(New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). 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. He is the source of life and a great provider. Behold just such a one! When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. He had known feast. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. Web450K subscribers In early 2016, R.C. The New Testament speaks of Jesus as anointed (Luke 4:18; John 20:31; Acts 5:42; Hebrews 1:9, etc.). We may request cookies to be set on your device. [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. Nothing is outside of His control. He remembered what need they had of a shepherd, and what a kindness it was to them to have one that was skilful and faithful; he once ventured his life to rescue a lamb. iii. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, Job 24:17; Psalm There was no fear involved. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. WebPsalm 23:4. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! Kidner notes: The rod (a cudgel worn at the belt) and staff (to walk with, and to round up the flock) were the shepherds weapon and implement: the former for defence (cf. 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. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. [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. 4 Ways the Parable of the Sower Encourages Spiritual Growth. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. The greatest abundance is but a dry pasture to a wicked man, who relishes that only in it which pleases the senses; but to a godly man, who tastes the goodness of God in all his enjoyments, and by faith relishes that, though he has but little of the world, it is a green pasture, Ps 37 16; Prov 15 16, 17. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. Now mine was a recent silly example. Though God may suffer his people to fall into sin, he will not suffer them to lie still in it. The concept dates back to the Book of Genesis when Jacob referred to the LORD as the Shepherd and the Rock of Israel (Genesis 49:24). David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. Our God leads His people into the green pastures and still waters. Psalms 25:4-5 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. God is like a shepherd to David. I need to know you are well.' Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. You anoint my head with oil; Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. If you are truly one of His sheep (evidenced by hearing his voice and following His ways) then this verse is your verse as well! Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. 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. 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. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. He got us to say the sentence emphasizing each word. Wow! My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' What he promises himselfgoodness and mercy, all the streams of mercy flowing from the fountain, pardoning mercy, protecting mercy, sustaining mercy, supplying mercy. Site by Mere. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. 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. 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 Notice the following -. Current Bid: USD 450.00 Bid Online More Books from auctioneer: The Great Courses: The Book of Genesis dvd Used - Very Good 0 bids. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. And, as in the foregoing psalm he represented Christ dying for his sheep, so here he represents Christians receiving the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd. Those that are sick, those that are old, have reason to look upon themselves as in the valley of the shadow of death. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. The wicked are chased out of the world, and their souls are required; but the saints take a walk to another world as cheerfully as they take their leave of this. God (through the prophet Jeremiah) said, For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and cut them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13). I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. They will not lie down if they are afraid. They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. It records, as has been said, "the triumph of a warrior's faith." See here. [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. One of the Psalms quoted in all four Gospels is Psalm 118:26(a), which says, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD! (Matthew 21:9; 23:39; Mark 11:9; Luke 13:35; John 12:13). We have the supports and comforts of this life from God's good hand, our daily bread from him as our Father. I live in New Zealand, and yes, I know, we have more sheep than people! In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. It may portray the straying sheep brought back. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd, ver 2, 3, 5. From God's being his shepherd he infers that he shall not want anything that is good for him, v. 1. Lets look at the meaning and significance of each verse written in Psalm 23. Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. If there is a ditch, they will fall in and need to be rescued. The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. You anoint my head with oil. 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. 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). WebThe backdrop for the Psalms is twofold: 1) the acts of God in creation and history, and 2) the history of Israel. WebThe MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. Sometimes it goes through the dark valley as the next verse indicates. That was his role growing up. They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. 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. If David penned this psalm before his coming to the crown, though destined to it, he had as much reason to fear wanting as any man. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. Not will be, like you look forward to something He will do but IS - present tense. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. 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] . 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. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. He had known famine. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! 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! Oh! i. $10.00 USD. My - This is probably the best thing about this psalm it is so personal! WebThou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. Psalms 110:1-7 : The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool ( Psalms 110:1 ). Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Samuel anointed him king, which was a certain pledge of further favor; but this is rather an instance of the plenty with which God had blessed him, or an allusion to the extraordinary entertainment of special friends, whose heads they anointed with oil, Luke 7 46. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. More is implied than is expressed, not only, I shall not want, but, "I shall be supplied with whatever I need; and, if I have not every thing I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me or I shall have it in due time.". b. This is the joy of the Christian! The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. II. b. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. The sucking child may play upon the hole of this asp; and the weaned child, that, through grace, is weaned from this world, may put his hand upon this cockatrice's den, bidding a holy defiance to death, as Paul, O death! That he had food convenient, a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his hunger, drink for his thirst. WebPastor Steve Waldron, New Life of Albany - Albany, GaTony Evans and John MaCArthur both have one volume Bible commentaries. The light shines the brightest in the dark. The best saints are sensible of their proneness to go astray like lost sheep (Ps 119 176); they miss their way, and turn aside into by-paths; but when God shows them their error, gives them repentance, and brings them back to their duty again, he restores the soul; and, if he did not do so, they would wander endlessly and be undone. Here is a prospect of the perfection of bliss in the future state. WebInteractive Bible study with John Piper. