Psalm 22's 'dogs' and 'bulls of Bashan' are metaphors for human enemies, not literal animals

Mike explains that Psalm 22 uses picturesque animal metaphors common in Hebrew poetry and ancient literature. 'Dogs have surrounded me' refers to unclean, lowly people. 'Bulls of Bashan' refers to powerful, authoritarian figures. These are clearly people, not animals. Applied to Jesus: the 'dogs' are the rabble — the crowd demanding his crucifixion — and the 'bulls of Bashan' are the powerful authorities: Pilate, the Roman troops, the Sanhedrin, the High Priest. Psalm 22:16 clarifies: 'dogs have encircled me, a band of evildoers.'