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. You are mine. In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security. (Clarke). [13] Boy it used to annoy me how church leaders and other Christians would create such confusion concerning this! It's not somewhere that you set up camp thinking that is all you will ever know. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. So for now, let us follow our Lord where He would lead. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. You will have much more pressing concerns. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. The Whole Bible He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. Not many people receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more than one. Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd. It talks about humanity, our experiences, and even our emotions. A great promise indeed! Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Right paths lead to life rather than death (see Matthew 7:13-14). It has comforted the noble host of the poor. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Location. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. But he also knew something else. Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. Now this place of rest is, first and foremost spiritually speaking, right in the midst of the problem. 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. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. God is. To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. I will believe that thou reignest still. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? It has an inexpressibly delightful application to the dying; but it is for the living, too. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. My cup runs over. They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. [8] If you are someone that God has placed in a position of leadership or teaching then you should also remember that you are called shepherds and are called to feed the flock of God. There is something about people who truly know their God. and flame will not scorch you. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. They also enjoy the enthusiastic company of their fifteen grandchildren. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Report an Issue Sermon Correction/Question . Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. It works. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. ISBN 10: 0785250662 ISBN 13: . Forever. 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. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. The Gospels The Hebrew word rewayah suggests abundanceeven superabundance. It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. MON 10/20/2014. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. A number of our soldiers died there. Thankfully I didn't go far down that track but it can plant this little seed of fear in your mind if you let it. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. can be seen as comforting for it is a sign that He loves us scripture says (Heb 12:6). 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. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. One can rightly say that we face only the shadow of death because Jesus took the full reality of death in our place. 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahwehs house forever. Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. Prophets Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. 3 He restores my soul. I. Commentaries; Sermons. Pentateuch And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. The Saviours Cross. d. For You are with me: This emphasizes that it is the presence of the shepherd that eliminated the fear of evil for the sheep. Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary is now completethirty-three volumes that take you through the whole New Testament, detail by detail, verse by verse. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish ; no one can snatch them out of my hand. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! You are being chased (but don't fret - it's a good thing! The concept dates back to the Book of Genesis when Jacob referred to the LORD as the Shepherd and the Rock of Israel (Genesis 49:24). In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. Pauline Epistles And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. So here is a man who has had to depend upon His Shepherd and is finding Him faithful even in trying times. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Psalm 107. ), which the WEB has updated. David had extreme confidence in who God IS right now! (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Your partnership makes all we do possible. Johannine Writings The comforts of a living saint. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. The Gospels Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. And I used to always think 'Well! Ok, I'm being naughty. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. Do you have the confidence to say that the almighty God IS your Shepherd right now? Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! 'Do I need to be extra careful?' My - This is probably the best thing about this psalm it is so personal! The Gospels He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. Johannine Writings We must surrender our desires and follow where He leads no matter the cost. One where 'the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. God's Testimony to the Scriptures. Is it Messianic? The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible Abraham's Bosom, Paradise, and Heaven 1. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. He is the shepherd that provides and His people will lack no good thing. You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. (1.) The New Testament General Epistles They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. John MacArthur brings you a complete Bible commentary in one volume. In my experience I have never seen a visible manifestation of God going before me at a fork in the road. In this article, well be talking about the commentary of Psalm 23 and explore more about its meaning. David reflected on God's many blessings to him and concluded that God would continue to be faithful to him and grant him fellowship in the future. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. Psalm 23:6 And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. David found him so, and so have we. And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. 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. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. [12] Must admit that I have been dealing with a few trials lately and when I read this verse it kind of caught me by surprise! But do we believe it? Although God, by his benefits, gently allures us to himself, as it were by a taste of his fatherly sweetness, yet there is nothing into which we more easily fall than into a forgetfulness of him, when we are in the enjoyment of peace and comfort. [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.' Minor Prophets Jesus told the Samaritan woman, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water (John 4:10). He is a great shepherd. [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. Scripture: Psalm 23. Every Christian is a priest, but he cannot execute the priestly office without unction, and hence we must go day by day to God the Holy Ghost, that we may have our heads anointed with oil. 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. Poetical Books No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! No matter his present environment, David could look to the fact of Gods shepherd-like presence and know, You are with me and I will fear no evil.. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. The idea is of a sturdy walking stick, used to gently (as much as possible) guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. Verse 1. (Philip Keller). This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. Why the double standard of confusing messages? It is a Psalm of life, rest and peace. (Kidner). We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. He doesn't stop, and he doesn't give up hope. The epistle to the Hebrews is a study in contrast, between the imperfect and incomplete provisions of the Old Covenant, given under Moses, and the infinitely better provisions of the New Covenant offered by the perfect High-Priest, God's only Son and the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Historical Books The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. Founded in 1969, Grace to You is the nonprofit organization responsible for developing, producing, and distributing Johns books, audio resources, and the Grace to You radio and television programs. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banished the fear of evil. It becomes more personal in this valley! Minor Prophets Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. They would travel from oasis to oasis. Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'. The wonder of wonders is that through the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives we can actually go through these times without fear! They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. 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. David knew the uniqueness and intimacy of this metaphor. Sermon. It included the most highlighted passage in the Bible which turned out to be this passage: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 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. The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. What is characteristic of them? It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. Pentateuch 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. The sense of this verse then is that, because God is loving and kind, his people can expect God to provide blessings throughout life. 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. The Hebrew word for staff (mishaynaw) seems to speak of a support in the sense of a walking stick. Many people were praying for me. 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. Ouch. The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. The first time through the dark valley is always scary. The New Testament The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, God is the one who looks after our lives. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. 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. The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. I'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. How much would you have had in your cup? (Spurgeon), ii. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). 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. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. They are still waters, for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. You may be in a dark place but you must keep walking. So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. Nothing is outside of His control. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd.

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