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. He talks about going through it, showing that he expects to emerge from its shadows into the light on the other side. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. (Spurgeon), iii. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Now mine was a recent silly example. David claimed that the same God who faithfully rescued the Israelites from Egypt and provided guidance and provision in the wilderness is the same faithful God he served. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc. [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. It's not for the goats. The idea is of a sturdy walking stick, used to gently (as much as possible) guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators.
Psalm 23 Commentary - Sermon Writer David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. 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. Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. Companionship -- for you are with me. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the author's heart and trust in God. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. April 17, 2011. He is that interested in each of His sheep! The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. He had known feast. 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! In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .'
The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John F. MacArthur - Google Play Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. His Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, to cherish. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. The Shepherd's staff: The staff was used by the Shepherd to direct the sheep in the way in which they should go, and, in the case of a wandering nosey sheep, to pull it back into line [11] . The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. 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. People need comfort and encouragement. See here, 1. . Included in the "better" provisions are: a better hope . 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. Davids song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. Title The entire collection of Psalms is entitled "Praises" in the Hebrew text. In this article, well be talking about the commentary of Psalm 23 and explore more about its meaning. i. a. (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about!
But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, president of The Masters University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! He leads me beside still waters. Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. He is a popular conference speaker and the president of both The Master's College and The Master's Seminary. Solid Joys. He is. In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. Psalm 19.
Bible Text Commentaries by John MacArthur - Blue Letter Bible You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. a. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. There was no fear involved. 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). John is also president and featured teacher with Grace to You. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. iii. 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. The good man has his enemies. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. The book of Psalms is so unique because it focuses on the character of God. This is seen in the following table: [2]. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. It may portray the straying sheep brought back. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! The Old Testament Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. Not was, like He helped you in the past. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish ; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 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. 3 He restores my soul. (1.) Now David wasn't saying here that 'the Lord is my Shepherd, whom I do not want'! This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. 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.
Commentary on Psalm 23 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary 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% In Psalm 23, however, the psalmist declares that the Sovereign of the universe, the Creator of all things, can be described using "my," that the Lord attends to me in a personal way. And he awaits the day when the great shepherd will become the chief Shepherd and shall come in the skies. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. The anointing of oil to the sheep isnt just a meaningless ritual. 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. Not to raging waves of strife, but to peaceful streams of holy love does the Spirit of God conduct the chosen sheep. Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. 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. General Epistles Not many people receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more than one. It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. Pentateuch We have to learn to sit back and thank Him once again. Is - Can you say that? 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! type 23-6 in the address bar in place of 1-1 so that . Minor Prophets We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. In fact, he thought quite highly of it, as is evident by this especially generous compliment: Of this delightful song it may be affirmed that its piety and its poetry are equal, its sweetness and its spirituality are unsurpassed. Spurgeon once referred to Psalm 23 as the Pearl of the Psalms in his monthly magazine, The Sword and the Trowel. It works. Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? 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 there was such a thing as animal school, they would be dropouts. 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). Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. Luke-Acts My - This is probably the best thing about this psalm it is so personal! 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLordforever. It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. Davids guidance from God has a moral component. There are stacks of deceptive shepherds around just as there always were.
Psalms 23 - Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - StudyLight.org Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. It becomes more personal in this valley! 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.
Bible Commentary by John Macarthur - AbeBooks In Psalm 22 He gives His life for the sheep; in Psalm 23 He gives His love to the sheep; in Psalm 24 He gives us light when He shall appear. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? A number of our soldiers died there. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. The light shines the brightest in the dark. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). Everyone loves this Psalm. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. 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. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. The emphasis of his pulpit ministry is the careful study and verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible, with special attention devoted to the historical and grammatical background behind each passage. But how does God do this? The Gospels The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. The New Testament Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. The enemy was strongly entrenched there, and was determined to stay. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep.
Psalm 23 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible 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 little child out at sea in the storm is not frightened like all the other passengers on board the vessel, it sleeps in its mothers bosom; it is enough for it that its mother is with it; and it should be enough for the believer to know that Christ is with him Thy rod and thy staff, by which you govern and rule your flock, the ensigns of your sovereignty and of your gracious carethey comfort me. i. 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. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. The first time through the dark valley is always scary. 1939) is a Calvinist theologian, author, editor, and teacher. You are not your own but were bought with a price! GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Then from the pulpit you would hear the same person say that if you didn't do this, this, and this you could lose your salvation or the Holy Spirit would leave you etc. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. 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. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. [6]. 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). King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. You are being chased (but don't fret - it's a good thing! They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. i. Pastor John MacArthur. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. Can you say that about your life? One can rightly say that we face only the shadow of death because Jesus took the full reality of death in our place. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Prophets If there is a ditch, they will fall in and need to be rescued. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. (Kidner), ii. Believe with the same confidence David had. To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. and flame will not scorch you. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. iv. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. This feeding is symbolic of being fed spiritually with the word of God. What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. John and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four married children: Matt, Marcy, Mark, and Melinda. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. 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. We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. Wow! Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. If there is a wire fence, they'll get caught in it. [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. [13] Boy it used to annoy me how church leaders and other Christians would create such confusion concerning this! Pastor John MacArthur. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'.
Psalm 23 Commentary: The Lord Is My Shepherd Explained "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. If you are truly one of His sheep (evidenced by hearing his voice and following His ways) then this verse is your verse as well! It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. He is in control. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. 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) A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. My cup runs over. ii. And then the same thing will happen tomorrow. General Epistles Sometimes those paths lead straight through the valley of the shadow of death. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. It's not somewhere that you set up camp thinking that is all you will ever know. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. 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. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. Historical Books range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances!
John MacArthur Bible Commentaries | Review - YouTube Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd?
Psalm 23 | Anchored | Grace Community Church - gracechurch.org
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