Psalm 22 is known as a Messianic Psalm. Jesus quotes words from the psalm on the cross, and the words from the psalm describe what Jesus felt and experienced at the crucifixion.

Verse six is ​​of special note, it says “I am a worm.” The word worm refers specifically to the crimson or scarlet worm, in Hebrew “tola’ath”. Red dye was made from this worm for the tabernacle and the clothing of the high priest in the time of Moses. The red on the cloth indicated sacrifice, a symbol of the blood shed as a consequence of sin.

Also of particular interest is Isaiah 1:18, which describes scarlet sins turning white as snow. The word “scarlet” here in Isaiah comes from the same root as “scarlet worm.”

So what is a scarlet worm? In the Middle East, where this particular worm is found, it gets its name from the red color of its body and blood. In essence, Psalm 22 says “I am a scarlet worm.”

When the scarlet worm is ready to lay eggs, it climbs and attaches itself to a tree above where it has laid the eggs. It remains there for a few days, after which it dies, and then its body releases the worm’s blood to create a protective barrier over its young below. The bark of the surrounding trees is also dyed red. However, this blood loses its pigment over the next three days, leaving a white substance in its place.

Years ago, Corrie Ten Boom shared, “God doesn’t have problems. He just plans.” Included in those plans are promises that the light of the gospel will overcome the darkness of sin.

Psalm 22 was written around 1000 BC. C. when King David, knowing the mind of Christ, was inspired to write words about a worm, a worm that happens to attach itself to a tree, where it will die and shed its blood while protecting its young. As he wrote words on the cross, the psalmist described a beautiful metaphor that can be easily overlooked, but is there for the world to see.

How far will God go to get our attention? As far as necessary. Either by turning water into wine, or some stones into bread; from calm seas to walking on water; raise the dead and give sight to the blind; Over and over again this picture is painted: where sin abounded, grace abounded more.