Psalm 22, also known as Psalm 21 in the Septuagint and Vulgate numbering, is a poignant lament psalm from the Hebrew Bible, traditionally attributed to King David around 1000 BCE. Scholars debate its exact authorship, with some viewing it as a composite work from the pre-exilic period before the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 587 BCE. It likely draws from David's personal experiences of persecution, such as pursuits by Saul or his son Absalom, reflecting the turmoil of early Israelite monarchy. As part of the Book of Psalms, compiled over centuries, it embodies the genre of individual lament, blending raw despair with eventual trust in divine deliverance.

The psalm opens with the cry, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"—words that echo profound abandonment amid suffering. It vividly describes mockery by onlookers, physical torment including pierced hands and feet, and the division of garments by casting lots. Yet, it transitions to praise, affirming God's faithfulness and calling for communal worship among Israel's descendants.

In Christianity, Psalm 22 holds messianic significance, foreshadowing Jesus' Passion. Jesus himself quoted its opening verse on the cross (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34), linking his crucifixion to Old Testament prophecy. Details like the derision, wounds, and garment division mirror Gospel accounts, underscoring fulfilment of Scripture.

Its liturgical role is prominent in the Mass for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord, where selected verses (8-9, 17-18a, 19-20, 23-24) form the Responsorial Psalm, with the refrain from verse 2a. This placement bridges the triumphant entry into Jerusalem with the impending suffering, inviting reflection on Christ's redemptive agony. By evoking Jesus' cry, it deepens the assembly's participation in the Paschal Mystery, transforming lament into hope and emphasising God's ultimate victory over abandonment.