The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. This feeding is symbolic of being fed spiritually with the word of God. The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. David found him so, and so have we. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. So for now, let us follow our Lord where He would lead. They are well guided, well led. Samuel anointed him king, which was a certain pledge of further favor; but this is rather an instance of the plenty with which God had blessed him, or an allusion to the extraordinary entertainment of special friends, whose heads they anointed with oil, Luke 7 46. e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. What is characteristic of them? When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. When people die, we think of them as having entered the valley of the shadow of death, but the same is true for their loved ones. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. The shepherd of Israel guides Joseph like a flock; and every believer is under the same guidance: He leadeth me beside the still waters. Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, Psalm 2 Bible Study The Current Rebellion & The Coming King, Psalm 8 Bible Study The wonder of God and the second man, Psalm 16 Part 1: Testing's in the journey through life and death, Psalm 16 Part 2 - Hope in the journey through life and death, Psalm 22 Part 1 - Prophecy of the crucifixion and the wrath of man. It was never used on the sheep. Now David wasn't saying here that 'the Lord is my Shepherd, whom I do not want'! Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' 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. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. WebThe backdrop for the Psalms is twofold: 1) the acts of God in creation and history, and 2) the history of Israel. God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. God as our shepherd not only leads but restores as well. a. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. ), 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. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. Everything will be ok. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4a). ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! WebPsalm 23. 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. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. WebThou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. i. We must dwell in his house as servants, that desired to have their ears bored to the door-post, to serve him for ever. b. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death: This line from the psalm and the psalm as a whole has proven itself precious to many a dying saint through the ages. Observe, (1.) 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. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 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. Web29 MacArthur Bible New Testament Commentary - Almost Complete Set + Handbook + 1 Sold by brianmash | Ends on 2023-02-28 23:45:20 . He had known famine. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. Is one better than the other? On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. 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. 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. Play. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. i. [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes for well known creationist. We have to learn to sit back and thank Him once again. 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! Countless experts also argued that David wrote it during the later years of his kingship because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. They will not lie down if they are afraid. He that is the shepherd of Israel, of the whole church in general (Ps 80 1), is the shepherd of every particular believer; the meanest is not below his cognizance, Isa 40 11. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Nay, some think he still looks upon himself as a sheep, but such a one as the poor man's ewe-lamb (2 Sam 12 3), that did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom; not only thus nobly, but thus tenderly, are the children of God looked after. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Blessed is the man. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. We are saved by hope, and that hope will not make us ashamed, because it is well grounded. See here. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. That he had not only for necessity, but for ornament and delight: Thou anointest my head with oil. 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. 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. God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. WebThe King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. The Saviours Cross. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. The great confidence which believers have in God: "If the Lord is my shepherd, my feeder, I may conclude I shall not want any thing that is really necessary and good for me." Was it where you thought you would go? The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. The manner of the conveyance of it: It shall follow me, as the water out of the rock followed the camp of Israel through the wilderness; it shall follow into all places and all conditions, shall be always ready. 3 He Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. The sucking child may play upon the hole of this asp; and the weaned child, that, through grace, is weaned from this world, may put his hand upon this cockatrice's den, bidding a holy defiance to death, as Paul, O death! What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. They believed that something of the persons identity was tied up in the namethat the name expressed something of the persons essential character. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. The still waters by which he leads them yield them, not only a pleasant prospect, but many a cooling draught, many a reviving cordial, when they are thirsty and weary. 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 shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. 45 ratings The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. 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. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in Gods goodness in the present and in the future. Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. He had not only enough, a cup full, but more than enough, a cup which overflowed. The good man has his enemies. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. So out of the blue she emailed a few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you? 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. It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. 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. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. Guidance -- for He leads me in the paths of righteousness. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. This danger made light of, and triumphed over, upon good grounds. I. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, Job 24:17; Psalm Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. He experiences the benefit of God's presence with him and care of him now, and therefore expects the benefit of them when he most needs it. 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. The anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. What would you say of a pilgrim commissioned of God to travel up and down the earth singing a strange melody, which, when one heard, caused him to forget whatever sorrow he had? Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. and flame will not scorch you. Here the second allegory begins. Make sure your view of the 'Good Shepherd' Jesus is the right one! It talks about humanity, our experiences, and even our emotions. the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. We are well escorted, with a Shepherd in front and these twin angels behind! (Meyer), iii. This verse doesn't mean that there will not be times of drought, valleys, difficulties and need--- far from it God loves you too much to just make things always easy! Notice the following -. Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. The psalmist has been talking about God in the third person (he). The wicked are chased out of the world, and their souls are required; but the saints take a walk to another world as cheerfully as they take their leave of this. