(23) Seller Location . It's not for the goats. Pastor John MacArthur. Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? Included in the "better" provisions are: a better hope . On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. Pentateuch My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' They know that it will be ok. When applied to Yahweh, hesed is fundamentally the expression of his loyalty and devotion to the solemn promises attached to the covenant. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. This also shows us our need of giving Him His rightful place as Lord over our life. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. 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. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. [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. The sense of this verse then is that, because God is loving and kind, his people can expect God to provide blessings throughout life. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. The New Testament speaks of Jesus as anointed (Luke 4:18; John 20:31; Acts 5:42; Hebrews 1:9, etc.). The New Testament Oh! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. This is the joy of the Christian! Scripture: Psalm 23. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. 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! The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. Everything in time -- for goodness and mercy shall follow me. (1.) A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. Gods motivations for treating His people rightly stem from the perfection and goodness of His nature. Although God, by his benefits, gently allures us to himself, as it were by a taste of his fatherly sweetness, yet there is nothing into which we more easily fall than into a forgetfulness of him, when we are in the enjoyment of peace and comfort. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. Not to raging waves of strife, but to peaceful streams of holy love does the Spirit of God conduct the chosen sheep. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. Location. 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. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. 'Do I need to be extra careful?' 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLordforever. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. This unspeakably delightful verse has been sung on many a dying bed, and has helped to make the dark valley bright times out of mind. 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. The Old Testament I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). Cookie Notice: 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! John is also president and featured teacher with Grace to You. Do you have the confidence to say that the almighty God IS your Shepherd right now? 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Yea, prosperity not only so intoxicates many, as to carry them . The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. Psalm 19. iv. 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 Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. (Spurgeon), iii. 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. (Spurgeon). [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? 20:28 ) If this is you, then please don't starve God's flock and please don't feed them rubbish. 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. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." . The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. The Whole Bible The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). The Believer's Confession of Sin. 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. In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. Right paths lead to life rather than death (see Matthew 7:13-14). Pauline Epistles Anointing with oil was used for various purposes (healing, burial, expressing grief or joy). Play. Anderson, A.A., The New Century Bible Commentary: Psalms 1-72 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), Broyles, Craig C., New International Biblical Commentary: Psalms (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999, Brueggemann, Walter, The Message of the Psalms A Theological Commentary (Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1984), Clifford, Richard J., Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), Craigie, Peter C., Word Biblical Commentary, Psalms 1-50, Vol. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. Wisdom Literature However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. [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.' In Psalm 23, we are compared to sheep who do not have a sense of direction, are hopeless, and are weak who need a Shepherd. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. Someone said they are the most stupid animal on the face of the earth. It is a psalm written by David who grew up as a shepherd. In the end, in whatever it is that places you in fear or unease, you have to come back to this very thought we are speaking of here - 'The Lord is my shepherd' - He is in control of all things. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Psalm 23 Many of David's psalms are full of complaints, but this is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God's great goodness and dependence upon him. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. Historical Books They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. It offers a broad overview of each Bible book and the internal consistency that results from having a single commentator. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. 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. My cup runs over. This one-volume commentary on the entire Bible from one of America's foremost Bible expositors offers instead a minilibrary of understandable resources designed to convey the Bible's overarching message with historical and theological clarity. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. Thank you for registering. When we get tired we take a rest. i. Wisdom Literature People need comfort and encouragement. i. Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. '. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? Solid Joys. The light shines the brightest in the dark. He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. I'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. The Gospels So for now, let us follow our Lord where He would lead. General Epistles Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain. In my experience I have never seen a visible manifestation of God going before me at a fork in the road. 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. There you have it. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. (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. I have called you by your name. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. Davids guidance from God has a moral component. The little child out at sea in the storm is not frightened like all the other passengers on board the vessel, it sleeps in its mothers bosom; it is enough for it that its mother is with it; and it should be enough for the believer to know that Christ is with him Thy rod and thy staff, by which you govern and rule your flock, the ensigns of your sovereignty and of your gracious carethey comfort me. Follow John MacArthur: Contact Information: Phone: 800-55-GRACE Fax: 661-295-5871 Email: [email protected] . It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. . It isnt his destination or dwelling place. Anyway, we might have been being a tad naughty but the principle can be quite helpful and this is what I will do with this first verse. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). He is. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a MON 10/20/2014. He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. They probably are anxious about different things. The other thing to note on this point is that the entire psalm is only valid for those who truly have Jesus as their shepherd. His future return for His people as the King of Glory! He is utterly trustworthy. You are mine. What is characteristic of them? It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching grief's, of orphans in their loneliness. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. Joy -- You anoint my head with oil and my cup runs over. Is - Can you say that? 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. 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. Pauline Epistles We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Sometimes it goes through the dark valley as the next verse indicates. John and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four married children: Matt, Marcy, Mark, and Melinda. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. 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. In verse 1, David expresses his thoughts about God. In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. Prophets Excellent for: personal and family devotions pastoral study preparing Sunday-school lessons using with a small group simply readingeach volume draws you in See here, 1. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in 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 Historical Books Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. Johannine Writings [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. Luke-Acts [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. It becomes more personal in this valley! 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. Now I want to break this first verse up into each little section so that we can get a better grasp as to what David was saying. We must surrender our desires and follow where He leads no matter the cost. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. This is seen in the following table: [2]. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. 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. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. I will believe that thou reignest still. 3,580+ | 2 min. 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. Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. ii. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. The New Testament When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. If you are truly one of His sheep (evidenced by hearing his voice and following His ways) then this verse is your verse as well! The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. God is. Nothing is outside of His control. can be seen as comforting for it is a sign that He loves us scripture says (Heb 12:6). My - This is probably the best thing about this psalm it is so personal! To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). General Epistles The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, You anoint my head with oil. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. 1939) is a Calvinist theologian, author, editor, and teacher. 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. (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. Pentateuch No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! [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. David knew all about this. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. The Shepherd's staff: The staff was used by the Shepherd to direct the sheep in the way in which they should go, and, in the case of a wandering nosey sheep, to pull it back into line [11] . John Piper Sep 1, 1980. 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. Major Prophets The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. 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. The anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. General Epistles There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence.
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