Note, A child of God may meet the messengers of death, and receive its summons with a holy security and serenity of mind. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. If Providence do not bestow upon us thus plentifully for our natural life, it is our own fault if it be not made up to us in spiritual blessings. Sure enough, someone guessed pretty quickly that it would be Psalm 23. So he calls People need comfort and encouragement. His table was not spread with any thing that came next to hand, but prepared, and prepared before him. 20:28 ) If this is you, then please don't starve God's flock and please don't feed them rubbish. In New Zealand (where I live) all of our farms and fields seem to be 'green pastures' and the sheep tend to munch all day! i. Do this in remembrance of me. Paul affirms the importance of this table ministry when he says, For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:24, 26). 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Like the Greek word agape (love) in the New Testament, hesed (lovingkindness) involves actionkindness or love expressed through kind or loving actions rather than just feelings. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. Oh! There is something about people who truly know their God. He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. Countless experts also argued that David wrote it during the later years of his kingship because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. If we were without enemies, we might fear that we were not the friends of God, for the friendship of the world is enmity to GodThou preparest a table Nothing is hurried, there is no confusion, no disturbance, the enemy is at the door, and yet God prepares a table, and the Christian sits down and eats as if everything were in perfect peace. Published by Thomas Nelson, 2005. Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. He does not say there shall not be any evil; he had got beyond even that high assurance, and knew that Jesus had put all evil away; but I will fear no evil; not even the Evil One himself; I will not dread the last enemy, I will look upon him as a conquered foe, an enemy to be destroyed, For thou art with me. God was the one providing for him, God was the one anointing his head with oil (which was what gracious hosts did for their guests in Israel) so he knew that he would have more than enough! II. What great confidence! When people die, we think of them as having entered the valley of the shadow of death, but the same is true for their loved ones. ), The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, 5 vol. Anderson, A.A., The New Century Bible Commentary: Psalms 1-72 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), Broyles, Craig C., New International Biblical Commentary: Psalms (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999, Brueggemann, Walter, The Message of the Psalms A Theological Commentary (Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1984), Clifford, Richard J., Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), Craigie, Peter C., Word Biblical Commentary, Psalms 1-50, Vol. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. (Philip Keller). The good man has his enemies. [6] As a silly example, a few weeks back I got an email from a past work colleague that I hadn't heard from for some time. How confidently he counts upon the continuance of God's favours, v. 6. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. Jesus honored his disciples by inviting them to a table where he served them bread, saying, I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16). And there is ground enough for this confidence, [1.] Konto i listy Zwroty i zamwienia. You prepare a table before me: Without departing from the previous picture of the valley of the shadow of death, David envisioned the provision and goodness given by the LORD as a host, inviting David to a rich table prepared for him. ii. ii. Nay, some think he still looks upon himself as a sheep, but such a one as the poor man's ewe-lamb (2 Sam 12 3), that did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom; not only thus nobly, but thus tenderly, are the children of God looked after. For a shepherd, the healing purpose would be significant. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'. In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. Everything will be ok. Gods presence removed the fear in David and comforted him. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. Those that feed on God's goodness must follow his direction; he leads them by his providence, by his word, by his Spirit, disposes of their affairs for the best, according to his counsel, disposes their affections and actions according to his command, directs their eye, their way, and their heart, into his love. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. (1.) 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. and I will dwell in Yahwehs (Hebrew: YHWH) house forever (v. 6b). However, the sheep do not easily lie down. The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. But observe: Thou preparest a table, just as a servant does when she unfolds the damask cloth and displays the ornaments of the feast on an ordinary peaceful occasion. If God be as a shepherd to us, we must be as sheep, inoffensive, meek, and quiet, silent before the shearers, nay, and before the butcher too, useful and sociable; we must know the shepherd's voice, and follow him. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. There is some debate among commentators as to whether David had the idea of two separate instruments (the rod and the staff) or one instrument used two ways. Hence he infers that he should want no good (ver 1), that he needed to fear no evil (ver 4), that God would never leave nor forsake him in a way of mercy; and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God in a way of duty, ver 6. He is that interested in each of His sheep! Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. The Third Commandment says, You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name (Exodus 20:7). We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil. It is as sure as the promise of the God of truth can make it; and we know whom we have believed. When a soldier is in the presence of his enemies, if he eats at all he snatches a hasty meal, and away he hastens to the fight. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. This danger made light of, and triumphed over, upon good grounds. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You may be in a dark place but you must keep walking. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! (4.) It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. I. