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. And he awaits the day when the great shepherd will become the chief Shepherd and shall come in the skies. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. 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. Pastor John MacArthur. The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year. They probably are anxious about different things. God as our shepherd not only leads but restores as well. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. Lord's Day Services. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. 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). Psalm 22 Part 2 - It is finished, He has done it! In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. But, what makes it so compelling? 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. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. They would travel from oasis to oasis. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). Lets look at the meaning and significance of each verse written in Psalm 23. 'You are with me' the Psalmist says and that is all that he needs to know. Wisdom Literature You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 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. You are mine. He rammed it home so much that come lunch time we were saying 'I WILL eat my lunch', 'I will EAT my lunch.' SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. The book of Psalms is so unique because it focuses on the character of God. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. 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. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. She is a lady that is unfortunately into the New Age and has spirit guides etc She doesn't agree with what I believe nor do I agree with her beliefs. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! Some of the most obvious are: 1) the wisdom type with instructions for right living; 2) lamentation patterns which deal with the pangs of life (usually arising from enemies without); 3) penitential psalms (mostly dealing with the "enemy" within, i.e., sin); 4) kingship emphases (universal or mediatorial; theocratic and/or messianic rule); and 5) 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. David knew the uniqueness and intimacy of this metaphor. So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. c. I will fear no evil: Despite every dark association with the idea of the valley of the shadow of death, David could resolutely say this because he was under the care of the LORD his shepherd. May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. 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. The anointing of oil to the sheep isnt just a meaningless ritual. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. 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. I have called you by your name. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . But the shepherds here use dogs and fences to drive and control the sheep. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. Everyone loves this Psalm. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. Many people succumb to their hopelessness and fear. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. (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. Pentateuch I will fear no evil. Behold just such a one! We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Wow! God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. One where 'the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. Psalm 23 commentary is a holy piece of work that exudes different kinds of emotions. The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. Title: The MacArthur Bible Commentary By: John MacArthur Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 2040 Vendor: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: 2005 Dimensions: 9.75 X 6.75 X 2.75 (inches) Weight: 3 pounds 11 ounces ISBN: 0785250662 ISBN-13: 9780785250661 Stock No: WW250662 Related Products The Jesus You Can't Ignore: Study $7.49 $9.99 Save 25% These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck Goodness and mercy follow him alwaysall the days of his life the black days as well as the bright days, the days of fasting as well as the days of feasting, the dreary days of winter as well as the bright days of summer. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. Death is not the house but the porch, not the goal but the passage to it Many a saint has reaped more joy and knowledge when he came to die than he ever knew while he lived. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. Now mine was a recent silly example. God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. Psalms 23. It has an inexpressibly delightful application to the dying; but it is for the living, too. Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. ), The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, 5 vol. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. This verse doesn't mean that there will not be times of drought, valleys, difficulties and need--- far from it God loves you too much to just make things always easy! Poetical Books Wisdom Literature He is utterly trustworthy. ), The Complete WordStudy Old Testament (Chattanooga; AMG Publishers, 1994), Baker, Warren and Carpenter, Eugene, The Complete WordStudy Dictionary: Old Testament (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2003), Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, 4 vols. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. 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. But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? Arno C Gaebelin said (with some small modifications): A good way to read this Psalm is by asking the question, 'What shall I not want?' He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. Play. Historical Books Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! 3,580+ | 2 min. Poetical Books The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. Believe with the same confidence David had. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). Excellent for: personal and family devotions pastoral study preparing Sunday-school lessons using with a small group simply readingeach volume draws you in Learn More | Livestream | Bulletin Servicios en espaol. This is the joy of the Christian! 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! That is what God desires to work into your life. Pastor John MacArthur. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. 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. Sometimes it goes through the dark valley as the next verse indicates. He leads me - Jesus our Shepherd is in the business of leading and bringing you to a place of rest. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). It may portray the straying sheep brought back. What would you say of a pilgrim commissioned of God to travel up and down the earth singing a strange melody, which, when one heard, caused him to forget whatever sorrow he had? And I will dwell in the house of the LORD 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. Prophets Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. We must surrender our desires and follow where He leads no matter the cost. 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. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. Thank you for registering. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters. Hundreds of additional study tools complement the commentary, such as. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. 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. Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. (Kidner), ii. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. Forever. God is. (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. With joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). Anointing with oil was used for various purposes (healing, burial, expressing grief or joy). To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. You are not your own but were bought with a price! He talks about going through it, showing that he expects to emerge from its shadows into the light on the other side. I'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. (Whew!) The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. Jesus honors us by inviting us to his table, saying, This is my body that is for you. The Hebrew word tob has a variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or plentiful. Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. But there is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come. He is. Follow John MacArthur: Contact Information: Phone: 800-55-GRACE Fax: 661-295-5871 Email: [email protected] . If we could be saved from wrath, and yet remain unregenerate, impenitent sinners, we should not be saved as we desire, for we mainly and chiefly pant to be saved from sin and led in the way of holiness.[4]. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. The anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. And, then, it is not the valley of death, but the valley of the shadow of death, for death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. 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. and flame will not scorch you. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. God shines His light into our lives. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. Basically fear tactics. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. iii. 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! [10]. Nov. 10, 2012. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. On other days, she was on the other side. [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. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. (Spurgeon), iii. They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. In extreme cases where a lamb continually wandered off and wouldn't stick with the pack (causing the Shepherd to repeatedly have to go and bring the lamb back) the Shepherd would sometimes break the lamb's leg! (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. 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. ii. 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. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the author's heart and trust in God. 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. So I wrote back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well. for his names sake (v. 3c). 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. We may request cookies to be set on your device. Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' My cup runs over. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner, and broken his chains, and, like Peter's angel, led him forth in imagination, and sung him back to his home again. He doesn't stop, and he doesn't give up hope. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? That was all it said. In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. Topical Series; DVD Series; Bible Series; Flash Drives; Bundles . 14a (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1973), Limburg, James, Westminster Bible Companion: Psalms (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000, Mays, James Luther, Interpretation: Psalms (Louisville: John Knox, 1994), McCann, J. Clinton, Jr., The New Interpreters Bible: The Book of Psalms, Vol. The Old Testament Scripture: Psalm 23. The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! '. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness.

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