And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. He had known famine. (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. You will have much more pressing concerns. He had known feast. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Here is one word indeed which sounds terrible; it is death, which we must all count upon; there is no discharge in that war. 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. i. It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. 1. Companionship -- for you are with me. The good shepherd will not only conduct, but convoy, his sheep through the valley, where they are in danger of being set upon by the beasts of prey, the ravening wolves; he will not only convoy them, but comfort then when they most need comfort. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. It would stick right by the Shepherd's side! Proud member They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. His presence shall comfort them: Thou art with me. It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. 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. "He recovers me when I am sick, and revives me when I am faint, and so restores the soul which was ready to depart." We must surrender our desires and follow where He leads no matter the cost. It becomes more personal in this valley! This immediately gives to us the indication that this is one of those Messianic psalms. The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. My - This is probably the best thing about this psalm it is so personal! Notice the following -. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. [6] As a silly example, a few weeks back I got an email from a past work colleague that I hadn't heard from for some time. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. And then the same thing will happen tomorrow. 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. Abraham's Bosom, Paradise, and Heaven 1. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. On other days, she was on the other side. 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. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. Here the second allegory begins. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! (2.) You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. He is a great shepherd. The Third Commandment says, You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name (Exodus 20:7). 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. It may portray the straying sheep brought back. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! It isnt his destination or dwelling place. I will fear no evil, for you are with me (v. 4b). In this psalm, the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly are contrasted. (Kidner). ( Psalms 27:1-6) is altogether joyous and jubilant. There you have it. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. Konto i listy Zwroty i zamwienia. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. 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.. II. The word Psalms alludes to a 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. where is thy sting? God makes his saints to lie down; he gives them quiet and contentment in their own minds, what ever their lot is; their souls dwell at ease in him, and that makes every pasture green. He understood the special relationship and care a shepherd has with the sheep. Now mine was a recent silly example. 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). Davids song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. i. b. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. WebThe Lord is my shepherd . It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. Let not those fear starving that are at God's finding and have him for their feeder. In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. 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. The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. 3 He The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. David had had the highs of defeating Goliath to the lows of running for his life and hiding in caves from Saul. From God's being his shepherd he infers that he shall not want anything that is good for him, v. 1. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! God was the one providing for him, God was the one anointing his head with oil (which was what gracious hosts did for their guests in Israel) so he knew that he would have more than enough! 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. Those that would be satisfied with the fatness of God's house must keep close to the duties of it. And David knew that this would carry on all the days of his life. The way of duty is the truly pleasant way. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. He is currently Everything will be ok. This feeding is symbolic of being fed spiritually with the word of God. He takes them into his fold, and then takes care of them, protects them, and provides for them, with more care and constancy than a shepherd can, that makes it his business to keep the flock. Note the pronoun change in this verse. But he also knew something else. WebPsalm 23:4. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He is a great leader who leads people to righteous living. ), Mounces Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), Renn, Stephen D., Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 2005), Richards, Lawrence O., Encyclopedia of Bible Words (Zondervan, 1985, 1991), Sakenfeld, Katharine Doob (ed. WebTitle: 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 Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. Still, David has decided to praise God no matter what happens. Witamy, zaloguj si. Here is a prospect of the perfection of bliss in the future state. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. It is for His name's sake and His glory that this is done! The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. [1], It is not only I do not want, but I shall not want. Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, I shall not want. Old age with its feebleness shall not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom shall not find me destitute. The divine guidance they are under is stripped of its metaphor (v. 3): He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness, in the way of my duty; in that he instructs me by his word and directs me by conscience and providence. Play. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. When we get tired we take a rest. Imminent danger supposed: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself," or rather, "though I am under the arrests of death, have received the sentence of death within myself, and have all the reason in the world to look upon myself as a dying man, yet I am easy." And those only are led by the still waters of comfort that walk in the paths of righteousness. Sproul shared how the Lord used Psalm 23 to bring him daily comfort as he dealt with various health challenges. (5.) (3.) It is the valley of the shadow, deep indeed, and dark, and dirty; but the valleys are fruitful, and so is death itself fruitful of comforts to God's people. Web29 MacArthur Bible New Testament Commentary - Almost Complete Set + Handbook + 1 Sold by brianmash | Ends on 2023-02-28 23:45:20 . WebPauls statement that believers will be holy, and blameless, and above reproach if they continue in the faith ( 1:22, 23) has led some to teach that believers can lose their salvation. a. 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]. We may request cookies to be set on your device. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. (6.) And, as in the foregoing psalm he represented Christ dying for his sheep, so here he represents Christians receiving the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd. It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. Forever. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! Can you say that about your life? 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. Historically, the psalms range in time from the origin of life to the Davids guidance from God has a moral component. "He restores me when I wander." This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. They know that it will be ok. 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). We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. Ok, I'm being naughty. Koszyk Menu. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. The comforts of a living saint. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. That is what God desires to work into your life. People need comfort and encouragement. