Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. (Spurgeon), iii. Email / username or password was incorrect! He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. 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. Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." . Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:3, 12-13; 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39). And, then, it is not the valley of death, but the valley of the shadow of death, for death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. Wisdom Literature 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! You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. [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! 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' . Prophets This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. type 23-6 in the address bar in place of 1-1 so that . You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. (Jer 23:1-4, Ezek 34:1-10) Work to be a faithful shepherd realising that it is God's own sheep that He has placed in your care. And David knew that this would carry on all the days of his life. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. 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. Not many people receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more than one. That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. The Believer's Confession of Sin. iv. It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. But he also knew, through many highs and lows, throughout his life, that he too was but a sheep with a far greater Shepherd. But it is there that you learn that though you may not be able to see the shepherd as well as normal, He can see you and is still protecting you! However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. 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! No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! Topical Series; DVD Series; Bible Series; Flash Drives; Bundles . Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain. It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. Solid Joys. Psalm's 22, 23 and 24 give different glimpses of this wonderful Shepherd. 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! 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahwehs house forever. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. To eat at the Kings table in the presence of your enemies would show your enemies that the king holds you in high regard, and would demonstrate their powerlessness to hurt you. But there is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come. Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. This psalm is so personal, with the pronoun I or My, being used commonly. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. He is utterly trustworthy. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. It is what the Apostle Paul knew when he wrote: Philippians 4:11-13 I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . Nor have I ever heard an audible voice that was clearly God's telling me which decisions to make. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. 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.. The Hebrew word tob has a variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or plentiful. The Old Testament The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. 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. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. for his names sake (v. 3c). He is not just a 'good shepherd'. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. Everyone loves this Psalm. Because the sheep have this tendency to wander and get lost, a shepherd must always guide them in the right direction. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. Please visit: https://www.bestbiblecommentaries.comPlease visit: www.bestbiblecommentaries.comBrowse John MacArthur's bible commentaries on Amazon:https://am. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. 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]. Not was, like He helped you in the past. It works. . Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! But it is alluded to such as in Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." Verse 1. You can also change some of your preferences. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary is now completethirty-three volumes that take you through the whole New Testament, detail by detail, verse by verse. When the psalmist says that God has anointed his head with oil, he means that God has marked him as specialhas set him apart for a significant role. Verses 1-6. MON 10/20/2014. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. John MacArthur (b. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. Like the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, David might say that all of life is lived under the shadow of death, and it is the conscious presence of the LORD as shepherd that makes it bearable. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. Major Prophets Psalms 23 - Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - StudyLight.org 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. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Are any of us low in grace? John Piper Sep 1, 1980. David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. That was a question that was once sent to me. Be assured! 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. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? You prepare a table (Hebrew: sulhan) before me in the presence of my enemies (v. 5a). It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' Historical Books Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. I will fear no evil, for you are with me (v. 4b). God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. The Gospels Psalms Commentaries & Sermons | Precept Austin You are not your own but were bought with a price! Is - Can you say that? His Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, to cherish. 14a (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1973), Limburg, James, Westminster Bible Companion: Psalms (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000, Mays, James Luther, Interpretation: Psalms (Louisville: John Knox, 1994), McCann, J. Clinton, Jr., The New Interpreters Bible: The Book of Psalms, Vol. Pentateuch What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! [13] Boy it used to annoy me how church leaders and other Christians would create such confusion concerning this! He is. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me 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. God longs to bless and prosper His people. So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. He is a great shepherd. The Old Testament God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. Scripture: Psalm 23. 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. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. But he also knew something else. If there is a wire fence, they'll get caught in it. There are stacks of deceptive shepherds around just as there always were.
Http Www Mychart Urmc Rochester Edu Mychart Signup,
Just A Little Diner Menu Camdenton, Mo,
Articles P