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Day 170

Psalm 22:16a "For dogs have surrounded Me"

Day 170 – Psalm 22

“For dogs have surrounded Me” Psalm 22:16a

DESCRIPTIVE REFERENCES TO ENEMIES

The author David chose very descriptive phrases to describe his enemies.

1. Bulls Psalm 22:12

2. Lion Psalm 22:13

The author added one more descriptive word in this text.

“For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet.”
Psalm 22:16

3. Dogs

a) This is a reference to scavenging dogs in the street (differentiated from household pets).
b) Street dogs travel in packs (though they may come from very different backgrounds)

POINT OF THESE DESCRIPTIVE PHRASES

These descriptive phrases help us to understand the enemies that had ranged themselves against David!

1. Strength of enemies (Bulls)

2. Cruelty of enemies (Lion)

3. Viciousness of enemies (Dogs)

MESSIANIC REFERENCE

We stand amazed at the Messianic reference in the above text.

1. “The congregation of the wicked”

a) Bear in mind the reference to “dogs”.
b) Think of the “congregation of the wicked” (Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians etc).

2. “They pierced My hands and My feet”

a) This is a reference to the crucifixion of Jesus.
b) This remarkable because this form of execution was not even invented yet!