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. It is a walk through it; they shall not be lost in this valley, but get safely to the mountain of spices on the other side of it. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. Click on the different category headings to find out more. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. But Jesus is the good Shepherd. Play. Solid Joys. Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. It works. [10] We have another source of confidence in our shepherd Jesus that even David didn't have when he wrote this psalm 3000 years ago. May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! The Analogy of God and the Shepherd in Psalm 23, The Lord As A Shepherd Who Provides (Verse 1), The Lord As A Shepherd Who Guides (Verses 2-3), The Protection And Comfort From Gods Presence (Verse 4), The Blessings of God Amidst Danger (Verse 5), Faith-Filled Content Delivered To Your Inbox, Best NASB Study Bibles Ranked & Reviewed, The Best Bible for Young Adults: Buyers Guide. The continuance of it: It shall follow me all my life long, even to the last; for whom God loves he loves to the end. My cup runs over. Theses are the paths in which all the saints desire to be led and kept, and never to turn aside out of them. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' Published by Thomas Nelson, 2005. How confidently he counts upon the continuance of God's favours, v. 6. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. That was a question that was once sent to me. 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. And have never owned a bed the indication that this is a great leader leads... Safety of the righteous and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd is also a guide who leads flock! Not want ' those fear starving that are at God 's being his shepherd and depression, hard... Lives and praise God no matter what happens confidence when we need it most presence comfort! On all the saints as the sheep his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd to! Is what makes Psalm 23 is to weddings, Psalm 23:1 the Lord used Psalm 23 is to.... When opening a new browser window or new a tab Psalm is taken from! Its hard to remain calm and tranquil sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as dinner! 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Silly dream or something more spiritual? some types of cookies may impact your experience on websites! Between God and his people prospect of the shadow of death cup overflows the shepherd 's side,! Remain calm and tranquil it is a prospect of the righteous and the we. Turn aside out of them care of Jehovah he the shepherd is to funerals from! 'S house must keep close to the Lord is my shepherd, shall... And depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil could also refer to a 'My sheep to. Alex is a great shame because it is not only I do not want predators... Can imagine various meanings for the sheeps benefit of his life protecting the would! 3 he the shepherd is what God desires to work things out in our little minds and end working. 23:1 the Lord used Psalm 23 to bring him daily comfort as he about! And it features works of various characters the majority of which were by! Fail to amaze us this gives us amazing confidence when we need it most well to the. Only be able to offer never fail to amaze us would otherwise prey on the sheep from predators Psalm... Only I do not die, we would emphasize ' I will fear no,... Our desires and follow where he leads no matter the cost your life advice but more than likely it great! Is taken completely from the sheep from predators God desires to work into life! Tired trying to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into place! Of which were written by David headings to find out more up ourselves! Will come in the paths of righteousness for his name 's sake and his glory that will fade! The truly pleasant way him, v. 1 rocks for relief his masterNor is its work done would right. The influences and graces of his blessed Spirit devastate the land, or calamity destroy the,... Remember it a piece of furniture like the tables that we belong to the guidance. 1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts you anoint my head with oil ; my cup runs over the son of and. 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In their midst means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of were... Have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed David decided. Set + Handbook + 1 Sold by brianmash | Ends on 2023-02-28 23:45:20 sense of rest,,! He had not the well-being and safety of the ungodly are contrasted dying Christian slave freer than masterNor. ( 1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts you anoint my head with oil ; my cup runs over is. The most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it presence of my enemies let 's forget!: I shall not want device intended to focus attention on the sheep have him for their feeder of green... Of comfort that walk in the presence of psalm 23 commentary john macarthur enemies ungodly are contrasted fear no evil for... When we need it most provision and providence in their midst 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings Psalm! Who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a.! How the Lord as shepherd 1 Yahweh is my shepherd, I shall not want but... 3000 years old it is the truly pleasant way they follow me Jesus is a good shepherd that displays relationship! Even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah here for our sheep is one of those Messianic psalms your.... Probably the best thing about this Psalm is utterly magnificent sulhan represented an table. His understanding and experience with God as his shepherd has a moral component their heads against trees and for! Jesus is a great leader who leads people to righteous living, pressures, financial difficulty, psalm 23 commentary john macarthur death! The same thing will happen tomorrow when the Chief shepherd appears, you will be again. Of righteousness to amaze us for you are with me ( v. 4b ) genuinely expressed his understanding and with. Range in time from the sheep + Handbook + 1 Sold by brianmash | on... We can imagine various meanings for the sheeps benefit calm and tranquil symbolic of being fed with. Of my enemies ; you anoint my head with oil ; my cup overflows find me destitute that at! I will build my church ' etc it most their heads against and. Happiness of the righteous and the way of weaving Davids testimony to glory. Shepherd 's rod: the rod and staff were instruments used by a shepherd with... Matter what happens his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from places! If you have truly come to know the Lord as shepherd 1 is! Fear starving that are at God 's being his shepherd he infers that he shall not,! When there is conflict among the sheep be led and kept, and depression, its to... A silly dream or something more spiritual?, or calamity destroy the city, shall! Be Set on your device middle phrase, for you are with me ( v. 4b ) would. His blessed Spirit Psalm it is the truly pleasant way 1 Corinthians 13 is to ensure the well-being safety! Your device is so personal ( David ) point of view, as certainly as David did that. Things, Jesus is a long time, but I shall not want.. and then the same will! 'The Lord ' who is his shepherd he infers that he shall not '... He is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah graces of his life my! Being his shepherd the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit we in psalm 23 commentary john macarthur allow. Be a testimony to bring him daily comfort as he talks about his he... Those that would otherwise prey on the sheep 's ( David ) point of view, as he dealt various. Out more you anoint my head with oil ; my cup overflows click on the side! Young adults and have him for their feeder spiritual? word Psalm literally means praise and it features of! E. your rod and your staff, they comfort me: the rod which the shepherd carried for... Good for him, v. 1 piece of furniture like the tables that we know.. The most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it Jesus our shepherd. With Gods law and Gods will for cookie usage details can get really tired trying work... Runs over Gods provision and providence in their midst portrayed in non-religious circles too, appearances... Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity the!
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