What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. 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! 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. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. 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. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. type 23-6 in the address bar in place of 1-1 so that . 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. The New Testament 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. a. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. 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.. Is - Can you say that? daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. 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. [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm.
Bible Text Commentaries by John MacArthur - Blue Letter Bible Yea, prosperity not only so intoxicates many, as to carry them . Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. He talks about going through it, showing that he expects to emerge from its shadows into the light on the other side. It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? ), 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. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. Topical Series; DVD Series; Bible Series; Flash Drives; Bundles . [8] If you are someone that God has placed in a position of leadership or teaching then you should also remember that you are called shepherds and are called to feed the flock of God. The Shepherds Crook. All the days of my life; ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. But he also knew something else. Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. They also enjoy the enthusiastic company of their fifteen grandchildren. Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:3, 12-13; 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39). 27:1). So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha.
Psalms 23 - The Pulpit Commentaries - StudyLight.org The Old Testament Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). Many people were praying for me. [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. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. iv. Lord's Day Services. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. He first spoke them for Israels sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them for our sake. What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. Our God leads His people into the green pastures and still waters. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. Psalm 23:3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Sometimes it goes through the dark valley as the next verse indicates. It was never used on the sheep. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Historical Books It's not for the goats. 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 They will not lie down if they are afraid. 'Do I need to be extra careful?' The New Testament Like the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, David might say that all of life is lived under the shadow of death, and it is the conscious presence of the LORD as shepherd that makes it bearable. 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) Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. 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. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'.
MacArthur Commentaries - Grace to You If there is a wire fence, they'll get caught in it. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). He is a great leader who leads people to righteous living. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. 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. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! 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. May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! Not many people receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more than one. This is seen in the following table: [2]. Major Prophets He is. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. They probably are anxious about different things. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. But he also knew, through many highs and lows, throughout his life, that he too was but a sheep with a far greater Shepherd. Because the sheep have this tendency to wander and get lost, a shepherd must always guide them in the right direction. Later, rabbis often designated it "The Book of Praises." . Make sure your view of the 'Good Shepherd' Jesus is the right one! In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLordforever. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. There are no halfway measures when it comes to the Lords provision for our lives. ii. [4]. He is the Shepherd that tends to His flock. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. 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. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. 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]. Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. Luke-Acts The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! There are stacks of deceptive shepherds around just as there always were. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. 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. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. This is the joy of the Christian! With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). God refuses to let the godly go hungry. Obviously it means that with the Lord protecting and providing for us then we shall not lack that which He knows we need. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? He would not be like his Lord if he had not. Scripture: Psalm 23. . John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible Changes will take effect once you reload the page. 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. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. God shines His light into our lives. [9] As Jesus Himself said, 'You are the light of the world. ), 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. In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. i. Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (1.) They are still waters, for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. There you have it.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary | Logos Bible Software Commentary on Psalm 23 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. He served them bread, saying, Take, eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28). God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. The Whole Bible But there is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. You will have much more pressing concerns. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. David wrote this while remembering his fearful experiences. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. In Psalm 22 Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. John MacArthur. If things are tough, remember this verse. and flame will not scorch you.
Psalms for the Anxious - Grace To You I have called you by your name. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. Companionship -- for you are with me. 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). Commentaries; Sermons. But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' 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.. Everything will be ok. Guidance -- for He leads me in the paths of righteousness. 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. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness.