matthew 27:43](/matthew/27-43 "Mockery at the Cross")
* [Mark 15:31-32](/mark/15-31-32 "Chief Priests and Scribes Mock Jesus")
* [Job 13:15](/job/13-15 "Though He Slay Me, Yet Will I Trust Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:8 offers a poignant mirror for believers navigating trials and public scrutiny today. It reminds us that our faith in God does not exempt us from suffering, nor does it guarantee immediate, visible deliverance from every hardship. In fact, our very trust in God can sometimes become the target of scorn from a world that does not understand divine ways or God's deeper purposes. When we face ridicule, doubt, or even apparent abandonment, this verse calls us to remember the psalmist's steadfast trust and, supremely, Christ's endurance on the cross. It challenges us to examine the nature of our own faith: do we trust God only when circumstances are favorable, or do we maintain our confidence in His character even when His delight in us seems to be contradicted by our pain? Our ultimate vindication, like the psalmist's and Christ's, may not come in the immediate cessation of suffering, but in God's perfect timing and through His sovereign plan, demonstrating that His delight is not contingent upon our earthly comfort but on our faithful obedience and His redemptive purposes. This verse encourages us to anchor our faith not in fleeting circumstances, but in the unchanging character of the God who delights in His children even through their deepest valleys.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when your faith in God is challenged or mocked by others, especially during times of personal suffering?**
* **Does your understanding of God's "delight" in you require immediate deliverance from all hardship, or can it encompass periods of suffering and still be true?**
* **What does it mean to "trust on the LORD" when circumstances seem to contradict His promises or His love, and how can you cultivate such trust?**
* **How can the example of the psalmist and Christ in this verse strengthen your resolve to endure faithfully amidst trials and public derision?**

### FAQ
**Is this verse only about Jesus, or does it apply to all believers?**

Answer: While Psalms 22:8 is profoundly and precisely prophetic of Jesus Christ's crucifixion, its themes of suffering, trust, and mockery also apply broadly to all believers. David, as the psalmist, experienced personal trials that resonated with these words, making it a lament for any righteous individual facing unjust suffering. The New Testament's direct quotation of this verse during Christ's Passion (e.g., [Matthew 27:43](/matthew/27-43 "Matthew 27:43 - Mockery at the Cross")) confirms its ultimate fulfillment in Him. However, the principles of maintaining trust in God amidst derision, and understanding that God's delight does not always preclude suffering, are universal truths for the Christian walk. Thus, it is both a specific prophecy concerning Christ and a general principle for the life of faith, reminding us that suffering can be a path through which God's glory and our faith are refined.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:8 finds its most profound and chilling fulfillment in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The mockers' taunt, "He trusted on the LORD [that] he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him," echoes almost verbatim the words hurled at Jesus on the cross by the chief priests, scribes, and elders: "He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God" ([Matthew 27:43](/matthew/27-43 "Matthew 27:43 - Mockery at the Cross")). This precise fulfillment underscores the psalm's prophetic nature, revealing God's meticulous design for His Son's redemptive suffering. Jesus, the ultimate righteous sufferer, perfectly embodied the unwavering trust described in the first part of the verse, even as He endured the ultimate abandonment and mockery. The mockers' challenge, intended to prove God's disfavor, ironically highlighted Jesus' perfect obedience and the depth of God's love, which allowed the Son to suffer for the salvation of humanity. God's "delight" in His Son was not expressed by immediate rescue from the cross, but by empowering Him to endure it and ultimately raising Him from the dead ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus")), thereby vindicating His trust and demonstrating His supreme delight in His obedient Son. The cross, therefore, becomes the ultimate paradox: the place where God's beloved Son was seemingly forsaken ([Mark 15:34](/mark/15-34 "Mark 15:34 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), yet simultaneously where God's greatest act of deliverance was accomplished, fulfilling the very trust that the mockers challenged and securing eternal salvation for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")).

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

Matthew 27:42

He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

Matthew 27:43

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Mark 15:30

Save thyself, and come down from the cross.

Mark 15:32

Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him.

Psalms 91:14

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

Psalms 18:19

He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.