We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. Now I want to break this first verse up into each little section so that we can get a better grasp as to what David was saying. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. a. That is some revelation! 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! [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? Current Bid: USD 450.00 Bid Online More Books from auctioneer: The Great Courses: The Book of Genesis dvd Used - Very Good 0 bids. The sucking child may play upon the hole of this asp; and the weaned child, that, through grace, is weaned from this world, may put his hand upon this cockatrice's den, bidding a holy defiance to death, as Paul, O death! Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the 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. Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Our children were still quite young. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. That was his role growing up. Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. By this therefore he illustrates God's care of his people; and to this our Saviour seems to refer when he says, I am the shepherd of the sheep; the good shepherd, John 10 11. Wow! 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. My cup runs over. MON 10/20/2014. But he also knew, through many highs and lows, throughout his life, that he too was but a sheep with a far greater Shepherd. Is - Can you say that? They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). 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. As I said, it wasn't all easy and plain sailing being a sheep in Israel however. What is also interesting, even before we get into the actual verses, is that this Psalm is part two of what we could call a Messianic trilogy. Whose soever sins ye remit. The enemy was strongly entrenched there, and was determined to stay. A servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the son abideth ever. While I am here I will be a child at home with my God; the whole world shall be his house to me; and when I ascend into the upper chamber, I shall not change my company, nor even change the house; I shall only go to dwell in the upper story of the house of the Lord forever. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. And it is in these times that it starts getting a lot more personal! It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. You can check these in your browser security settings. In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in Gods goodness in the present and in the future. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. [2.] ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. One of the Psalms quoted in all four Gospels is Psalm 118:26(a), which says, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! (Matthew 21:9; 23:39; Mark 11:9; Luke 13:35; John 12:13). He is that interested in each of His sheep! 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. Published by Thomas Nelson, 2005. No creature will lose itself sooner than a sheep, so apt is it to go astray, and then so unapt to find the way back. (Whew!) So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. 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). It would stick right by the Shepherd's side! The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! But if it is an honor to be invited to the Presidents home, it is an infinitely greater honor to be invited to the Lords house. It becomes more personal in this valley! The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. David knew all about this. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. While I am here I will be a child at home with my God; the whole world shall be his house to me; and when I ascend into the upper chamber I shall not change my company, nor even change the house; I shall only go to dwell in the upper story of the house of the Lord for ever. (Spurgeon), (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. I will believe that thou reignest still. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. And I used to always think 'Well! How would you describe sheep? He is their shepherd, and they may call him so. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. He that is the shepherd of Israel, of the whole church in general (Ps 80 1), is the shepherd of every particular believer; the meanest is not below his cognizance, Isa 40 11. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. He is a great shepherd. 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. So I wrote back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well. Can you say that about your life? WebIs an okay to good Bible commentary but sometimes John MacArthur explains some things which seems to be that he has never studied the topic of the verse and The divine guidance they are under is stripped of its metaphor (v. 3): He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness, in the way of my duty; in that he instructs me by his word and directs me by conscience and providence. He had the honour of being King over all Israel, yet seen the lows of having his own son, Absalom, rise up against him and take the throne. Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. He has been the pastor of Grace Community Church, a non-denominational church in Sun Valley, California since February 9, 1969. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. 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. I will fear no evil, for you are with me (v. 4b). He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd, ver 2, 3, 5. ), which the WEB has updated. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. Here are three points: 1. i. That he had food convenient, a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his hunger, drink for his thirst. ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! Oh! It may portray the straying sheep brought back. Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). You will have much more pressing concerns. All rights reserved. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. 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. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. But he also knew something else. This unspeakably delightful verse has been sung on many a dying bed, and has helped to make the dark valley bright times out of mind. II. [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. You can also change some of your preferences. to it. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. This is a fact as indisputable as it is encouraging, and therefore a heavenly verily, or surely is set as a seal upon it. There you have it. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. 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! [4]. Notice the following -. The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. There was no fear involved. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! Its authors are (Philip Keller). How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? All the days of my life; His word and Spirit shall comfort themhis rod and staff, alluding to the shepherd's crook, or the rod under which the sheep passed when they were counted (Lev 27 32), or the staff with which the shepherds drove away the dogs that would scatter or worry the sheep. Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. In the Old Testament world, to eat and drink at someones table created a bond of mutual loyalty, and could be the culminated token of a covenant. This immediately gives to us the indication that this is one of those Messianic psalms. His focus is upon the effects of the Fall in the undoing of creation and the manner in which God rids His creation of Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. (Kidner), ii. We have to learn to sit back and thank Him once again. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. Uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons can soon restore our soul these that. Sun valley, California since February 9, 1969 with his oil, guards. Of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth.! Shepherd because of his youth as a shepherd to his people is also prevalent throughout Bible! Destitution, famine, storms, and they may call him so said I had done a thorough and! That through all things, Jesus is a shepherd to his people is also prevalent the... 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