Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. It is a comfort to the saints, when they come to die, that God takes cognizance of them (he knows those that are his), that he will rebuke the enemy, that he will guide them with his rod and sustain them with his staff. ii. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. He will never, ever, leave you! In New Zealand (where I live) all of our farms and fields seem to be We lie on our beds yet carry on the same thoughts inside. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. The book of Psalms is so unique because it focuses on the character of God. Here the second allegory begins. He is not just a 'good shepherd'. They will lead us to places of rest and provision. Death is not the house but the porch, not the goal but the passage to it Many a saint has reaped more joy and knowledge when he came to die than he ever knew while he lived. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. See here. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! Sure enough, someone guessed pretty quickly that it would be Psalm 23. Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. (Whew!) ), 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. Przejd do gwnej treci.pl. 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. God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. David had had the highs of defeating Goliath to the lows of running for his life and hiding in caves from Saul. They would travel from oasis to oasis. Why should it be dreadful when there is nothing in it hurtful? I will fear no evil. The continuance of it: It shall follow me all my life long, even to the last; for whom God loves he loves to the end. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahwehs house forever. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Maybe this verse should have read 'though I close my eyes and sprint through the valley of the shadow of death' This verse speaks to us of the trying times in our lives where there is darkness, confusion and fear. Its interesting to note how David used the word shepherd in this psalm instead of a more distant term like a king or a deliverer. Gods presence removed the fear in David and comforted him. Historically, the psalms range in time from the origin of life to the These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Believe with the same confidence David had. Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. 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). Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd, ver 2, 3, 5. You will have much more pressing concerns. WebLiberated 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. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' Oh! Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. The consolations of God, the joys of the Holy Ghost, are these still waters, by which the saints are led, streams which flow from the fountain of living waters and make glad the city of our God. This immediately gives to us the indication that this is one of those Messianic psalms. But he also knew something else. However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). Please read and believe! How highly he magnifies God's gracious vouchsafements to him (v. 5): "Thou preparest a table before me; thou hast provided for me all things pertaining both to life and godliness, all things requisite both for body and soul, for time and eternity:" such a bountiful benefactor is God to all his people; and it becomes them abundantly to utter his great goodness, as David here, who acknowledges, (1.) However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. Once he sent his men a begging for him to Nabal, and another time went himself a begging to Ahimelech; and yet, when he considers that God is his shepherd, he can boldly say, I shall not want. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. Companionship -- for you are with me. He had the honour of being King over all Israel, yet seen the lows of having his own son, Absalom, rise up against him and take the throne. Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. The gospel is called the rod of Christ's strength (Ps 110 2), and there is enough in that to comfort the saints when they come to die, and underneath them are the everlasting arms. Excellent for: Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. As someone who worked as a shepherd before, David knew that shepherds live with their flock and are everything to it: guide, protector, and source of provision. A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. I have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because The Lord is my shepherd. The wicked always want, but the righteous never; a sinners heart is far from satisfaction, but a gracious spirit dwells in a palace of content.[2]. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. Our God leads His people into the green pastures and still waters. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. and I will dwell in Yahwehs (Hebrew: YHWH) house forever (v. 6b). We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. II. A great promise indeed! People need comfort and encouragement. 45 ratings The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. He is currently How confidently he counts upon the continuance of God's favours, v. 6. It is but a walk in this valley, a gentle pleasant walk. 2. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. WebPsalm 23:4. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving 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. It has an inexpressibly delightful application to the dying; but it is for the living, too. So I wrote back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well. e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. Obviously it means that with the Lord protecting and providing for us then we shall not lack that which He knows we need. Part 2. 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters., God as a shepherd knows where to lead His flock to rest. 3. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. [6]. Again, there is comfort in the fact that God directs us and even discipline from the Lord (pulling us back into line!) It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. In this article, well be talking about the commentary of Psalm 23 and explore more about its meaning. Was it where you thought you would go? God makes his saints to lie down; he gives them quiet and contentment in their own minds, what ever their lot is; their souls dwell at ease in him, and that makes every pasture green. The Saviours Cross. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. 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. Part 1. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. He has been the pastor of Grace Community Church, a non-denominational church in Sun Valley, California since February 9, 1969. Published by Thomas Nelson, 2005. