It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. Johannine Writings "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). Hundreds of additional study tools complement the commentary, such as. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. If there is a ditch, they will fall in and need to be rescued. This psalm is so personal, with the pronoun I or My, being used commonly. 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. Entdecke The Macarthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur (2005, Hardcover) in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. 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. 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 other thing to note on this point is that the entire psalm is only valid for those who truly have Jesus as their shepherd. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. Thank you for registering. It is for His name's sake and His glory that this is done! for his names sake (v. 3c). Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). When I asked the oncologist how serious it was, he said, Stage threemaybe Stage three and a half. My chances of survival were less than 50-50. John is also president and featured teacher with Grace to You. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? 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! Shepherd - This imagery of the shepherd and sheep spans the entire Bible but is most prominent in the New Testament where Jesus speaks about His relationship with His people, His sheep. [10]. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. Not to raging waves of strife, but to peaceful streams of holy love does the Spirit of God conduct the chosen sheep. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). 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. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. He leads me beside still waters. The Hebrew word tob has a variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or plentiful. The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:3, 12-13; 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39). range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. 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). But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. 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. b) John MacArthur; MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Ephesians 5:18 - "Be filled" translates the present passive imperative of "pleroo", and is more literally rendered as "be being kept filled." We are "indwelt" by the Holy Spirit at the moment of justification (professing our faith in Christ). It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. Psalms 25:4-5 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. Basically fear tactics. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. He is in control. In Psalm 22 Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. Companionship -- for you are with me. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. The idea is of a sturdy walking stick, used to gently (as much as possible) guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Poetical Books John MacArthur: The Lord Is My Salvation 92,638 views Jun 16, 2017 1.3K Dislike Share Save Ligonier Ministries 448K subscribers "The Lord is my light and my salvation" (Ps. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). 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). He had known famine. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. 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. Minor Prophets Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! With family of say, a mother, a father, 3 or four children, and only one in the family working and bringing in 3 dollars (a day), it would takes ages before one can afford to buy anything extra, even clothes or even a blanket. It becomes more personal in this valley! a. But do we believe it? Joy -- You anoint my head with oil and my cup runs over. Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. 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. 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. In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? Wisdom Literature [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 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] . Email / username or password was incorrect! Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. But the shepherds here use dogs and fences to drive and control the sheep. 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. He is the shepherd that provides and His people will lack no good thing. You are being chased (but don't fret - it's a good thing! They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. And when the days of this life are over, then we shall enter into that which we can only partly imagine, for, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. Amazon, in the last couple of weeks (Nov 2014) released the most highlighted passages in their most popular books downloaded onto Kindle, their electronic book reader. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. Nor have I ever heard an audible voice that was clearly God's telling me which decisions to make. i. Pauline Epistles Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). 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. - Henry Ward Beecher, [2] J Vernon McGee writes 'to put it succinctly, in Psalm 22 we see the cross, in Psalm 23 the crook (the Shepherd's crook), and in Psalm 24 the crown (the King's crown). The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. Sometimes it goes through the dark valley as the next verse indicates. i. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. 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. It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. Wisdom Literature It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. Nothing is outside of His control. Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher. Cookie Notice: For other references to the shadow of death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and Job 10:21-22. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. 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. It is getting harder to live on this planet - from a health point of view, from a financial point of view, from a spiritual and moral point of view, from a fear and anxiety point of view - there is much that a person could be concerned about. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. Lord's Day Services. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. They know that it will be ok. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' He got us to say the sentence emphasizing each word. Maclaren writes: The rod and the staff seem to be two names for one instrument, which was used both to beat off predatory animals and to direct the sheep.. Do you have the confidence to say that the almighty God IS your Shepherd right now? The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. Was it where you thought you would go? Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Psalm 23 commentary is a holy piece of work that exudes different kinds of emotions. Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. Historical Books Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Note the pronoun change in this verse. Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." . If things are tough, remember this verse. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Psalm 23:3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. The good man has his enemies. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the author's heart and trust in God. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: The hosts care brought the goodness and mercy of God to David, and he lived in the faithful expectation of it continuing all the days of his life. 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' It makes sense. The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. 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. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. He served them bread, saying, Take, eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28). The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. But he would then carry that lamb while its leg mended and apparently, once healed, that lamb would never wander off from the shepherd again. 'Do I need to be extra careful?' The Hebrew word rewayah suggests abundanceeven superabundance. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! And then the same thing will happen tomorrow. 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. [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.' Included in the "better" provisions are: a better hope . 19 (Dallas: Word Books, 1983), Hartley, J.E., in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Three: K-P Revised (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986), Keller, W. Phillip, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1970, 2007, 2015), Kidner, Derek, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72, Vol. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. 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. In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3). People need comfort and encouragement. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. Psalm 23 Many of David's psalms are full of complaints, but this is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God's great goodness and dependence upon him. When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. You anoint my head with oil. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. Ouch. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Sure enough, someone guessed pretty quickly that it would be Psalm 23. Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. Psalm 107. 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. He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. 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! Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. He is that interested in each of His sheep! That is what God desires to work into your life. 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! 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. Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. 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. His Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, to cherish. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Now this place of rest is, first and foremost spiritually speaking, right in the midst of the problem. How would you describe sheep? Everything will be ok. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). April 17, 2011. Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? Is it a terrible thing that even though God is sovereign and controls the entire universe, we don't want to let go of the reigns! He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible David knew all about this. On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. What is characteristic of them? Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. (Kidner), ii. 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahwehs house forever. 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. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. John Piper Sep 8, 1980 Notice the following -. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. ii. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. Commentaries; Sermons. iii. And he awaits the day when the great shepherd will become the chief Shepherd and shall come in the skies. The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. What great confidence! The wonderful discovery is that the Lord is not just a shepherd who looks after the entire flock, but He is cares for me as well. and I will dwell in Yahwehs (Hebrew: YHWH) house forever (v. 6b). 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). Share. 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 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. The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation.