Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. for his names sake (v. 3c). Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. Scripture: Psalm 23. Lord's Day Services. (Whew!) '. His Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, to cherish. (Philip Keller). 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. 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. It is a treasure chest filled with spiritual truths that encourage many. It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. 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 Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3). Daily devotional with John Piper. We may request cookies to be set on your device. It is expressed in this verse - Rom Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil. Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. 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. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. 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. a. The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. "It [ Psalm 23] has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. Gods presence removed the fear in David and comforted him. Nov. 10, 2012. 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. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? 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] . But despite this I got on with her pretty well. Luke-Acts 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! [13] Boy it used to annoy me how church leaders and other Christians would create such confusion concerning this! Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). Not will be, like you look forward to something He will do but IS - present tense. I will fear no evil, for you are with me (v. 4b). Someone said they are the most stupid animal on the face of the earth. Major Prophets In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. It works. It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. John Piper Sep 1, 1980. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). The Whole Bible 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahwehs house forever. 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. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. 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. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. It will go singing to your children and my children, and to their children, through all the generations of time; nor will it fold its wings till the last pilgrim is safe, and time ended; and then it shall fly back to the bosom of God, whence it issued, and sound on, mingled with all those sounds of celestial joy which make heaven musical for ever. That was his role growing up. He is in control. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. Not was, like He helped you in the past. If there is a ditch, they will fall in and need to be rescued. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. (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 a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'. But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! 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. Pauline Epistles The anointing of oil to the sheep isnt just a meaningless ritual. In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. 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. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. Share. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. 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. His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! The Whole Bible It would stick right by the Shepherd's side! i. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. The MacArthur Study Bible: new King James version - John MacArthur. Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. 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.. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. The book of Psalms is so unique because it focuses on the character of God. 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. God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. Wisdom Literature King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. Again, there is comfort in the fact that God directs us and even discipline from the Lord (pulling us back into line!) The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. For I am Yahweh your God, All the days of my life; Let us not, therefore, be afraid. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). Psalms 25:4-5 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. Johannine Writings Topical Series; DVD Series; Bible Series; Flash Drives; Bundles . Changes will take effect once you reload the page. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security. (Clarke). The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. The Old Testament His past death for His people Founded in 1969, Grace to You is the nonprofit organization responsible for developing, producing, and distributing Johns books, audio resources, and the Grace to You radio and television programs. This feeding is symbolic of being fed spiritually with the word of God. Your partnership makes all we do possible. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. There is something about people who truly know their God. Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. Behold just such a one! The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. a. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. I have called you by your name. 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. 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. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. He was aware of the potential dangers that may befall him. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). 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. i. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. Giving without a Whisper by C. H. Spurgeon, Know, Known, Knowledge, Unknown - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: Mateo 4 La Tentacin de Jess y Su Primer Ministerio en Galilea, David Guzik :: Hechos 2 El Espritu Santo Es Derramado Sobre la Iglesia, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 20 Satans, el Pecado y la Muerte son Finalmente Eliminados, David Guzik :: 2 Timoteo 3 Los Tiempos Peligrosos y la Preciosa Verdad, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 12 La Mujer, el Nio, y el Dragn, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), Matthew 18-19 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 1:1-8 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), John 12 - Sir, We Would See Jesus (Chuck Missler), Genesis 2-3 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith). You can check these in your browser security settings. [1], It is not only I do not want, but I shall not want. Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, I shall not want. Old age with its feebleness shall not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom shall not find me destitute. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. Prophets GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. Ouch. The Hebrew word tob has a variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or plentiful. Commentaries; Sermons. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. 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.
