This also shows us our need of giving Him His rightful place as Lord over our life. Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. Davids song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. 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. When the psalmist says that God has anointed his head with oil, he means that God has marked him as specialhas set him apart for a significant role. 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. He had said (v. 1), I shall not want; but now he speaks more positively, more comprehensively: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. and Kahane, Ahuvia, The Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 1998), Fohrer, Georg, Hebrew & Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament (SCM Press, 2012), Freedman, David Noel (ed. the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3). God refuses to let the godly go hungry. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. [1.] WebThe MacArthur New Testament Commentary is now completethirty-three volumes that take you through the whole New Testament, detail by detail, verse by verse. It records, as has been said, "the triumph of a warrior's faith." He is utterly trustworthy. ), which the WEB has updated. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. We may request cookies to be set on your device. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. You can check these in your browser security settings. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. From three very comfortable premises David, in this psalm, draws three very comfortable conclusions, and teaches us to do so too. This immediately gives to us the indication that this is one of those Messianic psalms. (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. I. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. God's ordinances are the green pastures in which food is provided for all believers; the word of life is the nourishment of the new man. Though the majority of the occurrences of hesed are translated steadfast love, there are undeniable elements of mercy and kindness that underlie each of these occurrences (Renn, 633-634). There you have it. In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. WebThe Lord is my shepherd . (Whew!) Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. Published by Thomas Nelson, 2005. 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. Here is a prospect of the perfection of bliss in the future state. Imminent danger supposed: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself," or rather, "though I am under the arrests of death, have received the sentence of death within myself, and have all the reason in the world to look upon myself as a dying man, yet I am easy." Like the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, David might say that all of life is lived under the shadow of death, and it is the conscious presence of the LORD as shepherd that makes it bearable. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. 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. He talks about going through it, showing that he expects to emerge from its shadows into the light on the other side. As someone who worked as a shepherd before, David knew that shepherds live with their flock and are everything to it: guide, protector, and source of provision. Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us. The shepherd of Israel guides Joseph like a flock; and every believer is under the same guidance: He leadeth me beside the still waters. His presence shall comfort them: Thou art with me. Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. (3.) '. ), Mounces Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), Renn, Stephen D., Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 2005), Richards, Lawrence O., Encyclopedia of Bible Words (Zondervan, 1985, 1991), Sakenfeld, Katharine Doob (ed. It is as sure as the promise of the God of truth can make it; and we know whom we have believed. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. i. It is the valley of the shadow, deep indeed, and dark, and dirty; but the valleys are fruitful, and so is death itself fruitful of comforts to God's people. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! To eat at the Kings table in the presence of your enemies would show your enemies that the king holds you in high regard, and would demonstrate their powerlessness to hurt you. A number of our soldiers died there. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. You can also change some of your preferences. Maybe this verse should have read 'though I close my eyes and sprint through the valley of the shadow of death' This verse speaks to us of the trying times in our lives where there is darkness, confusion and fear. You anoint my head with oil. How confidently he counts upon the continuance of God's favours, v. 6. He leads me - Jesus our Shepherd is in the business of leading and bringing you to a place of rest. All this, and heaven too! In New Zealand (where I live) all of our farms and fields seem to be David had extreme confidence in who God IS right now! But he also knew something else. They are well guided, well led. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. That he was not stinted, was not straitened, but had abundance: "My cup runs over, enough for myself and my friends too." In these paths we cannot walk unless God both lead us into them and lead us in them. [3.] (4.) The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. But there is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. 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. Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him His present care and provision for His people The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. When we get tired we take a rest. As the shepherd led the sheep from oasis to oasis, this sometimes meant passing through narrow valleys that had steep cliff faces on each side. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, Job 24:17; Psalm The book of Psalms is the most quoted book in the New Testament, and Jesus would refer a lot to the Book of Psalms even in His claims and teachings. [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. The LORD is But, even in the supposition of the distress, there are four words which lessen the terror:It is death indeed that is before us; but, [1.] He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. This psalm is so personal, with the pronoun I or My, being used commonly. Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, Psalm 2 Bible Study The Current Rebellion & The Coming King, Psalm 8 Bible Study The wonder of God and the second man, Psalm 16 Part 1: Testing's in the journey through life and death, Psalm 16 Part 2 - Hope in the journey through life and death, Psalm 22 Part 1 - Prophecy of the crucifixion and the wrath of man. