Psalms 22:12
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 22 is attributed to David and may originate from his persecution by Saul or Absalom. However, its specific details transcend David's experience, pointing unmistakably to Christ's crucifixion. The psalm opens with "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (v. 1)—Jesus' cry from the cross (Matthew 27:46). It describes piercing of hands and feet (v. 16), gambling for garments (v. 18), and mockery (v. 7-8)—all fulfilled at Calvary.
The reference to Bashan's bulls would resonate with Israelite readers familiar with that region's reputation. Archaeological evidence confirms Bashan's agricultural richness. The metaphor of powerful bulls attacking was effective precisely because such animals were known to be dangerous when provoked—their strength and horns could gore and trample.
The early church recognized Psalm 22's Messianic nature, citing it extensively to demonstrate Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy. Church fathers like Augustine and Jerome wrote detailed commentaries showing how nearly every verse applies to Christ's passion. The psalm's structure—from intense suffering to triumphant praise—mirrors Christ's journey from cross to resurrection, making it a cornerstone of Christian understanding of redemptive suffering and ultimate vindication.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the 'bulls of Bashan' as Christ's enemies at the crucifixion deepen our understanding of His suffering?
- In what ways do believers experience being 'surrounded' by hostile forces, and how does Christ's example provide comfort and guidance?
- What does the specific fulfillment of this prophetic imagery teach us about the reliability and authority of Scripture?
- How should understanding Christ's complete isolation and suffering shape our response to the gospel?
- What encouragement can we draw from Psalm 22's movement from suffering to triumph when facing our own overwhelming circumstances?
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Analysis & Commentary
Many bulls have compassed me: strong bulls of Bashan have beset me round. This verse uses powerful animal imagery to describe David's enemies and, prophetically, the enemies surrounding Christ at the crucifixion. The Hebrew parim (פָּרִים, "bulls") depicts powerful, aggressive animals, while sabubuni (סְבָבוּנִי, "have compassed me") means to surround or encircle, suggesting being trapped with no escape.
"Strong bulls of Bashan" (abirey Bashan) carries particular significance. Bashan, located east of the Sea of Galilee, was renowned for its fertile pastures producing large, powerful cattle (Deuteronomy 32:14; Amos 4:1). These bulls symbolize enemies who are not merely numerous but formidable—well-fed, strong, aggressive leaders or powers arrayed against the sufferer. The imagery conveys being surrounded by overwhelming force.
Prophetically, this psalm (the "Psalm of the Cross") was fulfilled at Christ's crucifixion. The "bulls of Bashan" represent the hostile religious and political leaders who encircled Jesus—chief priests, scribes, Pharisees, Roman authorities. Like aggressive bulls, they surrounded Him with accusations, mockery, and condemnation (Matthew 26:57-68; 27:39-44). The encircling imagery anticipates Christ's complete isolation and the overwhelming nature of the forces arrayed against Him. Yet Psalm 22 moves from suffering to vindication, prophesying Christ's ultimate triumph.