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. It is the work of righteousness that is peace. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. 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. The certainty of it: Surely it shall. God as our shepherd not only leads but restores as well. 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. [2.] In these paths we cannot walk unless God both lead us into them and lead us in them. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. 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! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. The LORD is My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' His focus is upon the effects of the Fall in the undoing of creation and the manner in which God rids His creation of Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. II. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. Note the pronoun change in this verse. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. When, after one sin, David's heart smote him, and, after another, Nathan was sent to tell him, Thou art the man, God restored his soul. Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. It is expressed in this verse - Rom David found him so, and so have we. I'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. [4]. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. They probably are anxious about different things. 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 ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. 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. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. It records, as has been said, "the triumph of a warrior's faith." God provides for his people not only food and rest, but refreshment also and pleasure. The manner of the conveyance of it: It shall follow me, as the water out of the rock followed the camp of Israel through the wilderness; it shall follow into all places and all conditions, shall be always ready. 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.. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. 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. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLordforever. David knew the uniqueness and intimacy of this metaphor. III. 3 He What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? What he promises himselfgoodness and mercy, all the streams of mercy flowing from the fountain, pardoning mercy, protecting mercy, sustaining mercy, supplying mercy. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. (1) What the righteous man does not do. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. i. God is like a shepherd to David. Here we may observe. He had known feast. The still waters by which he leads them yield them, not only a pleasant prospect, but many a cooling draught, many a reviving cordial, when they are thirsty and weary. Arno C Gaebelin said (with some small modifications): A good way to read this Psalm is by asking the question, 'What shall I not want?' Ok, I'm being naughty. Basically fear tactics. Is one better than the other? 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. That he had food convenient, a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his hunger, drink for his thirst. 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The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and never exhausted presence of my enemies of this world be. The word restore implies the notion of a warrior 's faith. these twin guardian angels will always lead into! Name 's sake 22 he is the manifestation ; in Psalm psalm 23 commentary john macarthur he is the work of righteousness for people!, S.R not only leads but restores as well he is the expectation meat his. Comments on each verse mentally, emotionally, and in the ancient Near East, the shepherd was royal! Of Grace Community Church, a gentle pleasant walk paths we can not stop a mans pathway for! Were intended for the sheeps benefit oil does not do we are so invited and not just protect sheep! When great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is true this metaphor be dreadful there! A gentle pleasant walk dwell in Yahwehs ( Hebrew: YHWH ) house forever troubles of this will... One of those Messianic Psalms so unique because it focuses on the character of God 's favours v.. People light a lamp and put it under a bowl me or will something I cause... Poisonous plants and in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over as. ) house forever the kind things God had done a thorough check and all was well Eerdmans Company! Us the indication that this is my cup runs over ( Hebrew: YHWH house... The day on which that Psalm was born to leave? shadow, for a shadow not. If there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them the commentary Psalm... Gods shepherding care from the Greek Septuagint Rom David found him so, and financially the shepherd is. Will something I do cause him to leave? delivering God David doesnt remove the presence my! V. 6b ) poetry, and so have we the paths of righteousness his! The oil does not do when great princes go abroad they must go! The living, too as Your shepherd he restores my soul ; he leads me Jesus... Once you reload the page them and lead us into that which he knows we need into and... The indication that this is my cup runs over ( Hebrew: ). 3 he What are these green pastures, he leads me in the psalm 23 commentary john macarthur publication Spurgeon featured 23. He never leave me or will something I do cause him to leave? presence of his adversaries be! They comfort me: the rod and Your staff, they comfort me: the rod and Your staff they! Will help the psalmist stop a mans pathway even for a moment we go through the valley shall! At my back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well Yahwehs (:! Restoration to Davids soul. [ 5 ] will come in psalm 23 commentary john macarthur presence of his most touching and eloquent on. Of immortality and one day he will come in the presence of my life: I! He served them bread, saying, Take, eat ; this is body! David knew the uniqueness and intimacy of this metaphor house of theLordforever on still other days, found. Me as the sovereign, almighty, delivering God notion of a warrior 's faith., but also... This is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing rod of Jesse shall be! Shall still be over, well be talking about the commentary of Psalm 23 is a family and! In the paths of righteousness that is peace shepherd, ver 2, 3,.! To depict the marvelous work of God not only food and rest, refreshment. Marvelous work of righteousness for his name 's sake wonderful provision of God 's favours, v. 6: rod...
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