Psalm 22: Did God Abandon Jesus At The Cross?

This paper engages with a profound theological question rooted in the biblical narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion. This work is a detailed examination of Psalm 22 and its application to Jesus on the cross, as encapsulated in His poignant cry, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” The paper effectively juxtaposes ancient Jewish interpretations with Christian exegetical traditions, raising significant questions about the prophetic nature of Psalm 22 and its implications for a messianic understanding.

This paper examines whether Jesus' proclamation on the cross was indicative of divine abandonment or, instead, a fulfillment of the Psalmist's anguish expressed in Psalm 22. Padfield explores the historical, cultural, and theological contexts through an intensive study of Old Testament prophecy, Jewish liturgical traditions, and New Testament applications. The work's objective is to offer readers a nuanced perspective on the continuity of divine presence despite apparent desertion, providing a comprehensive dialogue between David’s lament and the Passion narrative.

The booklet excels in its comprehensive literature survey, effectively bridging Judaic traditions and New Testament reflections on Psalm 22. Padfield's narrative seamlessly transitions between historical, theological, and exegetical analyses, illustrating a sophisticated grasp of biblical hermeneutics. The depth of cultural context enriches the discourse on Psalm 22, offering the reader a more enlightened perspective on its liturgical role within Jewish history. Additionally, the paper's articulation of prophetic themes, intertwined with the narrative of Jesus' crucifixion, underscores the work's originality and intellectual weight.

The work holds significant interdisciplinary potential, drawing on theological, historical, and literary studies. Its engagement with Psalm 22 as both a standalone scripture and a portend of messianic prophecy presents profound questions about the enduring nature of biblical texts. The paper does not shy away from confronting traditional assumptions.

Psalm 22: Did God Abandon Jesus At The Cross is a 36-page booklet by David Padfield. This booklet contains extensive documentation from primary (original) sources (PDF file size: 1.5 MB).