David had had the highs of defeating Goliath to the lows of running for his life and hiding in caves from Saul. I live in New Zealand, and yes, I know, we have more sheep than people! Learn More | Livestream | Bulletin Servicios en espaol. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point They are still waters, for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. Pentateuch (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Sep 8, 1980. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. The anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. So here is a man who has had to depend upon His Shepherd and is finding Him faithful even in trying times. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. The wonder of wonders is that through the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives we can actually go through these times without fear! Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. General Epistles He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. In this article, well be talking about the commentary of Psalm 23 and explore more about its meaning. She is a lady that is unfortunately into the New Age and has spirit guides etc She doesn't agree with what I believe nor do I agree with her beliefs. 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 psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. [6]. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. And then the same thing will happen tomorrow. He is. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. It is a treasure chest filled with spiritual truths that encourage many. 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?' 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). 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. In Psalm 22 Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. It talks about humanity, our experiences, and even our emotions. When applied to Yahweh, hesed is fundamentally the expression of his loyalty and devotion to the solemn promises attached to the covenant. In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. Yea, prosperity not only so intoxicates many, as to carry them . [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. 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. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. ), The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, 5 vol. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. Sometimes it goes through the dark valley as the next verse indicates. 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.. But he also knew something else. If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! 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. [10]. Lord's Day Services. However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). We must surrender our desires and follow where He leads no matter the cost. 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 for ever. (Spurgeon), (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. That is some revelation! What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! - Henry Ward Beecher, [2] J Vernon McGee writes 'to put it succinctly, in Psalm 22 we see the cross, in Psalm 23 the crook (the Shepherd's crook), and in Psalm 24 the crown (the King's crown). He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? ), 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. God shines His light into our lives. Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? Solid Joys. We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. 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. No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! If there was such a thing as animal school, they would be dropouts. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. and flame will not scorch you. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. i. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. 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! That was a question that was once sent to me. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. I will believe that thou reignest still. I. Minor Prophets Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. The comforts of a living saint. You are mine. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Date: 1/31/2021. 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. 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. On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. I had good medical care. Are any of us low in grace? But if it is an honor to be invited to the Presidents home, it is an infinitely greater honor to be invited to the Lords house. So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. Believe with the same confidence David had. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Published by Thomas Nelson, 2005. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. 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. How much would you have had in your cup? (Spurgeon), ii. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. (Proverbs 10:3). Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. That was all it said. John MacArthur (b. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, My. He does not say, The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock, but The Lord is my shepherd; if he be a Shepherd to no one else, he is a Shepherd to me; he cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me. The words are in the present tense. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. Note the pronoun change in this verse. iv. They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. Pauline Epistles Thank God for such times! Why the double standard of confusing messages? (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. 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. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). There you have it. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. One where 'the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. Minor Prophets In my experience I have never seen a visible manifestation of God going before me at a fork in the road. The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. Luke-Acts Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He is the Shepherd that tends to His flock. John Piper Sep 8, 1980 On some days, she was on one side of the valley. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. 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. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? Play. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; iii. It was never used on the sheep. The center point of this psalm is for you are with me. In the original Hebrew language, there are 26 words before this phrase, and 26 afterwards (Limburg, 74). If we could be saved from wrath, and yet remain unregenerate, impenitent sinners, we should not be saved as we desire, for we mainly and chiefly pant to be saved from sin and led in the way of holiness.[4]. You prepare a table (Hebrew: sulhan) before me in the presence of my enemies (v. 5a). In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. 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. Commentaries; Sermons. 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. As the shepherd led the sheep from oasis to oasis, this sometimes meant passing through narrow valleys that had steep cliff faces on each side. David knew all about this. What would you say of a pilgrim commissioned of God to travel up and down the earth singing a strange melody, which, when one heard, caused him to forget whatever sorrow he had? Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. In terms of how it is loved, look at how one old theologian from the 1800's spoke of it. Luke-Acts Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. (Kidner), ii. It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. 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. Poetical Books Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. It's not somewhere that you set up camp thinking that is all you will ever know. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. God is the one who looks after our lives. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. Behold just such a one! That's the animal God choose which best represents you! April 17, 2011. Many people succumb to their hopelessness and fear. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, 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! Topical Series; DVD Series; Bible Series; Flash Drives; Bundles . 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD 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. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. 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. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. 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. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. This psalm is so personal, with the pronoun I or My, being used commonly. See here, 1. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. The epistle to the Hebrews is a study in contrast, between the imperfect and incomplete provisions of the Old Covenant, given under Moses, and the infinitely better provisions of the New Covenant offered by the perfect High-Priest, God's only Son and the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. Major Prophets They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. 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. Included in the "better" provisions are: a better hope . 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! The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Report an Issue Sermon Correction/Question . It's not for the goats. The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). The Third Commandment says, You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name (Exodus 20:7). And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. (wpe). Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep.
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