Mark 15:24 to Psalms 22:18

NT Text: Mark 15:24

OT Source(s):

• Psalms 22:18 (they divide my garments, cast lots for my clothing)
• Psalms 22:7 (all who see me mock me, wag their heads)
• Psalms 22:1 (My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?)

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Reference Type: Allusion

Connection Method(s): Typology + Promise-Fulfillment

Anchor Text: Psalm 22 — My God My God Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me

Significance: Mark's crucifixion narrative is saturated with Psalm 22 allusions, interpreting Jesus' death through the righteous sufferer genre. Psalm 22 progresses from deepest distress and God-forsakenness (22:1-21) to expansive praise for deliverance (22:22-31). Specific allusions: (1) Dividing garments (15:24/22:18); (2) Wagging heads (15:29/22:7); (3) The cry of dereliction (15:34/22:1). Mark expects readers to "fill in the gaps" and anticipate vindication—Psalm 22 assumes Yahweh's deliverance. The centurion's confession as "Son of God" (15:39) represents the first Gentile response, beginning the nations' ingathering (cf. Ps. 22:27; Isa. 56:7 in Mark 11:17). The torn temple curtain (15:38) signifies the old temple's destruction and the beginning of the new, purified temple for all nations.

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