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4a). What Are the Psalms? God shines His light into our lives. Guidance -- for He leads me in the paths of righteousness. Death is a king of terrors, but not to the sheep of Christ; they tremble at it no more than sheep do that are appointed for the slaughter. I have called you by your name. You anoint my head with oil. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (Proverbs 10:3). Witamy, zaloguj si. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving WebPsalms 23 David reflected on Gods many blessings to him and concluded that God would continue to be faithful to him and grant him fellowship in the future. And when the days of this life are over, then we shall enter into that which we can only partly imagine, for, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'. [4] I read in a John Hunter book that as well as being able to say 'The Lord is my shepherd' we should be able to say 'The shepherd is my Lord.' 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; David wrote this while remembering his fearful experiences. The consolations of God, the joys of the Holy Ghost, are these still waters, by which the saints are led, streams which flow from the fountain of living waters and make glad the city of our God. WebThe Lord is my shepherd . Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He had known famine. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. But it is there that you learn that though you may not be able to see the shepherd as well as normal, He can see you and is still protecting you! May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. It works. [1], It is not only I do not want, but I shall not want. Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, I shall not want. Old age with its feebleness shall not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom shall not find me destitute. for his names sake (v. 3c). Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. (Jer 23:1-4, Ezek 34:1-10) Work to be a faithful shepherd realising that it is God's own sheep that He has placed in your care. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. It is expressed in this verse - Rom Webby John Calvin: Commentaries on Psalms by many authors : Commentaries on various Psalms: Read & listen to many hymns linked to specific Psalms: EasyEnglish Bible Commentary on Psalms: Explaining the Psalms to children & those new to English : Overview of Psalm 23 : Psalm 51 in-depth study : In-depth studies in the Book of Psalms Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. WebPastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. Sometimes those paths lead straight through the valley of the shadow of death. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. WebThe King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. (Kidner). Please read and believe! i. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? His presence shall comfort them: Thou art with me. Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding Not to raging waves of strife, but to peaceful streams of holy love does the Spirit of God conduct the chosen sheep. My - This is probably the best thing about this psalm it is so personal! For I am Yahweh your God, But Jesus is the good Shepherd. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. (2.) In New Zealand (where I live) all of our farms and fields seem to be As I said, it wasn't all easy and plain sailing being a sheep in Israel however. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. When explaining why he was restoring Israel, God said, I dont do this for your sake, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations, where you went. WebPastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. Samuel anointed him king, which was a certain pledge of further favor; but this is rather an instance of the plenty with which God had blessed him, or an allusion to the extraordinary entertainment of special friends, whose heads they anointed with oil, Luke 7 46. Our children were still quite young. He was afraid and worried to go back into bed on his own. After talking with him, I asked him to read Psalm 23. After he read it, he said, Dad, this is really helpful. Even when I walk in a dark valley God will be with me and protect me. So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. [3.] In this psalm, the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly are contrasted. He doesn't stop, and he doesn't give up hope. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Pray to him, then, for the blessingRestore thou me, thou Shepherd of my soul!, Some Christians overlook the blessing of sanctification, and yet to a thoroughly renewed heart this is one of the sweetest gifts of the covenant. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. The hosts care and concern doesnt eliminate the presence of my enemies but enables the experience of Gods goodness and bounty even in their midst. His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. Let not those fear starving that are at God's finding and have him for their feeder. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. He remembered what need they had of a shepherd, and what a kindness it was to them to have one that was skilful and faithful; he once ventured his life to rescue a lamb. How resolutely he determines to cleave to God and to his duty. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. But he would then carry that lamb while its leg mended and apparently, once healed, that lamb would never wander off from the shepherd again. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. ii. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. They counsel, Seek Yahweh while he may be found (55:6). The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. But we need to learn to lie down. Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. WebPsalm 23. The Hebrew word for staff (mishaynaw) seems to speak of a support in the sense of a walking stick. He is the source of life and a great provider. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' [2.] How marvellous it is that weak, fearful people can be given such confidence through a simple trust in the ability of their shepherd! WebJohn Fullerton MacArthur Jr. (born June 19, 1939) is an American Protestant pastor and author known for his internationally syndicated Christian teaching radio and television program Grace to You. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. The other thing to note on this point is that the entire psalm is only valid for those who truly have Jesus as their shepherd. It is the duty of Christians to encourage themselves in the Lord their God; and we are here directed to take that encouragement both from the relation wherein he stands to us and from the experience we have had of his goodness according to that relation. 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