Psalm 22

Psalm 22 is the 22nd psalm (Septuagint numbering 21) in the Book of Psalms.

Aijeleth Shahar or Ayelet HaShachar (Hebrew: "hind of the dawn") is found in the title of the Psalm. It is probably the name of some song or tune to the measure of which the psalm was to be chanted. Some, however, understand by the name some instrument of music, or an allegorical allusion to the subject of the psalms.

Where English translations have "Psalm," the underlying Hebrew word is מִזְמוֹר (mizmor), a song with instrumental accompaniment. This is part of the series of "Davidic Psalms" (mizmor le-david). Traditionally, their authorship was attributed to King David. In scholarly exegesis this write-up is no longer represented in the 19th century. The Hebrew particle le, means "of", "about", "for" or "in the manner of," so that it remains unclear whether the Davidic psalms originate with David, or simply take Davidic kingship as their topic, or take even in his own way the psalms terms.

The heading further assigns the psalm as "for the conductor." This is apparently a reference to the use of Psalms in the (temple) liturgy. The exact meaning is unclear.

The song is to be sung to the tune "Hind of Dawn", in a style apparently known to the original audience, according to the traditional interpretation. In the recent literature, however, it is argued that "Hind of Dawn" cultic role of the priest designated person acting as menatseach, as head of the ritual.

In terms of the exegetical analysis of this psalm, it is not widely regarded as being a unified whole. Psalm 22 is understood to have originally consisted of the contents of verses 1-22/23, with the later addition of 23/24-32. Further analysis also recognizes verses 4-6 as part of the later addition, and finds a third editorial development layer in verses 28-32 in. The exact distinction between the two main parts of the psalm is also controversial, as verse 23 is sometimes counted as a part of the original psalm, but sometimes as part of the later addition.

The emergence of the original psalm (vv 2-22 / 23) is thought to date from the pre-exilic period, that is, before the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem in 587. The second part was probably added only in the post-exilic period because of significant rescue of Israel. The last operation (V. 28-32) is, because of the universalist perspective the Hellenistic period, though to date from the late 4th century.

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