There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. Not was, like He helped you in the past. But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! 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. On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise 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. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. ), 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. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. A number of our soldiers died there. Date: 1/31/2021. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4a). It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! I had good medical care. 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! The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. Joy -- You anoint my head with oil and my cup runs over. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. ii. Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, Psalm 2 Bible Study The Current Rebellion & The Coming King, Psalm 8 Bible Study The wonder of God and the second man, Psalm 16 Part 1: Testing's in the journey through life and death, Psalm 16 Part 2 - Hope in the journey through life and death, Psalm 22 Part 1 - Prophecy of the crucifixion and the wrath of man. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. Was it where you thought you would go? Please read and believe! Amazon, in the last couple of weeks (Nov 2014) released the most highlighted passages in their most popular books downloaded onto Kindle, their electronic book reader. To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. Later, rabbis often designated it "The Book of Praises." . ii. 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. (wpe). But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, says the Lord Yahweh, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes (Ezekiel 36:22-23). Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. 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! David found him so, and so have we. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. This also shows us our need of giving Him His rightful place as Lord over our life. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. 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. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. 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. b. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death: This line from the psalm and the psalm as a whole has proven itself precious to many a dying saint through the ages. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. 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! 27:1). To be invited to a persons table was an honor. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. Johannine Writings of Scripture. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. Passwords should have at least 6 characters. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. You are not your own but were bought with a price! Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD You can also change some of your preferences. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Psalm's 22, 23 and 24 give different glimpses of this wonderful Shepherd. When we get tired we take a rest. The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. Abraham's Bosom, Paradise, and Heaven 1. Verses 1-6. 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Major Prophets That was all it said. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. The light shines the brightest in the dark. Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. God was the one providing for him, God was the one anointing his head with oil (which was what gracious hosts did for their guests in Israel) so he knew that he would have more than enough! John Piper Sep 1, 1980. Pastor John MacArthur. Poetical Books Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. Sun Valley, CA 91352 It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. David knew all about this. In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. (23) Seller Location . He leads me beside still waters. They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! It is a psalm written by David who grew up as a shepherd. God's Testimony to the Scriptures. can be seen as comforting for it is a sign that He loves us scripture says (Heb 12:6). This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. Historical Books 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! Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God's goodness in the present and in the future. Liberated for Life : Galatians - a Bible Commentary for Laymen by John F. MacArthur and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. Verse 1. My cup runs over. See here, 1. You will have much more pressing concerns. Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banished the fear of evil. He is in control. When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. Lets look at the meaning and significance of each verse written in Psalm 23. The book of Psalms is so unique because it focuses on the character of God. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. The Shepherds Crook. d. For You are with me: This emphasizes that it is the presence of the shepherd that eliminated the fear of evil for the sheep. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish ; no one can snatch them out of my hand. He is no longer speaking about God, but is instead speaking to God. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. . This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! Be assured! 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. He is a great shepherd. Sermon. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. Title The entire collection of Psalms is entitled "Praises" in the Hebrew text. b. But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. Pentateuch He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point That symmetric bracketing was a literary device intended to focus attention on the middle phrase, for you are with me. Gods saving presence is the focal point of this psalm. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. Historical Books I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. He does not say there shall not be any evil; he had got beyond even that high assurance, and knew that Jesus had put all evil away; but I will fear no evil; not even the Evil One himself; I will not dread the last enemy, I will look upon him as a conquered foe, an enemy to be destroyed, For thou art with me. Prophets 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. type 23-6 in the address bar in place of 1-1 so that . Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? As I said, it wasn't all easy and plain sailing being a sheep in Israel however. Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. Welcome to FaithGiant, where you can find everything you need to live a life of faith, hope, and love. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! [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. My cup runs over. Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' I. MON 10/20/2014. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. 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. 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. 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] . The New Testament speaks of Jesus as anointed (Luke 4:18; John 20:31; Acts 5:42; Hebrews 1:9, etc.). It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. Companionship -- for you are with me. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. 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). The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. April 17, 2011. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. 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). So out of the blue she emailed a few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you? The good man has his enemies. And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. He first spoke them for Israels sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them for our sake. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, We are well escorted, with a Shepherd in front and these twin angels behind! (Meyer), iii. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. . So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. 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. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. 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. The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. God is holy, and takes his holy name seriously: Since God is holy, we as Gods people need to insure that we do not tarnish his name by our wrongful words or actions. John MacArthur: The Lord Is My Salvation 92,638 views Jun 16, 2017 1.3K Dislike Share Save Ligonier Ministries 448K subscribers "The Lord is my light and my salvation" (Ps. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled.
