Enemies may surround David but he is saying that the provision and grace of God gives him such confidence that in a time when he should be fearful and anxious (like while in the very presence of his enemies), he is still able to sit, relax and eat! Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. ), 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. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. Major Prophets So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. Sometimes those paths lead straight through the valley of the shadow of death. 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. His past death for His people
Psalms 23 - Dr. Constable's Expository Notes - Bible Commentaries However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. The Gospels Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' In Psalm 22 Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. He is a popular conference speaker and the president of both The Master's College and The Master's Seminary. Johannine Writings Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. (Kidner), ii. And I will dwell in the house of the LORDforever: The psalm ends with the calmest assurance that he would enjoy the presence of the LORD forever both in his days on this earth and beyond. This also shows us our need of giving Him His rightful place as Lord over our life. Wisdom Literature 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) They also enjoy the enthusiastic company of their fifteen grandchildren. . It was never used on the sheep. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. John MacArthur (b. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over..
The Macarthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur (2005, Hardcover Excellent for: personal and family devotions pastoral study preparing Sunday-school lessons using with a small group simply readingeach volume draws you in God is like a shepherd to David. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. Play. Psalms 23. Sep 8, 1980. Not was, like He helped you in the past. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Verses 1-6. Are any of us low in grace? David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. John Piper Sep 8, 1980 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. Still, David has decided to praise God no matter what happens. Pauline Epistles However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. The New Testament The New Testament Believe with the same confidence David had. Date: 1/31/2021. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). 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. Minor Prophets
Commentary on Psalm 23 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. 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. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary is now completethirty-three volumes that take you through the whole New Testament, detail by detail, verse by verse. The Gospels [6]. Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol Summer Psalms. So here is a man who has had to depend upon His Shepherd and is finding Him faithful even in trying times. But we need to learn to lie down. ii. God is. It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. 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. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. They will not lie down if they are afraid. Psalm 19. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. b. So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things. Right paths lead to life rather than death (see Matthew 7:13-14). Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. The book of Psalms is so unique because it focuses on the character of God. Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain.
He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him His present care and provision for His people The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . The first time through the dark valley is always scary. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. 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. But, what makes it so compelling? Email / username or password was incorrect! Jesus honors us by inviting us to his table, saying, This is my body that is for you. If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! Psalm 23 commentary is a holy piece of work that exudes different kinds of emotions. Ouch. Psalm 23:6 And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway 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.
Psalm 23 Commentary - Sermon Writer General Epistles 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). He is in control. 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. 1939) is a Calvinist theologian, author, editor, and teacher. Published by Thomas Nelson, 2005. God longs to bless and prosper His people. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. Kidner notes: The rod (a cudgel worn at the belt) and staff (to walk with, and to round up the flock) were the shepherds weapon and implement: the former for defence (cf. Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." . The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. Pentateuch They would travel from oasis to oasis. Major Prophets Be assured! Companionship -- for you are with me. Wisdom Literature That was his role growing up. A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. Prophets It is what the Apostle Paul knew when he wrote: Philippians 4:11-13 I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I will believe that thou reignest still. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. David knew all about this. 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. 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. This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ii. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! Minor Prophets That's the animal God choose which best represents you! Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. He is utterly trustworthy. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'. It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. He is. Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. Pentateuch This is the joy of the Christian! For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. He is the shepherd that provides and His people will lack no good thing. ), 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.
Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey On other days, she was on the other side. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. But it is alluded to such as in Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." He is the source of life and a great provider. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. You are mine. It has an inexpressibly delightful application to the dying; but it is for the living, too. The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. The MacArthur Study Bible: new King James version - John MacArthur. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. In terms of how it is loved, look at how one old theologian from the 1800's spoke of it. For I am Yahweh your God, (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. General Epistles Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. He leads me. 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want.
The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol | Desiring God . Thankfully I didn't go far down that track but it can plant this little seed of fear in your mind if you let it. He talks about going through it, showing that he expects to emerge from its shadows into the light on the other side. 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. a. 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. e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd.
John MacArthur Bible Commentaries | Review - YouTube What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? [10]. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. [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. It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. He got us to say the sentence emphasizing each word. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c).
Psalm 23 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (complete) - Christianity (12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! i. 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' It offers a broad overview of each Bible book and the internal consistency that results from having a single commentator. Which is it? Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. It becomes more personal in this valley! What is also interesting, even before we get into the actual verses, is that this Psalm is part two of what we could call a Messianic trilogy. Our God leads His people into the green pastures and still waters. Title The entire collection of Psalms is entitled "Praises" in the Hebrew text. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' 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. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. 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! In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' 27:1). God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. (1.) GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. David found him so, and so have we. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. 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. [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. 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). Johannine Writings in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. 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.