It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. WebMark 9-16 MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Volume 6 : Macarthur, John: Amazon.pl: Ksiki. 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Other than the president and family, only a handful of people have been invited to make the White House their homeand then only for a few years. The New Testament speaks of Jesus as anointed (Luke 4:18; John 20:31; Acts 5:42; Hebrews 1:9, etc.). (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. That he had food convenient, a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his hunger, drink for his thirst. God longs to bless and prosper His people. 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. 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. Many people were praying for me. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. The Hebrew word tob has a variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or plentiful. But he also knew something else. The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' You can check these in your browser security settings. Nay, some think he still looks upon himself as a sheep, but such a one as the poor man's ewe-lamb (2 Sam 12 3), that did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom; not only thus nobly, but thus tenderly, are the children of God looked after. He is currently That he had it carefully and readily provided for him. the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). They would travel from oasis to oasis. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. 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). 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. 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. Blessed is the man. Be assured! I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. b. Hence he infers that he should want no good (ver 1), that he needed to fear no evil (ver 4), that God would never leave nor forsake him in a way of mercy; and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God in a way of duty, ver 6. It talks about humanity, our experiences, and even our emotions. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! The Analogy of God and the Shepherd in Psalm 23, The Lord As A Shepherd Who Provides (Verse 1), The Lord As A Shepherd Who Guides (Verses 2-3), The Protection And Comfort From Gods Presence (Verse 4), The Blessings of God Amidst Danger (Verse 5), Faith-Filled Content Delivered To Your Inbox, Best NASB Study Bibles Ranked & Reviewed, The Best Bible for Young Adults: Buyers Guide. No creature will lose itself sooner than a sheep, so apt is it to go astray, and then so unapt to find the way back. It included the most highlighted passage in the Bible which turned out to be this passage: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Koszyk Menu. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. 3,580+ | 2 min. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. can be seen as comforting for it is a sign that He loves us scripture says (Heb 12:6). The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc. I will fear no evil. Those that would be satisfied with the fatness of God's house must keep close to the duties of it. But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. When a soldier is in the presence of his enemies, if he eats at all he snatches a hasty meal, and away he hastens to the fight. The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. MON 10/20/2014. They are well helped when any thing ails them: He restoreth my soul. It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. That name therefore shall still be my strong tower, and shall assure me that he who has led me, and fed me, all my life long, will not leave me at last." he leads me to waters where I can rest: this was the best water. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. The LORD is He leads me - Jesus our Shepherd is in the business of leading and bringing you to a place of rest. 4Yea, 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. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. 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. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. Ok, I'm being naughty. 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. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. 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. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. [8] If you are someone that God has placed in a position of leadership or teaching then you should also remember that you are called shepherds and are called to feed the flock of God. 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. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). 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. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. i. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. His future return for His people as the King of Glory! He had known feast. Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us. 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. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. [12] Must admit that I have been dealing with a few trials lately and when I read this verse it kind of caught me by surprise! Psalm 23:3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. WebThe King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. But he also knew, through many highs and lows, throughout his life, that he too was but a sheep with a far greater Shepherd. There is something about people who truly know their God. ii. (1.) [4.] This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. II. Observe, (1.) 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. Gods presence removed the fear in David and comforted him. His word and Spirit shall comfort themhis rod and staff, alluding to the shepherd's crook, or the rod under which the sheep passed when they were counted (Lev 27 32), or the staff with which the shepherds drove away the dogs that would scatter or worry the sheep. Konto i listy Zwroty i zamwienia. The constancy of it: All the days of my life, as duly as the day comes; it shall be new every morning (Lam 3 22, 23) like the manna that was given to the Israelites daily. A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. David claimed that the same God who faithfully rescued the Israelites from Egypt and provided guidance and provision in the wilderness is the same faithful God he served. 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. But, even in the supposition of the distress, there are four words which lessen the terror:It is death indeed that is before us; but, [1.] Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? (12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. The Hebrew word rewayah suggests abundanceeven superabundance. David knew all about this. 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. Note, A child of God may meet the messengers of death, and receive its summons with a holy security and serenity of mind. The light shines the brightest in the dark. 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. 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. (Spurgeon). It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. [2.] Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! Anderson, A.A., The New Century Bible Commentary: Psalms 1-72 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), Broyles, Craig C., New International Biblical Commentary: Psalms (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999, Brueggemann, Walter, The Message of the Psalms A Theological Commentary (Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1984), Clifford, Richard J., Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), Craigie, Peter C., Word Biblical Commentary, Psalms 1-50, Vol. To his people, even through correction the personal connection that people see. Will remove all set cookies in our little minds and end up working ourselves a! Valley, as if it were a comfort to David may see our lives and praise God and frames! Account this Psalm, and financially others so that people may see our psalm 23 commentary john macarthur and praise God scripture says Heb! Pictures God as a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants you... 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Occurs after 'the days of my life ' turn should allow that light shine.