Psa 22:12-18 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Ps 22:12-18: 22:12-18 The psalmist returns to expressing his anguish and suffering (see 22:1-2 , 6-8 ). His trouble comes from human beings who act like beasts. 22:12 Bashan , a region known for its herds and vegetation, produced strong bulls (68:30 ).

Summary for Ps 22:12-18: 22:12-18 ^a The psalmist returns to expressing his anguish and suffering (see 22:1-2 ^b, 6-8 ^c). His trouble comes from human beings who act like beasts. 22:12 ^d Bashan, a region known for its herds and vegetation, produced strong bulls (68:30 ^e).
22:14 ^f The psalmist’s sense of being poured out like water expresses a meaningless, transitory existence that leaves him depleted.
22:15 ^g Facing adversity is as horrible as dying of thirst (see 137:6 ^h).

• Jesus may have had this verse in mind when he said, “I am thirsty” (John 19:28 ⁱ).
22:16 ^j The wild pack of dogs represents fierce and unscrupulous people.
Summary for Ps 22:17-18: 22:17-18 ^k I can count all my bones: The psalmist’s enemies have utterly shamed him by taking his garments. Jesus also suffered this disgrace (see Matt 27:35 ^l).

• stare at me and gloat: Enemies make the psalmist the object of their scorn (see Pss 35:24 ^m, 26 ⁿ; 38:16 ^o; 55:3 ^p; cp. 59:10 ^q).

• throw dice: Literally cast lots. The casting of lots was sometimes a way for godly people to find God’s direction (Lev 16:8 ^r; Num 27:21 ^s; Acts 1:24-26 ^t). Here, the lots are thrown simply as a game of chance. The soldiers threw dice for Jesus’ clothing after the crucifixion (Matt 27:35 ^u; Mark 15:24 ^v; Luke 23:34 ^w; John 19:24 ^x).