Delivered Through the Cross (Psalm 34:19-22)
- cwatters69
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. ²⁰He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. ²¹Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. ²²The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned. —Psalm 34:19-22
These verses are the culmination of a beautiful psalm extolling God’s commitment to and protection of His own people—those who truly trust in Him, who fear Him, whose hope is in Him, and whose allegiance is to Him. But God’s people should know that God’s commitment to them does not mean that he spares them from affliction. No, both the unrighteous and the righteous experience affliction (see 34:4, 6, 17-18, 19, 21). The difference comes in God’s purpose in the affliction and the outcome He intends through the affliction.
The unrighteous can be assured that God is not on their side during their affliction. Rather their affliction will bring them down and result in their condemnation in the end (34:16, 21). But the righteous can know with confidence and certainty that, in their affliction, God is on their side to provide, protect, and save in the end (34:19, 22; also 34:4, 6-7, 15, 17-18). Believers should, however, be careful as they read and interpret statements like, “Many are afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all” (34:19). It is clear from Scripture broadly, from the experience of believers throughout the Bible, including our Savior Jesus Himself, that God neither prevents affliction from coming to them nor necessarily removes the affliction when they seek His help. This promise means that God’s sovereign hand regulates affliction so that it does no ultimate harm to the believer. Instead, He uses it in the end for their good (Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10) and the fulfillment of His purposes for it (Genesis 50:20).
Psalm 34:20 has a particular importance since it is quoted by the Apostle John in his discussion of the crucifixion of Christ. In John 19:31-32, John records that Pilate had commanded the Roman soldiers to break the legs of the three crucified men since the Sabbath (beginning at dusk on Friday) was coming near and they needed to take these men to their graves. Breaking the legs prevented a crucified individual from lifting himself on the cross so as to breathe more deeply. Hence, breaking his legs would hasten his death by asphyxiation. The soldiers broke the legs of the first and third man, but “when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs” (John 19:33). It was then that the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side and both blood and water came out (19:34). This indicated that death had previously occurred and the blood within him had already separated. At this point, John assures his readers that he is giving an eye-witness testimony that is true (19:35). Why would John think it important to pause and so assure his readers that they can know the truth that Jesus had already died before the soldiers came so that they did not break the bones of his legs? Answer: this fulfills what was prophesied of Christ in Psalm 34:20. As John records, “For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken’” (John 19:36 quoting Psalm 34:20).
The link between Psalm 34:20 and John 19:33, 36 shows a remarkable instance of fulfilled prophecy–God keeps His word! It also connects Jesus’ death as the “lamb of God” (John 1:29) with the Passover lambs offered in the act of saving the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. Exodus 12:46 and Numbers 9:12 both specify that no bones shall be broken of those lambs prepared for the Passover meal. But why would this stipulation—don’t break any bones—be given? The most likely explanation is that God intended the Passover lambs to signify certain truths about the ultimate Lamb provided by God who would bring deliverance of His people. By not breaking the bones of the lambs, and the soldiers not breaking the bones of Jesus’ legs, we see one of the connections showing that Jesus truly is the final and greatest Passover Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
What joy there is in knowing that this final Lamb has come, that His death and resurrection have brought about true forgiveness of sin and the only hope there is of eternal life. This is only through faith in Him. Have you trusted in Christ? Is He your only hope for standing before God not condemned? What a Savior He is!
For Reflection
Are you comforted to know that God is “for you” in your affliction as a believer? Do you have hope in knowing that God’s sovereign hand regulates your affliction and that He promises to be your Deliverer, Provider, and Protector; your Helper, Comforter, and Strength?
Are you tempted to think that sometimes it just doesn’t pay to be righteous? After all, it seems often that the unrighteous get away with their wicked and sinful plans. Does this discourage you? If so, consider again the end of the wicked (Psalm 34:21; 37:38; 73:17; 94:23) in contrast to the end of the righteous (Psalm 34:22; 22:4-5; 23:4-6; 37:40)?
Are you strengthened to know that God always keeps His word? Such great hope and confidence comes to God’s people by knowing that every promise God makes is as sure as His faithful, holy, and righteous character. Isn’t it amazing that something as little and seemingly insignificant as the Roman soldiers not breaking the bones of Jesus’ legs proves to be an indicator that God is in control of what occurs and that He keeps His promises?
Bruce A. Ware is professor of Christian Theology and chairman of the Department of Christian Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He has written several books, including his theology book for children, Big Truths for Young Hearts: Teaching and Learning the Greatness of God. Bruce and his wife, Jodi, have two daughters and three grandchildren. The Wares love drives in the country, hikes in the woods, walks on the beach, and time with their daughters and son-in-law and grandchildren, along with reading and good music.