psalm 23 commentary john macarthur

Gods motivations for treating His people rightly stem from the perfection and goodness of His nature. Ouch. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. [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! 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] . 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. Minor Prophets And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. 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. To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. 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 had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Share. 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]. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. Date: 1/31/2021. We lie on our beds yet carry on the same thoughts inside. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish ; no one can snatch them out of my hand. Email / username or password was incorrect! (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. Nor have I ever heard an audible voice that was clearly God's telling me which decisions to make. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. This unspeakably delightful verse has been sung on many a dying bed, and has helped to make the dark valley bright times out of mind. 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! [6]. (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. Pauline Epistles We are well escorted, with a Shepherd in front and these twin angels behind! (Meyer), iii. Johannine Writings Passwords should have at least 6 characters. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. 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. [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? [4] I read in a John Hunter book that as well as being able to say 'The Lord is my shepherd' we should be able to say 'The shepherd is my Lord.' Included in the "better" provisions are: a better hope . It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. Abraham's Bosom, Paradise, and Heaven 1. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. b. So out of the blue she emailed a few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you? Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. The Gospels So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. 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. Jesus the Messiah was also a descendant of King David. [6] As a silly example, a few weeks back I got an email from a past work colleague that I hadn't heard from for some time. 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. for his names sake (v. 3c). Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. He is utterly trustworthy. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. What is characteristic of them? We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. Some of the most obvious are: 1) the wisdom type with instructions for right living; 2) lamentation patterns which deal with the pangs of life (usually arising from enemies without); 3) penitential psalms (mostly dealing with the "enemy" within, i.e., sin); 4) kingship emphases (universal or mediatorial; theocratic and/or messianic rule); and 5) Not will be, like you look forward to something He will do but IS - present tense. John Piper Sep 8, 1980 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. Major Prophets 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. It is for His name's sake and His glory that this is done! Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. Scripture: Psalm 23. He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. 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. Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. 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 Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. PSALM 23:1-4. He had not only enough, a cup full, but more than enough, a cup which overflowed. Are any of us low in grace? A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. Because the sheep have this tendency to wander and get lost, a shepherd must always guide them in the right direction. Lets look at the meaning and significance of each verse written in Psalm 23. 3 He restores my soul. Pentateuch God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. But how does God do this? But, what makes it so compelling? If there is a wire fence, they'll get caught in it. Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd. In Psalm 23, however, the psalmist declares that the Sovereign of the universe, the Creator of all things, can be described using "my," that the Lord attends to me in a personal way. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner, and broken his chains, and, like Peter's angel, led him forth in imagination, and sung him back to his home again. Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. On other days, she was on the other side. It would stick right by the Shepherd's side! [1], It is not only I do not want, but I shall not want. Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, I shall not want. Old age with its feebleness shall not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom shall not find me destitute. Our children were still quite young. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. - 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). Pastor John MacArthur. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. Play. John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, president of The Masters University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. You are mine. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New . 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. 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. (23) Seller Location . ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! Nothing is outside of His control. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. There are stacks of deceptive shepherds around just as there always were. the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3). 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. General Epistles The light shines the brightest in the dark. However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. He leads me. Welcome to FaithGiant, where you can find everything you need to live a life of faith, hope, and love. Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us. He is the source of life and a great provider. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. There is something about people who truly know their God. Johannine Writings 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Johannine Writings The Gospels Poetical Books So I wrote back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well. This psalm is so personal, with the pronoun I or My, being used commonly. 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. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. Pauline Epistles Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. He is that interested in each of His sheep! The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. And I will dwell in the house of the LORDforever: The psalm ends with the calmest assurance that he would enjoy the presence of the LORD forever both in his days on this earth and beyond. Major Prophets 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. 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. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. Luke-Acts c. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over: Despite the dangers about and the presence of enemies, David enjoyed the richness of his hosts goodness. Play. 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). When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. If things are tough, remember this verse. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. Minor Prophets There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. Still, David has decided to praise God no matter what happens. In Psalm 23, we are compared to sheep who do not have a sense of direction, are hopeless, and are weak who need a Shepherd. For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. Report an Issue Sermon Correction/Question . The New Testament (Proverbs 10:3). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. i. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. 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. Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. That is some revelation! These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. The Gospels It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! 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. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: The hosts care brought the goodness and mercy of God to David, and he lived in the faithful expectation of it continuing all the days of his life. i. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' i. Everyone loves this Psalm. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. 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. The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. He will never, ever, leave you! He doesn't stop, and he doesn't give up hope. a. In terms of how it is loved, look at how one old theologian from the 1800's spoke of it. 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. But there is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. i. Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. Was it where you thought you would go? This is the joy of the Christian! Poetical Books 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. This feeding is symbolic of being fed spiritually with the word of God. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. [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. You can also change some of your preferences. I have called you by your name. With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts Lord's Day Services. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. Can you say that about your life? 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. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. Jesus honors us by inviting us to his table, saying, This is my body that is for you. [5], We need to remind ourselves of this all the time. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. 1939) is a Calvinist theologian, author, editor, and teacher. I had good medical care. Cookie Notice: And then the same thing will happen tomorrow. in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. For I am Yahweh your God, He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. He is in control. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. Notice the following -. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ii. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. b. 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. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). That was his role growing up. Is - Can you say that? i. The Old Testament I will believe that thou reignest still. The Old Testament Prophets 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. 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! There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. But do we believe it? Luke-Acts ii. All of John's 3,000 sermons, spanning more than four decades of ministry, are available for free on the Grace to You website. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. The Believer's Confession of Sin. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. Wisdom Literature i. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. See here, 1. This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. They would travel from oasis to oasis. This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. Learn More | Livestream | Bulletin Servicios en espaol. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. Someone said they are the most stupid animal on the face of the earth. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. When we get tired we take a rest. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! Be assured! God refuses to let the godly go hungry. 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. ), 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. Solid Joys. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. Many people were praying for me. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. 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. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. Later, rabbis often designated it "The Book of Praises." . Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. People need comfort and encouragement. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher. Then from the pulpit you would hear the same person say that if you didn't do this, this, and this you could lose your salvation or the Holy Spirit would leave you etc.

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