Throughout the Old Testament, there are many animal sacrifices which typify the Lord Jesus Christ. The lamb, the ox, the ram, the goat, and the turtledove, all were slain on the altar for sacrifice. But in this psalm, Christ is compared to the deer of the dawn. A deer is a beautiful and graceful animal, here a deer of the morning, hinting at resurrection.

In this psalm there are at least five enemies of our Lord:

—We read of the strong bulls of Bashan (v. 12). In Amos 4:1 the leaders are compared to the cattle of Bashan. These are ceremonially clean bulls, which were the highest offering one could offer. This would not only speak of His own people, the Jews, but specifically their leaders. At the cross, the people stood looking on while the leaders sneered at the Lord Jesus hanging there (Lk. 23:35).

—We also read of the wild oxen (v. 21), with their razor-like horns. This might speak of the brutality of what was done to our Savior; and how wonderful to read in the very next statement, “You have answered Me,” reminding us that our Lord was saved out of death (Heb. 5:7).

—In verse 16 we read of the dogs that surrounded Him, the congregation of the wicked surrounding Him. This may speak of the Roman soldiers.

—In verse 20 the singular dog may refer to Pilate: “Deliver Me from the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog.”

—The roaring lion in verse 13, no doubt, refers to Satan, who is spoken of as a roaring lion (1 Pet. 5:8).

Our blessed Lord faced all this and was victorious! May we ponder in wonder as we give thanks for Him who is the sin offering!