But do we believe it? The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. Location. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. (Spurgeon), iii. David found him so, and so have we. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New . God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Pentateuch 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) The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. 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. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. So for now, let us follow our Lord where He would lead. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point 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. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. Pastor John MacArthur. 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. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! There is something about people who truly know their God. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. 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. That is some revelation! Psalm 107. In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. In Psalm 22 He gives His life for the sheep; in Psalm 23 He gives His love to the sheep; in Psalm 24 He gives us light when He shall appear. David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. And when the days of this life are over, then we shall enter into that which we can only partly imagine, for, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'. He had known famine. Obviously it means that with the Lord protecting and providing for us then we shall not lack that which He knows we need. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible That was a question that was once sent to me. The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. It included the most highlighted passage in the Bible which turned out to be this passage: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. I will fear no evil, for you are with me (v. 4b). Oh! How would you describe sheep? Pauline Epistles Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. The light shines the brightest in the dark. Here the second allegory begins. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. Is it Messianic? They will lead us to places of rest and provision. b. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. Basically fear tactics. (wpe). They also enjoy the enthusiastic company of their fifteen grandchildren. of Scripture. To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banished the fear of evil. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. [9] As Jesus Himself said, 'You are the light of the world. Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. 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). What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. Can you say that about your life? However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. With joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. 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. However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. Historical Books Psalm 23:3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Daily devotional with John Piper. May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. 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. However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. (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. The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Pastor John MacArthur. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. Play. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. The Saviours Cross. Title The entire collection of Psalms is entitled "Praises" in the Hebrew text. The comforts of a living saint. He is the shepherd that provides and His people will lack no good thing. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4a). My cup runs over. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. 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. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. MON 10/20/2014. 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. i. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). 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! God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . Make sure your view of the 'Good Shepherd' Jesus is the right one! Poetical Books The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. (Whew!) 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! Interactive Bible study with John Piper. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. The Hebrew word tob has a variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or plentiful. But he also knew something else. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. Notice the following -. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. 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 promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! Wisdom Literature GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Because the sheep have this tendency to wander and get lost, a shepherd must always guide them in the right direction. ), 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. type 23-6 in the address bar in place of 1-1 so that . The New Testament Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. It would stick right by the Shepherd's side! 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! Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. . In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. To walk indicates the steady advance of a soul which knows its road, knows its end, resolves to follow the path, feels quite safe, and is therefore perfectly calm and composed Observe that it is not walking in the valley, but through the valley. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? [10]. Luke-Acts 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). 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Major Prophets It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! The Old Testament Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' God is like a shepherd to David. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. John Piper Sep 1, 1980. God is the one who looks after our lives. David wrote about this in Psalm 25. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. And David knew that this would carry on all the days of his life. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! In fact, he thought quite highly of it, as is evident by this especially generous compliment: Of this delightful song it may be affirmed that its piety and its poetry are equal, its sweetness and its spirituality are unsurpassed. Spurgeon once referred to Psalm 23 as the Pearl of the Psalms in his monthly magazine, The Sword and the Trowel. But it is alluded to such as in Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." The hosts care and concern doesnt eliminate the presence of my enemies but enables the experience of Gods goodness and bounty even in their midst. Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' Companionship -- for you are with me. He had known feast. He is. See here, 1. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God's goodness in the present and in the future. 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! It has an inexpressibly delightful application to the dying; but it is for the living, too. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. 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 does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. The Believer's Confession of Sin. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. God's Testimony to the Scriptures. 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. It makes sense. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. and flame will not scorch you. Sometimes it goes through the dark valley as the next verse indicates. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The Whole Bible You are mine. In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. Wisdom Literature Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). and I will dwell in Yahwehs (Hebrew: YHWH) house forever (v. 6b). (Philip Keller). These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. Psalms 23. He is no longer speaking about God, but is instead speaking to God. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). Sometimes those paths lead straight through the valley of the shadow of death. And I used to always think 'Well! He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. I need to know you are well.' Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. Sermon. 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. in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. People need comfort and encouragement. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! The New Testament (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. Are any of us low in grace? Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. 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. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. 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. To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. Johannine Writings 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. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Sep 8, 1980. General Epistles Pauline Epistles When applied to Yahweh, hesed is fundamentally the expression of his loyalty and devotion to the solemn promises attached to the covenant. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. 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..
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