J. Barton Payne
Payne #13 — Ps 22:16
Hands and feet pierced; Payne notes crucifixion unknown in David's era, making this highly specific
Hands and Feet Pierced
A thousand years before crucifixion was even practiced, the psalmist described having his hands and feet pierced.
Old Testament
Psalm 22:16
Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet.
New Testament
John 20:25
So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."
Why This Matters
A thousand years before crucifixion was even practiced, the psalmist described having his hands and feet pierced. When Thomas demanded to see the nail marks in Jesus' hands, he was unknowingly confirming the fulfillment of this ancient psalm. The wounds of the cross, far from disproving Jesus' identity, became the very proof that he is the promised Messiah.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, Your suffering was not wasted. As I read Psalm 22:16 and John 20:25, make me reverent before the cost of my redemption.
Scholar Credits
📘 Payne ✓📚 Edersheim ✓📖 McDowell ✓
Alfred Edersheim
The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah • Appendix IX
Psalm 22 treated as Messianic Passion Psalm; verse cited in Yalkut on Messiah's sufferings
Josh McDowell
The New Evidence That Demands a Verdict • #44 Hands and Feet Pierced
Roman crucifixion method; large dull spikes; Zech 12:10 cited as parallel
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