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! 1. If there is a wire fence, they'll get caught in it. When applied to Yahweh, hesed is fundamentally the expression of his loyalty and devotion to the solemn promises attached to the covenant. b. Many people succumb to their hopelessness and fear. It is expressed in this verse - Rom 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! And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. He is. And David knew that this would carry on all the days of his life. Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. His word and Spirit shall comfort themhis rod and staff, alluding to the shepherd's crook, or the rod under which the sheep passed when they were counted (Lev 27 32), or the staff with which the shepherds drove away the dogs that would scatter or worry the sheep. (3.) God's ordinances are the green pastures in which food is provided for all believers; the word of life is the nourishment of the new man. He understood the special relationship and care a shepherd has with the sheep. They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' Here we may observe. You are mine. It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! 1. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). If God's goodness to us be like the morning light, which shines more and more to the perfect day, let not ours to him be like the morning cloud and the early dew that passeth away. 2. Psalm 23 commentary is a holy piece of work that exudes different kinds of emotions. Witamy, zaloguj si. We have the supports and comforts of this life from God's good hand, our daily bread from him as our Father. Pray to him, then, for the blessingRestore thou me, thou Shepherd of my soul!, Some Christians overlook the blessing of sanctification, and yet to a thoroughly renewed heart this is one of the sweetest gifts of the covenant. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.. [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.' But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! When explaining why he was restoring Israel, God said, I dont do this for your sake, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations, where you went. We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil. David knew all about this. 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. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. He leads me. But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him. It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. Here is. WebPastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd, ver 1. How would you describe sheep? Psalm 23:3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. One of the Psalms quoted in all four Gospels is Psalm 118:26(a), which says, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! (Matthew 21:9; 23:39; Mark 11:9; Luke 13:35; John 12:13). When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. Here is one word indeed which sounds terrible; it is death, which we must all count upon; there is no discharge in that war. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. 1. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. He is in control. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Do you have the confidence to say that the almighty God IS your Shepherd right now? In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. In Psalm 23, we are compared to sheep who do not have a sense of direction, are hopeless, and are weak who need a Shepherd. This immediately gives to us the indication that this is one of those Messianic psalms. (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. David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. That he was not stinted, was not straitened, but had abundance: "My cup runs over, enough for myself and my friends too." So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. With what I have I am pleased much; with what I hope for I am pleased more." Are any of us low in grace? 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. So he calls The center point of this psalm is for you are with me. In the original Hebrew language, there are 26 words before this phrase, and 26 afterwards (Limburg, 74). The anointing of oil to the sheep isnt just a meaningless ritual. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. Hence he infers that he should want no good (ver 1), that he needed to fear no evil (ver 4), that God would never leave nor forsake him in a way of mercy; and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God in a way of duty, ver 6. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. He doesn't stop, and he doesn't give up hope. Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' ii. b. [2.] God is the one who looks after our lives. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . 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. In these paths we cannot walk unless God both lead us into them and lead us in them. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. WebPastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. Our God leads His people into the green pastures and still waters. Everyone loves this Psalm. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. And there is ground enough for this confidence, [1.] Ouch. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. Or a psalm concerning the Messiah that has its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. 'Do I need to be extra careful?' Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For a shepherd, the healing purpose would be significant. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. Do you? But the shepherds here use dogs and fences to drive and control the sheep. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. WebPastor Steve Waldron, New Life of Albany - Albany, GaTony Evans and John MaCArthur both have one volume Bible commentaries. Here is a prospect of the perfection of bliss in the future state. Can you say that about your life? Anyway, we might have been being a tad naughty but the principle can be quite helpful and this is what I will do with this first verse. David had had the highs of defeating Goliath to the lows of running for his life and hiding in caves from Saul. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:3, 12-13; 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39). He was aware of the potential dangers that may befall him. When we get tired we take a rest. Play. for his names sake (v. 3c). Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. David knew the uniqueness and intimacy of this metaphor. 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! Sproul shared how the Lord used Psalm 23 to bring him daily comfort as he dealt with various health challenges. How resolutely he determines to cleave to God and to his duty. It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He will never, ever, leave you! But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. There are stacks of deceptive shepherds around just as there always were. Those that would be satisfied with the fatness of God's house must keep close to the duties of it. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. 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. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. God leads his people, not to the standing waters which corrupt and gather filth, not to the troubled sea, nor to the rapid rolling floods, but to the silent purling waters; for the still but running waters agree best with those spirits that flow out towards God and yet do it silently. 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. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. 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! When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. But he also knew, through many highs and lows, throughout his life, that he too was but a sheep with a far greater Shepherd. In the end, in whatever it is that places you in fear or unease, you have to come back to this very thought we are speaking of here - 'The Lord is my shepherd' - He is in control of all things. 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. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. ), which the WEB has updated. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you.
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