22:12-13 The psalmist felt he was at the mercy of his enemies as a person is in the presence of a dangerous bull or lion. Cattle grew large and strong in Bashan, the territory east of the Sea of Chinnereth (Galilee; cf. Num. 32:1-5; Amos 4:1).
22:14-15 With many other graphic word pictures David described how distressed he felt because of the attacks of his enemies. As water poured out on the ground he could not gather himself to resist them. He felt pained and incapable of defending himself as when bones become dislocated. His spirit rather than remaining firm had melted away like hot wax. He felt as devoid of energy as a broken shard of pottery. He was in need of refreshment as a thirsty person craves water when his mouth is dry. He concluded that he was almost in the grave, almost dead, because the Lord had not helped him.
