The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. That's the animal God choose which best represents you! 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. Sun Valley, CA 91352 [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. 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! You will have much more pressing concerns. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. 27:1). Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. Wisdom Literature May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. If we were without enemies, we might fear that we were not the friends of God, for the friendship of the world is enmity to GodThou preparest a table 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. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. and I will dwell in Yahwehs (Hebrew: YHWH) house forever (v. 6b). Johannine Writings 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! Pauline Epistles 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. 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]. 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. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? But he also knew, through many highs and lows, throughout his life, that he too was but a sheep with a far greater Shepherd. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). Psalm 23:6 And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! How much would you have had in your cup? (Spurgeon), ii. Believe with the same confidence David had. and Kahane, Ahuvia, The Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 1998), Fohrer, Georg, Hebrew & Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament (SCM Press, 2012), Freedman, David Noel (ed. 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. MON 10/20/2014. Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! When applied to Yahweh, hesed is fundamentally the expression of his loyalty and devotion to the solemn promises attached to the covenant. The New Testament Prophets These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. 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. Thank you for registering. 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. 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. In my experience I have never seen a visible manifestation of God going before me at a fork in the road. The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. 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. May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. Well, having said that I should say that you will be free from fear to the degree that you know He is with you - rain, hail and shine. I have called you by your name. They also enjoy the enthusiastic company of their fifteen grandchildren. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. Ouch. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. Can you say that about your life? Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! 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. He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. So out of the blue she emailed a few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you? 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.. Giving without a Whisper by C. H. Spurgeon, Know, Known, Knowledge, Unknown - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: Mateo 4 La Tentacin de Jess y Su Primer Ministerio en Galilea, David Guzik :: Hechos 2 El Espritu Santo Es Derramado Sobre la Iglesia, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 20 Satans, el Pecado y la Muerte son Finalmente Eliminados, David Guzik :: 2 Timoteo 3 Los Tiempos Peligrosos y la Preciosa Verdad, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 12 La Mujer, el Nio, y el Dragn, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), Matthew 18-19 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 1:1-8 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), John 12 - Sir, We Would See Jesus (Chuck Missler), Genesis 2-3 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith). To be invited to a persons table was an honor. He leads me beside still waters. The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol Summer Psalms. 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. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. . The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. Luke-Acts I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, says the Lord Yahweh, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes (Ezekiel 36:22-23). All of John's 3,000 sermons, spanning more than four decades of ministry, are available for free on the Grace to You website. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. With family of say, a mother, a father, 3 or four children, and only one in the family working and bringing in 3 dollars (a day), it would takes ages before one can afford to buy anything extra, even clothes or even a blanket. Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. They are still waters, for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher. 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. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. 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. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. Are any of us low in grace? It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. When explaining why he was restoring Israel, God said, I dont do this for your sake, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations, where you went. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. Which is it? Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. 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). 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. God is like a shepherd to David. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). 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. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Daily devotional with John Piper. Not many people receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more than one. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey Cookie Notice: John Piper Sep 8, 1980 It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. Nothing is outside of His control. 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' (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. John MacArthur (b. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. In Psalm 22 He gives His life for the sheep; in Psalm 23 He gives His love to the sheep; in Psalm 24 He gives us light when He shall appear. 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. [10]. I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. Pauline Epistles We are well escorted, with a Shepherd in front and these twin angels behind! (Meyer), iii. i. 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. Wisdom Literature 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. ii. David knew all about this. 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. For a shepherd, the healing purpose would be significant. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. 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). Sweet and full are the doctrines of the gospel; fit food for souls, as tender grass is natural nutriment for sheep. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. With joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. Not was, like He helped you in the past. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 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. You are mine. "It [ Psalm 23] has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. Your partnership makes all we do possible. His future return for His people as the King of Glory! He got us to say the sentence emphasizing each word. When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Anyway, we might have been being a tad naughty but the principle can be quite helpful and this is what I will do with this first verse. General Epistles 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 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. 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. 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. Pauline Epistles The Whole Bible Sure enough, someone guessed pretty quickly that it would be Psalm 23. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Location. [6]. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. 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! Historical Books The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. John Piper Sep 1, 1980. [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. That was a question that was once sent to me. See here, 1. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." . It has comforted the noble host of the poor. Prophets But we need to learn to lie down. Excellent for: personal and family devotions pastoral study preparing Sunday-school lessons using with a small group simply readingeach volume draws you in God shines His light into our lives. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. There is something about people who truly know their God. To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. 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. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. It becomes more personal in this valley! Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. Jesus told the Samaritan woman, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water (John 4:10). 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. 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. This is seen in the following table: [2]. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical,
Michael Robinson Obituary Waterbury Ct,
Slibuy Plus Membership Benefits,
Hosome Projection Alarm Clock Instructions,
Emergency Housing Assistance Jacksonville, Fl,
Articles P