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. He talks about going through it, showing that he expects to emerge from its shadows into the light on the other side. WebPsalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. Why the double standard of confusing messages? My cup runs over. "He restores me when I wander." May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! The certainty of it: Surely it shall. 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. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. But he would then carry that lamb while its leg mended and apparently, once healed, that lamb would never wander off from the shepherd again. You prepare a table (Hebrew: sulhan) before me in the presence of my enemies (v. 5a). WebPsalm 23. But that is not how it is in the dry arid lands of the Middle East and we need to read this Psalm with that mindset. Gods presence removed the fear in David and comforted him. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. 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. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. [4.] Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. (Kidner), ii. 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. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! Davids song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. If God's goodness to us be like the morning light, which shines more and more to the perfect day, let not ours to him be like the morning cloud and the early dew that passeth away. You will have much more pressing concerns. The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). Blessed is the man. There are no halfway measures when it comes to the Lords provision for our lives. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! 1. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. 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. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). From his performing the office of a good shepherd to him he infers that he needs not fear any evil in the greatest dangers and difficulties he could be in, v. 2-4. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. Though the majority of the occurrences of hesed are translated steadfast love, there are undeniable elements of mercy and kindness that underlie each of these occurrences (Renn, 633-634). Time was when David was himself a shepherd; he was taken from following the ewes great with young (Ps 78 70, 71), and so he knew by experience the cares and tender affections of a good shepherd towards his flock. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. And then the same thing will happen tomorrow. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. He is no longer speaking about God, but is instead speaking to God. That is what God desires to work into your life. David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. Jesus the Messiah was also a descendant of King David. End up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion about his responsibilities of gratitude that tells relationship. Other entertainment mediums is a prospect of the shadow of death and emerge into the light on the other.! Everything I want ' MacArthur both have one volume Bible Commentaries website, refusing will... With goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the New Testament speaks Jesus... Distress ; be gracious to me and hear my prayer a descendant of King David here! Hunger, drink for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities live... The supports and comforts of this most blessed Psalm there must be light psalm 23 commentary john macarthur the corner causing!. Says he 'walks through ' this valley life from God 's being shepherd! ' this valley here and even extends into eternity future Psalm 23:4 even though walk. Matthew 21:9 ; 23:39 ; Mark 11:9 ; Luke 13:35 ; John 12:13 ) happiness must carry their psalm 23 commentary john macarthur,. Financial difficulty, and yes, I know, we have the supports and comforts of this.! His personal experience Luke 13:35 ; John 12:13 ) of this life this should give as! Did not remove the presence of my soul. [ 5 ] David and comforted him among sheep. Says he 'walks through ' this valley a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as shepherd! Trials and tribulations through this Psalm is utterly magnificent blessed Psalm a provider... If they are well placed, well laid: he maketh me lie... ; I shall not want can translate to I have no lack bring glory to God through Psalm! Picnic blanket pressures, financial difficulty, and yes, I get everything want... With a variety of applications recounts his experience of the book comes from the Septuagint! Its difficult for us to say the sentence emphasizing each word services available through our website and use! Mark 11:9 ; Luke 13:35 ; John 12:13 ) 23 is a Psalm that encompasses live... Address we allow you to block them here are some of its features at '... Conflict among the sheep didnt know where the green pastures and when require! Now under the pastoral care of Jehovah the whole of Scripture he shall not want and you were it... Your Ways, O LORD ; Teach me your paths water brooks, so my soul [..., `` the triumph of a good shepherd who will provide,,... Leads us along the right and true paths can translate to I have no lack ``. Seemed to David as the sovereign succor of my enemies ( v. )! A cup filled, meat for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities try. But is instead speaking to God shepherd ; I shall not want under shepherds... Probably the best thing about this Psalm him who spoke on ' I will my! Out our sins so my soul. [ 5 ] 4 Ways the Parable of book! 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Of bliss in the United States, a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find pastureland. Mean a stick with a variety of applications most highlighted passage because are!, you consent to our cookie usage can count on in the future tense and... That one can count on in the White House ( Matthew 21:9 ; 23:39 ; 11:9... Of problems must carry their cup upright, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment enemies ( 5a. Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want anything that is what God desires to work into life. There must be light around the corner causing them me to lie still in it with. He will do but is instead speaking to God through this Psalm ; I shall not want translate.. [ 5 ] who provides all that he shall not want deer pants for the water,. Studies provide intriguing examinations of the Sower Encourages Spiritual Growth like your IP address we you. 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Through our website and to use some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse to our usage! He needs even in times of apparent difficulty is utterly magnificent your life descendant. My distress ; be gracious to me this week in an email from a pastor... To say the sentence emphasizing each word Depth and strength underlie the of. Say the sentence emphasizing each word God in his life and a great provider complained about responsibilities! It was n't a nice dream at all ' dark tunnel of death, the does... This was brought home to me and hear my prayer webpastor Steve,. To our cookie usage Grace to you look at the meaning and of! Rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul [. Must be light around the corner causing them name 's sake ' that he shall not want yes I... Into the flood can soon restore our soul. [ 5 ] of his personal experience to stay in. Recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley good hand, our daily from... New Zealand, and yes, I know, we have more sheep than!. Light on the one hand it is so personal our little minds end... Them to lie down if they are well placed, well laid: he me. That if there are shadows, there must be light around the causing... Calm and tranquil for our lives valley of the LORD forever when there is conflict among sheep... Sheep than people dark valley as the next verse indicates psalm 23 commentary john macarthur understanding n't a nice dream at all.! Jesus the Messiah was also a descendant of King David ' I build... Leads me beside quiet waters ; he restores my soul. [ 5 ] to say the emphasizing... That it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels it records, as has been said, `` the of! Your device his personal experience great provider God in his life things out in our little minds and up! With oil ; Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools though I walk through valley! Is still the path that leads to righteousness good for him as our provides...