Yet You are holyThis phrase acknowledges the absolute purity and moral perfection of God. Holiness is a central attribute of God, setting Him apart from all creation. In the Old Testament, God's holiness is often associated with His separateness and His divine nature (
Isaiah 6:3). The holiness of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing His transcendence and the reverence He commands. This holiness is also a call for His people to be holy (
Leviticus 19:2), reflecting His character in their lives.
enthroned on the praises of Israel
This phrase suggests that God is metaphorically seated or dwelling in the praises offered by His people, Israel. The imagery of God being enthroned indicates His sovereignty and kingship. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a throne symbolized authority and rule. The idea of God being enthroned on praises highlights the importance of worship and adoration as a means of acknowledging His reign. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to offer sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:15). The phrase also points to the communal aspect of worship in Israel, where collective praise was a significant part of their religious life, as seen in the Psalms and other liturgical practices.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
DavidTraditionally attributed as the author of
Psalm 22, David was the second king of Israel and a man after God's own heart. This psalm is a prophetic and messianic psalm, often seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's suffering.
2.
IsraelThe nation chosen by God, representing His covenant people. In this context, Israel's praises are seen as a throne for God, highlighting the communal worship and reverence of God by His people.
3.
GodThe central figure of the psalm, depicted as holy and worthy of praise. His holiness is emphasized as being distinct and set apart, deserving of the worship of His people.
Teaching Points
God's HolinessGod's holiness is central to His nature. It is a reminder of His purity, righteousness, and otherness. As believers, we are called to reflect on His holiness in our worship and daily lives.
The Power of PraisePraise is not just an act of worship but a throne for God. When we praise, we invite God's presence into our midst, acknowledging His sovereignty and majesty.
Community WorshipThe collective praises of God's people create a dwelling place for Him. This emphasizes the importance of gathering together in worship, as our united voices exalt God.
Trust in God's SovereigntyEven in times of distress, as David experienced, recognizing God's holiness and enthronement through praise can bring comfort and assurance of His control over all circumstances.
Living a Life of WorshipWorship is not confined to songs or gatherings but is a lifestyle. Our actions, words, and thoughts should continually reflect God's holiness and our reverence for Him.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Psalm 22:3?
2.How does Psalm 22:3 emphasize God's holiness and His relationship with Israel?
3.In what ways can we "enthrone" God in our daily worship practices?
4.How does Psalm 22:3 connect with God's presence in Exodus 15:11?
5.What practical steps can we take to honor God's holiness in our lives?
6.How does understanding God's holiness in Psalm 22:3 impact our prayer life?
7.How does Psalm 22:3 relate to God's holiness and human suffering?
8.Why does God seem distant in times of distress according to Psalm 22:3?
9.What is the significance of God being "enthroned on the praises of Israel" in Psalm 22:3?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 22?
11.Does God dwell in the praises of His people?
12.Does God dwell in the praises of His people?
13.Psalm 22:1 – Does the writer’s cry of abandonment contradict other biblical depictions of God’s faithfulness to the righteous?
14.What defines a psalm?What Does Psalm 22:3 Mean
Yet•Psalm 22 opens with “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” (22:1). “Yet” marks a turning point from despair to faith.
• Similar pivots: “But I have trusted in Your loving devotion” (Psalm 13:5–6); “Yet I call this to mind, and therefore I have hope” (Lamentations 3:21–23).
• Feelings change; God’s truth doesn’t (2 Corinthians 5:7).
You are holy• “Who among the gods is like You—majestic in holiness?” (Exodus 15:11). Holiness is His essence.
• Angels cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts” (Isaiah 6:3;Revelation 4:8).
• His holiness guarantees righteousness: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14).
• We are called to reflect it: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
Enthroned• “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).
• “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool” (Isaiah 66:1).
• Even suffering occurs under His rule (Romans 8:28).
• “Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases” (Psalm 115:3).
On the praises of Israel• God chooses worship as His dwelling: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4).
• Israel’s history: Song at the Red Sea (Exodus 15), David before the ark (2 Samuel 6:14), temple choirs (2 Chronicles 5:13–14).
• Church application: “You are a chosen people…to proclaim the virtues of Him” (1 Peter 2:9).
• Praise:
– Shifts focus from problems to God.
– Ushers believers into awareness of His presence.
– Unites worshipers, echoing heaven’s cry, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns” (Revelation 19:6).
summaryPsalm 22:3 affirms that, in spite of anguish, God remains perfectly holy, sovereignly enthroned, and personally present, choosing the praises of His people as His throne. Worship realigns our hearts with this unchanging reality: the Holy One still reigns.
(3)
But.--In spite of his seeming desertion the poet still believes Jehovah is the God of the covenant--still the Holy One in whom His people could trust.
The phrase "inhabiting the praises of Israel," recalls the more usual "thou that dwellest between the cherubims" (1Samuel 4:4;2Samuel 6:2;Psalm 80:1;Psalm 99:1, where see Note). But the idea here is more spiritual. The ever-ascending praises of His people become a throne for the Divine King, and take the place of the outstretched wings of the cherubim. Perhaps there is a reminiscence ofExodus 15:11-12. This explanation is at once more literal and better than the Rabbinical, "enthronedasthe praises." (Comp. Aquila: "as the hymns.") . . .
Verse 3. -
But thou art holy. Still God is holy; the Sufferer casts no reproach upon him, but "commits himself to him that judgeth righteously" (
1 Peter 2:23).
O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. God is seen enthroned in his sanctuary, where the praises and prayers of Israel are ever being offered up to him. If he hears them, he will assuredly, in his own good time, hear the Sufferer.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Yet Youוְאַתָּ֥ה(wə·’at·tāh)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youare holy,קָד֑וֹשׁ(qā·ḏō·wōš)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuaryenthronedי֝וֹשֵׁ֗ב(yō·wō·šêḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryon the praisesתְּהִלּ֥וֹת(tə·hil·lō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 8416:Praise, song of praiseof Israel.יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc
Links
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OT Poetry: Psalm 22:3 But you are holy you who inhabit (Psalm Ps Psa.) 