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. Its interesting to note how David used the word shepherd in this psalm instead of a more distant term like a king or a deliverer. He is the source of life and a great provider. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, says the Lord Yahweh, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes (Ezekiel 36:22-23). What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. It may portray the straying sheep brought back. (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). Other than the president and family, only a handful of people have been invited to make the White House their homeand then only for a few years. 'Do I need to be extra careful?' It has comforted the noble host of the poor. So for now, let us follow our Lord where He would lead. The gospel is called the rod of Christ's strength (Ps 110 2), and there is enough in that to comfort the saints when they come to die, and underneath them are the everlasting arms. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. It will go singing to your children and my children, and to their children, through all the generations of time; nor will it fold its wings till the last pilgrim is safe, and time ended; and then it shall fly back to the bosom of God, whence it issued, and sound on, mingled with all those sounds of celestial joy which make heaven musical for ever. b. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. i. To walk indicates the steady advance of a soul which knows its road, knows its end, resolves to follow the path, feels quite safe, and is therefore perfectly calm and composed Observe that it is not walking in the valley, but through the valley. 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. (Spurgeon). With joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). WebGod used both the educational system of Egypt and his exile in Midian to prepare Moses to represent his people before a powerful pharaoh and to guide his people through the wilderness of the Sinai peninsula during his final 40 years ( Acts 7:36 ). Historically, the psalms range in time from the origin of life to the Sproul shared how the Lord used Psalm 23 to bring him daily comfort as he dealt with various health challenges. 3. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). Here are three points: 1. In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. 1. The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. 45 ratings The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. I have called you by your name. Gods presence removed the fear in David and comforted him. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Thank God for such times! So I wrote back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well. He is their shepherd, and they may call him so. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. (Proverbs 10:3). 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. Many a time we should have fainted unless we had believed; and it was the good shepherd that kept us from fainting. for his names sake (v. 3c). He had not only enough, a cup full, but more than enough, a cup which overflowed. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. They counsel, Seek Yahweh while he may be found (55:6). ii. All the days of my life; [9] As Jesus Himself said, 'You are the light of the world. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. c. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over: Despite the dangers about and the presence of enemies, David enjoyed the richness of his hosts goodness. I started off by saying that I wanted to have a look at what is probably the most popular chapter in the entire Old Testament. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. Significantly, it is at the dangerous moment pictured in the psalm that the He of Psalm 23:1-3 changes to You. The LORD as Shepherd is now in the second person. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. God (through the prophet Jeremiah) said, For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and cut them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13). Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. See here the courage of a dying saint (v. 4): "Having had such experience of God's goodness to me all my days, in six troubles and in seven, I will never distrust him, no, not in the last extremity; the rather because all he has done for me hitherto was not for any merit or desert of mine, but purely for his name's sake, in pursuance of his word, in performance of his promise, and for the glory of his own attributes and relations to his people. 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 anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. That symmetric bracketing was a literary device intended to focus attention on the middle phrase, for you are with me. Gods saving presence is the focal point of this psalm. 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. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters., God as a shepherd knows where to lead His flock to rest. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. WebThe MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. 2. Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. Proud member 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. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. Are we blessed with the green pastures of the ordinances? Not was, like He helped you in the past. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. In this psalm, the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly are contrasted. His focus is upon the effects of the Fall in the undoing of creation and the manner in which God rids His creation of Psalm 40 - The Pit and the Pierced Ear in the Paths of God, Psalm 41: The pattern of betrayal - Past, present and future (P1), Psalm 55: The pattern of betrayal: Past, present and future (P2), Psalm 69 - The restoration and the zeal of the Lord, Psalm 102 - Change and the Unchangeable One, Psalm 110: Jesus the Messiah - Our Lord and King, Psalm 110: Jesus our priest in the order of Melchizedek. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. They will lead us to places of rest and provision. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. This is the joy of the Christian! No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! WebVerses 1-7. Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. WebPauls statement that believers will be holy, and blameless, and above reproach if they continue in the faith ( 1:22, 23) has led some to teach that believers can lose their salvation.
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