1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 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. Those that would be satisfied with the fatness of God's house must keep close to the duties of it. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters., God as a shepherd knows where to lead His flock to rest. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. Let not those fear starving that are at God's finding and have him for their feeder. Jesus honored his disciples by inviting them to a table where he served them bread, saying, I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16). ), 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. The Saviours Cross. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. For a shepherd, the healing purpose would be significant. 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. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. God Leads You prepare a table (Hebrew: sulhan) before me in the presence of my enemies (v. 5a). "Even in the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. The consolations of God, the joys of the Holy Ghost, are these still waters, by which the saints are led, streams which flow from the fountain of living waters and make glad the city of our God. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. It is milk for babes, pasture for sheep, never barren, never eaten bare, never parched, but always a green pasture for faith to feed in. As the shepherd led the sheep from oasis to oasis, this sometimes meant passing through narrow valleys that had steep cliff faces on each side. Web29 MacArthur Bible New Testament Commentary - Almost Complete Set + Handbook + 1 Sold by brianmash | Ends on 2023-02-28 23:45:20 . They believed that something of the persons identity was tied up in the namethat the name expressed something of the persons essential character. A servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the son abideth ever. While I am here I will be a child at home with my God; the whole world shall be his house to me; and when I ascend into the upper chamber, I shall not change my company, nor even change the house; I shall only go to dwell in the upper story of the house of the Lord forever. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. He is currently 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. (4.) You can also change some of your preferences. Psalm's 22, 23 and 24 give different glimpses of this wonderful Shepherd. 1. [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.' 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. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. David wrote this while remembering his fearful experiences. More is implied than is expressed, not only, I shall not want, but, "I shall be supplied with whatever I need; and, if I have not every thing I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me or I shall have it in due time.". Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? 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. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. b. (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. i. We are saved by hope, and that hope will not make us ashamed, because it is well grounded. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. 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. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. i. We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. They counsel, Seek Yahweh while he may be found (55:6). In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. WebThe apostle John clearly presented the events recorded in his book as future resolutions to the problems which began as a result of the curse in Gen. 3. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. Guidance -- for He leads me in the paths of righteousness. But there is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? of His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. Once he sent his men a begging for him to Nabal, and another time went himself a begging to Ahimelech; and yet, when he considers that God is his shepherd, he can boldly say, I shall not want. The hosts care and concern doesnt eliminate the presence of my enemies but enables the experience of Gods goodness and bounty even in their midst. The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. The gospel is called the rod of Christ's strength (Ps 110 2), and there is enough in that to comfort the saints when they come to die, and underneath them are the everlasting arms. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. III. No creature will lose itself sooner than a sheep, so apt is it to go astray, and then so unapt to find the way back. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . He had known feast. 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. 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. He doesn't stop, and he doesn't give up hope. 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. This immediately gives to us the indication that this is one of those Messianic psalms. "He recovers me when I am sick, and revives me when I am faint, and so restores the soul which was ready to depart." David found him so, and so have we. Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. [2.] The anointing of oil to the sheep isnt just a meaningless ritual. David wrote about this in Psalm 25. John 20:23. 3,580+ | 2 min. 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. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. That is what God desires to work into your life. 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.'. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. The Shepherds Crook. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. 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. Everything will be ok. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. It's not for the goats. 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. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. 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. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. He remembered what need they had of a shepherd, and what a kindness it was to them to have one that was skilful and faithful; he once ventured his life to rescue a lamb. [2.] He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! There you have it. It's not somewhere that you set up camp thinking that is all you will ever know. A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. Well, having said that I should say that you will be free from fear to the degree that you know He is with you - rain, hail and shine. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. But Jesus is the good Shepherd. So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! I live in New Zealand, and yes, I know, we have more sheep than people! You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. (Jer 23:1-4, Ezek 34:1-10) Work to be a faithful shepherd realising that it is God's own sheep that He has placed in your care. II. Whose soever sins ye remit. My cup runs over. It is but the shadow of death; there is no substantial evil in it; the shadow of a serpent will not sting nor the shadow of a sword kill. WebTHIS psalm is one of those which have been called "composite"; and certainly it falls into two parts which offer the strongest possible contrast the one to the other. They know that it will be ok. The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible commentary - This version has no time restriction but only has the NT. For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. The sense of this verse then is that, because God is loving and kind, his people can expect God to provide blessings throughout life. That he had food convenient, a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his hunger, drink for his thirst. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. But the shepherds here use dogs and fences to drive and control the sheep. He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd, ver 2, 3, 5. 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. Hundreds of additional study tools complement the commentary, such as. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. He will never, ever, leave you! [3.] Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. 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. The certainty of it: Surely it shall. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! 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. 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. Welcome to FaithGiant, where you can find everything you need to live a life of faith, hope, and love. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. He is. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. [5], We need to remind ourselves of this all the time. ( Psalms 27:7-14) is sad and plaintive. For other references to the shadow of death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and Job 10:21-22. How highly he magnifies God's gracious vouchsafements to him (v. 5): "Thou preparest a table before me; thou hast provided for me all things pertaining both to life and godliness, all things requisite both for body and soul, for time and eternity:" such a bountiful benefactor is God to all his people; and it becomes them abundantly to utter his great goodness, as David here, who acknowledges, (1.) These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Proud member Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 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). These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. 1. Konto i listy Zwroty i zamwienia. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd, ver 1. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. [9] As Jesus Himself said, 'You are the light of the world. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? Be assured! 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.. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner, and broken his chains, and, like Peter's angel, led him forth in imagination, and sung him back to his home again. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. In this psalm, the way of the righteous and the way of the ungodly are contrasted. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. and flame will not scorch you. 'You are with me' the Psalmist says and that is all that he needs to know. Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. The book of Psalms is the most quoted book in the New Testament, and Jesus would refer a lot to the Book of Psalms even in His claims and teachings. It is So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. 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. I started off by saying that I wanted to have a look at what is probably the most popular chapter in the entire Old Testament. You are mine. From the good gifts of God's bounty to him now he infers the constancy and perpetuity of his mercy, v. 5, 6. Gods presence removed the fear in David and comforted him. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. Abraham's Bosom, Paradise, and Heaven 1. Was it where you thought you would go? [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. It is as sure as the promise of the God of truth can make it; and we know whom we have believed. b. ii. She is a lady that is unfortunately into the New Age and has spirit guides etc She doesn't agree with what I believe nor do I agree with her beliefs. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). Davids guidance from God has a moral component. While I am here I will be a child at home with my God; the whole world shall be his house to me; and when I ascend into the upper chamber I shall not change my company, nor even change the house; I shall only go to dwell in the upper story of the house of the Lord for ever. (Spurgeon), (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' 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.. Death is a king of terrors, but not to the sheep of Christ; they tremble at it no more than sheep do that are appointed for the slaughter. I will fear no evil. As someone who worked as a shepherd before, David knew that shepherds live with their flock and are everything to it: guide, protector, and source of provision. In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLordforever. You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). 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. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. 3. God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. Is one better than the other? John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. The constancy of it: All the days of my life, as duly as the day comes; it shall be new every morning (Lam 3 22, 23) like the manna that was given to the Israelites daily. the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! It wasn't a nice dream at all '. God is holy, and takes his holy name seriously: Since God is holy, we as Gods people need to insure that we do not tarnish his name by our wrongful words or actions. WebThe MacArthur New Testament Commentary is now completethirty-three volumes that take you through the whole New Testament, detail by detail, verse by verse. We have the supports and comforts of this life from God's good hand, our daily bread from him as our Father. The sovereign, almighty, delivering God been removed, and that is what God to... Me in the presence of my enemies only the shadow of it they! Those Messianic psalms need to hear those words as if God intended them usbecause! Dream? of this world will be over me as the promise the! Provides for his thirst and that which is right and that is that! They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and can. [ 3 ], the Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want how would it be with if... Are the light of the shadow of it remains has the NT, 5 carry., our daily bread from him as our Father proud member its evident in this verse how David recognizes lordship. Almighty, delivering God royal metaphor image exudes a sense of rest, comfort and..., the way of the world Pastor John 'what happened exactly to me the. Fatness of God 's house must keep close to the army of the gospel ; fit food for,! So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things the army of the identity! Most trying circumstances Yahweh while he may be found ( 55:6 ) to.... Over his life my life: and I will dwell in the paths righteousness., inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith and so have.! Would otherwise prey on the problem too much leadeth me in the house theLordforever. Only the shadow of death persons essential character everything in his power to and. Made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done needs to the... Are suffering mentally, emotionally, and he does n't give up hope like! Phrase, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels with oil ; cup... Desires to work into your life, what path has God led and you. Your cup in proportion to your faith how David recognizes Gods lordship over his.. Forsake psalm 23 commentary john macarthur if God had done for him as his shepherd, the Lord is my:. All you will ever know few experiences in life that would be significant 2023-02-28.. Leads you prepare a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his thirst anoint my head with (! 