Major Prophets God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. [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. But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. Johannine Writings Be assured! It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' In this article, well be talking about the commentary of Psalm 23 and explore more about its meaning. My - This is probably the best thing about this psalm it is so personal! Companionship -- for you are with me. It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. PSALM 23:1-4. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. He had the honour of being King over all Israel, yet seen the lows of having his own son, Absalom, rise up against him and take the throne. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. Another such honor would be an invitation for dinner at the White Housepreferably dinner with the President and a small group of his key people although a large state dinner would also be interesting. John Piper Sep 8, 1980 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. 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. And he awaits the day when the great shepherd will become the chief Shepherd and shall come in the skies. Readers benefit from the coherence a single commentator provides, finding faithful, understandable, and . It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. 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! Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. Thank God for such times! The epistle to the Hebrews is a study in contrast, between the imperfect and incomplete provisions of the Old Covenant, given under Moses, and the infinitely better provisions of the New Covenant offered by the perfect High-Priest, God's only Son and the Messiah, Jesus Christ. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. Prophets Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. 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. You can also change some of your preferences. 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. It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol Summer Psalms. But do we believe it? Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! - Henry Ward Beecher, [2] J Vernon McGee writes 'to put it succinctly, in Psalm 22 we see the cross, in Psalm 23 the crook (the Shepherd's crook), and in Psalm 24 the crown (the King's crown). i. Our God leads His people into the green pastures and still waters. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. 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. Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. Best known for his expository exegesis of the Bible . When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. 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! What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. [12] Must admit that I have been dealing with a few trials lately and when I read this verse it kind of caught me by surprise! Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? 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. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Psalms 23 - The Pulpit Commentaries - StudyLight.org the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! can be seen as comforting for it is a sign that He loves us scripture says (Heb 12:6). The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. The Whole Bible Luke-Acts David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. In Psalms 23:3, Psalms 23:4 the spiritual meaning shines through the figure, as in Psalms 23:5, Psalms 23:6 it is laid aside altogether; yet still the psalmist speaks of the "rod and staff." "Rod," the shepherd's crook, the received emblem of authority, guidance, and discipline. ii. See here, 1. (Kidner). 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. It is a psalm written by David who grew up as a shepherd. John MacArthur (b. Date: 1/31/2021. John Piper Sep 1, 1980. Behold just such a one! That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Many people were praying for me. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. Do this in remembrance of me. Paul affirms the importance of this table ministry when he says, For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:24, 26). Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. The Saviours Cross. However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. But it is there that you learn that though you may not be able to see the shepherd as well as normal, He can see you and is still protecting you! [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. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. April 17, 2011. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. David found him so, and so have we. He had not only enough, a cup full, but more than enough, a cup which overflowed. Wisdom Literature With joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. Though the majority of the occurrences of hesed are translated steadfast love, there are undeniable elements of mercy and kindness that underlie each of these occurrences (Renn, 633-634). Davids song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. Sep 8, 1980. Messages on Psalm 23 | Desiring God Wow! So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things. I need to know you are well.' Jesus honors us by inviting us to his table, saying, This is my body that is for you. Bible Text Commentaries by John MacArthur - Blue Letter Bible i. Psalms - Grace To You So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. Psalm 23 Commentary - Sermon Writer Solid Joys. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me Psalms 23 - Dr. Constable's Expository Notes - Bible Commentaries [6]. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3). Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. The MacArthur Bible Commentary - John F. MacArthur - Google Books It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. Wisdom Literature In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. 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. The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol | Desiring God ), which the WEB has updated. The New Testament The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. b. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Passwords should have at least 6 characters. 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. Sometimes it goes through the dark valley as the next verse indicates. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. So I wrote back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. He is the Shepherd that tends to His flock. The Gospels Please read and believe! Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 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. 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). [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. His Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, to cherish. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? Our children were still quite young. But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. They will not lie down if they are afraid. Thank you for registering. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. It makes sense. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. (1.) Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Nov. 10, 2012. Published by Thomas Nelson, 2005. The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. He is the shepherd that provides and His people will lack no good thing. 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. ), The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, 5 vol. a. To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). Jesus the Messiah was also a descendant of King David. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. Entdecke The Macarthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur (2005, Hardcover) in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! "It [ Psalm 23] has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Use semicolons to separate groups: 'Gen;Jdg;Psa-Mal' or 'Rom 3-12;Mat 1:15;Mat 5:12-22', There are options set in 'Advanced Options', The Whole Bible General Epistles Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. 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. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. Commentaries; Sermons. The emphasis of his pulpit ministry is the careful study and verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible, with special attention devoted to the historical and grammatical background behind each passage. Poetical Books God refuses to let the godly go hungry. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. This is a fact as indisputable as it is encouraging, and therefore a heavenly verily, or surely is set as a seal upon it. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. This also shows us our need of giving Him His rightful place as Lord over our life. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. It talks about humanity, our experiences, and even our emotions. Johannine Writings May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. Commentary on Psalm 23 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary 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). Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. The New Testament Psalms 25:4-5 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Poetical Books (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. Gods motivations for treating His people rightly stem from the perfection and goodness of His nature. Which is it? Forever. How marvellous it is that weak, fearful people can be given such confidence through a simple trust in the ability of their shepherd! You are not your own but were bought with a price! Psalm 107. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLordforever. 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. 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! He is a great shepherd. Joy -- You anoint my head with oil and my cup runs over. Excellent for: personal and family devotions pastoral study preparing Sunday-school lessons using with a small group simply readingeach volume draws you in When we get tired we take a rest. General Epistles He doesn't stop, and he doesn't give up hope. Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. There is some debate among commentators as to whether David had the idea of two separate instruments (the rod and the staff) or one instrument used two ways. Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd. He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. But he also knew something else. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. Are any of us low in grace? He is not just a 'good shepherd'. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. It is getting harder to live on this planet - from a health point of view, from a financial point of view, from a spiritual and moral point of view, from a fear and anxiety point of view - there is much that a person could be concerned about. 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. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point You are mine. I had good medical care. The psalmist has been talking about God in the third person (he). Someone said they are the most stupid animal on the face of the earth. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. Like the Greek word agape (love) in the New Testament, hesed (lovingkindness) involves actionkindness or love expressed through kind or loving actions rather than just feelings. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ii. The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4a). How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Psalm 22 Part 2 - It is finished, He has done it! i. . 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. David knew all about this. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. ISBN 10: 0785250662 ISBN 13: . And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. God shines His light into our lives. You anoint my head with oil. To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. Prophets 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 Note the pronoun change in this verse. 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. Psalm 23 commentary is a holy piece of work that exudes different kinds of emotions. 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). We may request cookies to be set on your device. The New Testament GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! I have called you by your name. John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, president of The Master's University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! [10]. The Gospels Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. It was never used on the sheep. If things are tough, remember this verse. The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. His past death for His people The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path.