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How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. Psalm 19. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. 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. And David knew that this would carry on all the days of his life. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. (wpe). Every Christian is a priest, but he cannot execute the priestly office without unction, and hence we must go day by day to God the Holy Ghost, that we may have our heads anointed with oil. He had known feast. John MacArthur Bible Commentaries | Review - YouTube It is a treasure chest filled with spiritual truths that encourage many. 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. Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. Everyone loves this Psalm. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). Be assured! Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4a). But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. On other days, she was on the other side. Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. Which is it? They will lead us to places of rest and provision. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. You prepare a table before me: Without departing from the previous picture of the valley of the shadow of death, David envisioned the provision and goodness given by the LORD as a host, inviting David to a rich table prepared for him. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. iv. 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. It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. ii. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. Scripture: Psalm 23. 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. But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol | Desiring God In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us. No matter his present environment, David could look to the fact of Gods shepherd-like presence and know, You are with me and I will fear no evil.. 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. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! Bible Introductions - Psalms by John MacArthur - Blue Letter Bible Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; There are no halfway measures when it comes to the Lords provision for our lives. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. Is - Can you say that? Title: The MacArthur Bible Commentary By: John MacArthur Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 2040 Vendor: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: 2005 Dimensions: 9.75 X 6.75 X 2.75 (inches) Weight: 3 pounds 11 ounces ISBN: 0785250662 ISBN-13: 9780785250661 Stock No: WW250662 Related Products The Jesus You Can't Ignore: Study $7.49 $9.99 Save 25% This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God's goodness in the present and in the future. Thank God for such times! Major Prophets On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. General Epistles Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. You are not your own but were bought with a price! This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. Luke-Acts The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. of Scripture. Now this place of rest is, first and foremost spiritually speaking, right in the midst of the problem. 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. Later, rabbis often designated it "The Book of Praises." . '. Messages on Psalm 23 | Desiring God These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. Davids guidance from God has a moral component. Behold just such a one! (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. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. 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 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 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. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible The New Testament speaks of Jesus as anointed (Luke 4:18; John 20:31; Acts 5:42; Hebrews 1:9, etc.). The Old Testament Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. Play. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! You anoint my head with oil; Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. Pauline Epistles In verse 1, David expresses his thoughts about God. Johannine Writings My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. [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! [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! But how does God do this? The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! 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. This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. Not to raging waves of strife, but to peaceful streams of holy love does the Spirit of God conduct the chosen sheep. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. Make sure your view of the 'Good Shepherd' Jesus is the right one! Maybe this verse should have read 'though I close my eyes and sprint through the valley of the shadow of death' This verse speaks to us of the trying times in our lives where there is darkness, confusion and fear. People need comfort and encouragement. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. 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. 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.. He is a great shepherd. 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' So out of the blue she emailed a few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you? Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? Poetical Books Is it Messianic? 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. 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. I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. If there was such a thing as animal school, they would be dropouts. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). You may be in a dark place but you must keep walking. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD 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) He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. In Psalm 23, however, the psalmist declares that the Sovereign of the universe, the Creator of all things, can be described using "my," that the Lord attends to me in a personal way. In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. The MacArthur Bible Commentary - John F. MacArthur - Google Books Wisdom Literature 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' Arno C Gaebelin said (with some small modifications): A good way to read this Psalm is by asking the question, 'What shall I not want?' We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. Prophets It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! Bible Text Commentaries by John MacArthur - Blue Letter Bible Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? 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! 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! The Shepherds Crook. The light shines the brightest in the dark. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. He is that interested in each of His sheep! I'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! But there is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. That's the animal God choose which best represents you! Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. You are mine. The MacArthur Commentaries Series | SermonAudio His future return for His people as the King of Glory! [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. 20:28 ) If this is you, then please don't starve God's flock and please don't feed them rubbish. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. See here, 1. 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! He is. Sep 8, 1980. 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! Do you? Major Prophets The Third Commandment says, You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name (Exodus 20:7). God (through the prophet Jeremiah) said, For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and cut them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13). 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. But that is not how it is in the dry arid lands of the Middle East and we need to read this Psalm with that mindset. But we need to learn to lie down. David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. 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. In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. The Saviours Cross. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. Still, David has decided to praise God no matter what happens. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point 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. 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. Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? 27:1). John Piper Sep 1, 1980. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. The MacArthur Bible Commentary: John MacArthur: 9780785250661: Amazon A city on a hill cannot be hidden. With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. Historical Books Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. It talks about humanity, our experiences, and even our emotions. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the author's heart and trust in God. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. But the shepherds here use dogs and fences to drive and control the sheep. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. Our children were still quite young. David had extreme confidence in who God IS right now! They know that it will be ok. 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. The Old Testament 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.. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. 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. There is something about people who truly know their God. 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. I will fear no evil, for you are with me (v. 4b). If we could be saved from wrath, and yet remain unregenerate, impenitent sinners, we should not be saved as we desire, for we mainly and chiefly pant to be saved from sin and led in the way of holiness.[4]. Nor have I ever heard an audible voice that was clearly God's telling me which decisions to make. How would you describe sheep? The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The New Testament [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. i. That is some revelation! Learn More | Livestream | Bulletin Servicios en espaol. 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. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. Pastor John MacArthur. i. Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. Because the sheep have this tendency to wander and get lost, a shepherd must always guide them in the right direction. He talks about going through it, showing that he expects to emerge from its shadows into the light on the other side. Psalm 23 | Anchored | Grace Community Church - gracechurch.org On some days, she was on one side of the valley. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. ii. Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New . (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts Commentary on Psalm 23 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. That was his role growing up. Now David wasn't saying here that 'the Lord is my Shepherd, whom I do not want'! 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahwehs house forever. Here the second allegory begins. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. a. God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. It is a necessary method to protect the sheep. i. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Everything will be ok. On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. The good man has his enemies. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. The Gospels [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. I need to know you are well.' They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a i. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. Report an Issue Sermon Correction/Question . Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. (23) Seller Location . 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' b. John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, president of The Masters University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. Pentateuch This is a fact as indisputable as it is encouraging, and therefore a heavenly verily, or surely is set as a seal upon it. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck Goodness and mercy follow him alwaysall the days of his life the black days as well as the bright days, the days of fasting as well as the days of feasting, the dreary days of winter as well as the bright days of summer. If we were without enemies, we might fear that we were not the friends of God, for the friendship of the world is enmity to GodThou preparest a table Nothing is hurried, there is no confusion, no disturbance, the enemy is at the door, and yet God prepares a table, and the Christian sits down and eats as if everything were in perfect peace. In this article, well be talking about the commentary of Psalm 23 and explore more about its meaning. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. Site by Mere. It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 23 Click on the different category headings to find out more. God is the one who looks after our lives. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. ISBN 10: 0785250662 ISBN 13: . The comforts of a living saint. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5].