Meaning of Psalms 22:31

This verse from Psalm 22, often interpreted as a prophetic declaration concerning the Messiah, speaks of a future generation testifying to God's redemptive work. The proclamation, "He has done it!" signifies the completion of a monumental act of salvation, the ultimate demonstration of divine righteousness. This declaration is not merely a historical recounting but a living testimony that transcends time, reaching even those who have not yet been born, underscoring the enduring and universal impact of God's saving power. The emphasis is on the definitive nature of God's action, a finished work that will be proclaimed and celebrated across generations.

Context and Background

Psalm 22 is a lament that transitions into a powerful expression of hope and trust in God's deliverance. The first half vividly describes suffering, abandonment, and distress, leading many scholars to see it as a messianic psalm, a prophecy of the suffering of Christ. However, the latter half shifts dramatically, envisioning God's intervention and the praise that will follow. Verse 31, therefore, stands at the culmination of this psalm, looking beyond the immediate suffering to the ultimate triumph and its proclamation. It suggests that the suffering described is not an end in itself but a prelude to a victorious act that will be widely declared.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Righteousness as Salvation: The verse highlights that God's righteousness is not just an attribute but is actively demonstrated through His saving acts. His actions are inherently just and righteous because they are directed towards salvation.
• Future Proclamation: The act of proclaiming to "a people yet unborn" emphasizes the lasting legacy of God's work. It is a testimony that is meant to be passed down through generations, ensuring that the memory and impact of God's saving deeds are never forgotten.
• Completion of God's Work: The simple yet profound exclamation, "He has done it!" signifies the completion of a divine undertaking. In a messianic context, this points to the finished work of redemption accomplished by Christ.
• Universality of Salvation: The mention of "a people yet unborn" suggests that the scope of this proclamation is not limited to a single generation or community but extends to all who will believe, regardless of when they live.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers to be active participants in proclaiming God's saving grace. It encourages a deep understanding and appreciation of the completed work of salvation, particularly through Jesus Christ. The "people yet unborn" can be understood as future generations of believers, or even those who will come to faith in the future. Our testimony today serves to lay the foundation for their understanding and faith. It reminds us that our faith is not isolated but part of a grand, unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan that we are called to share.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse resonates powerfully with the overarching biblical narrative of redemption. From the promise of a Redeemer in Genesis to the fulfillment in the New Testament, God's consistent action is to save His people. The "He has done it!" echoes the cry of Jesus on the cross, "It is finished!" (John 19:30), signifying the completion of His atoning sacrifice. The proclamation to future generations finds its ultimate fulfillment in the Great Commission, where believers are tasked with spreading the gospel to all nations, ensuring that God's saving work is proclaimed to all who will hear.

Analogies

• A Monumental Achievement: Imagine an architect completing a magnificent building that will stand for centuries. The final declaration, "It is finished!" is not just for the workers present but for all who will later admire and benefit from its structure. Similarly, God's saving work is a grand design, and the proclamation ensures its enduring legacy.
• A Victorious Battle: Consider a general winning a decisive battle. The cry of victory is not only for the soldiers on the field but is relayed to the kingdom and future generations, assuring them of peace and security. God's saving act is a spiritual victory that secures eternal life.
• A Completed Masterpiece: A painter completes a masterpiece. The artist might declare, "It is done!" This declaration ensures that the beauty and message of the artwork will be preserved and appreciated by all who encounter it, now and in the future.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 19:30: Jesus' cry, "It is finished!" directly parallels the sentiment of "He has done it!" in Psalm 22:31, signifying the completion of His redemptive work on the cross.
• Isaiah 42:21: "The Lord was pleased, for his righteousness’ sake, to magnify his law and make it honorable." This verse speaks to God's righteousness being demonstrated through His actions, aligning with the proclamation in Psalm 22:31.
• Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you," directly speaks to the task of proclaiming God's saving work to "a people yet unborn."
• Romans 3:21-26: This passage explains how God's righteousness has been revealed apart from the law, through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing the divine initiative and completion of salvation.