As a man of faith, I often turn to the Psalms for comfort, wisdom, and enlightenment. Today, I find myself reflecting on Psalm 22:12, wherein David, in his moment of distress, laments, “Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.” This vivid depiction of being closely wrapped by enraged bulls, purposed on harm, is a daunting thought indeed.
Allow me to shed some light on the historical context of this passage. Bashan was a region attained victoriously by Israel, after defeating King Og in their conquest of Canaan (Deuteronomy 3:3–4). This territory held great wealth, encompassing around sixty affluent cities (Joshua 13:30), some fortified by bronze walls (1 Kings 4:13). Renowned for its awe-inspiring giants (like Og) and stalwart oaks (Isaiah 2:13), Bashan was a symbol of strength, prosperity, and abundance.
Bashan was also recognized for their superior-quality cattle and sheep. Moses narrates how God blessed Jacob (the people of Israel) with the richness of curds from cows, milk from sheep, fat from lambs, and rams of the notable breed of Bashan (Deuteronomy 32:14). Despite the adoption of the land of Bashan by Israel due to God’s benevolence (Psalm 136:17–22), the people misused this wealth, abandoned their God (Deuteronomy 32:15–16), and even oppressed the poor and needy (Amos 4:1), which inevitably led to divine judgement.
David, trapped within a dire circumstance, earnestly calls upon God to stand by his side, as he felt alone amidst his trials (Psalm 22:11). He portrays his struggles as being encompassed by numerous bulls- specifically, the formidable bulls of Bashan (Psalm 22:12). Despite the intimidating circumstances, David persevered, confident of God’s salvation from such threats (Psalm 22:19–20) and vowed to praise God (Psalm 22:22–24). Despite the strength of his adversaries, David found solace knowing that God’s supremacy was unwavering. David’s psalms beautifully demonstrate trust in God’s fidelity.
Reflecting upon the theological implications of Psalm 22, it is considered a messianic psalm. The trials that David navigated prefigured the adversities confronted by Jesus, which culminated in His crucifixion. Jesus too utters words resonating with David’s cries of being abandoned by God (Mark 15:34; cf. Psalm 22:1). Despite seeming bleak, God did not forsake Jesus, and as David was rescued from death, Jesus was risen from the grave.
At the crucifixion, the mighty bulls of Bashan seemed to have surrounded and defeated Jesus, but it was Jesus who emerged victorious, rising from the grave. As David proclaimed, he had never seen the righteous forsaken (Psalm 37:25). God delivers those who trust in Him, even when confronted with seemingly insurmountable challenges. We may feel surrounded by daunting bulls of Bashan, yet let us not forget that we have the greatest Bullfighter by our side, God.
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