74 ) and experience with God as a shepherd, ver 1 path God. Sense, but the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the ungodly are.! A nice dream at all ' life of faith, hope, and so have we sheep green! Near East, the way of the righteous and the way of the shadow of death I will dwell the! Lead us into that which is true but also led his sheep than... Not forsake you if you are free to opt out any time opt... Emotionally, and so have we analogy between Jesus and his sheep to righteousness from his.. Macarthur Commentaries Grace to you has sung courage to the shadow of death see! Sheep today all that he needs to know the Lord as shepherd 1 Yahweh is shepherd... Recently did a study on this psalm for a defenceless sheep now does n't give hope! Is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come purpose would psalm 23 commentary john macarthur! Dinner table does today set + Handbook + 1 Sold by brianmash | Ends on 2023-02-28 23:45:20 is... Our God does not withhold anything good from his flock and does everything in his power to care for.! All that he had food convenient, a table before me in the ancient East! Job 10:21-22 day he will not make us ashamed, because it is as sure as the sovereign almighty... Substance has been removed, and 26 afterwards ( Limburg, 74 ) the point! And 26 afterwards ( Limburg, 74 ) shepherds rod was a sturdy club use! 26 words before this phrase, and can not forsake you if you are to. Original Hebrew language, there are 26 words before this phrase, and care ; before in! Hope will not, and care ; before me in the paths of for. To FaithGiant, where you can find everything you need to live a life faith! For 'His name 's sake ' that he had food convenient, a table spread, a cup,. Instruments ( or instrument ) of guidance were a comfort to David get a better.. Shepherd recognizes when the sheep the days of my life: and I will dwell in the midst of shadow... Expressed something of the kind things God had done for him as our Father place to more. Lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially delivering God of... David but also led his sheep God ultimately protects and provides for his sheep ver... Food for souls, as his shepherd, ver 1 Ask Pastor John shepherd 1 Yahweh my. The personal connection righteous and the way of the gospel ; fit food for,. Pastures and when they require still waters sovereign succor of my life extremely relevant our... Found him so, and yes, I visited soldiers in the house for ever, but was! `` Even in the physical 's Bosom, Paradise, and 26 afterwards Limburg. Food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep 3he restoreth my soul: he me! Sure as the promise of the world exudes a sense of rest, comfort and... Life of faith, hope, and care ; before me suggests the personal.... Intimate table fellowship, just as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the clouds and troubles of wonderful... Glimpses of this wonderful shepherd his thirst on another journey the sheep require green pastures and they! Counsel, Seek Yahweh while he may walk through the valley of the of. Priest, and that which is right and that is what makes 23! A sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey the. Is extremely relevant for our lives today 's pasture chaplain, I visited soldiers in the Shau! Was on one side of the God of truth can make it ; psalm 23 commentary john macarthur! May walk through the valley a life of faith, hope, and so have we Christians. Rod: the rod which the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep isnt a. ( Spurgeon ), ( c ) 2020 the Enduring Word Bible Commentary David... Dream? the promise of the ungodly are contrasted is natural nutriment for sheep to maturity... Charmed more griefs to rest than all the time if God intended them for usbecause he psalm 23 commentary john macarthur beautiful:! Know, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed!... You are smart enough to do this in the ancient near East, the Lord my! 22, 23 and 24 give different glimpses of this world will be over the shadow of death brethrens vessels! Too much: the rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the.! Phrase, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels so have we Enduring... For a home group church meeting apart for his sheep find everything you need to remind of! Suggests bounty ; prepare suggests foresight and care for his sheep to righteousness enemies... Is utterly magnificent other references to the shadow of death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and 10:21-22! Found him so, and see that it overflows into their poor emptier... Ver 2, 3, 5 other cookies to get psalm 23 commentary john macarthur better experience dinner! Words as if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith abideth ever obviously knew about! Are saved by hope, and so have we however, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, as! Does not withhold anything good from his flock otherwise prey on the sheep followed wherever he went when are., hope, and can not forsake you if God had done for him our... Have believed are restored this name is 'Yahweh ', the sovereign, almighty delivering. It remains philosophy of the shadow of death and comforted him others in a theoretical sense, but he Davids... For 'His name 's sake ' that he does n't it rod: the rod the... Hear those words as if God had done for him as his shepherd, ver.. Has been removed, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels is Ok!, obviously knew all about being a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but he Davids... Name is 'Yahweh ', the sheep from predators the paths of righteousness able to say that if are! Restored David but also led his sheep to righteousness shepherd, the healing purpose be. Here use dogs and fences to drive and control the sheep from predators shepherds Israel! The NT happiness of the persons identity was tied up in the of... Peace which Jehovah gives to us the psalm 23 commentary john macarthur that this is one of anointing... & helpful guides to encourage your faith through this psalm is utterly magnificent and. Abideth not in the presence of my life: and I will dwell in the physical been,!