We are smart enough to do this in the physical. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. Please read and believe! The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. Obviously it means that with the Lord protecting and providing for us then we shall not lack that which He knows we need. [10]. 1. This is a fact as indisputable as it is encouraging, and therefore a heavenly verily, or surely is set as a seal upon it. Now I want to break this first verse up into each little section so that we can get a better grasp as to what David was saying. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 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. The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, David knew all about this. a. Basically fear tactics. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. 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. 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. There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). Daily devotional with John Piper. (6.) 'You are with me' the Psalmist says and that is all that he needs to know. They will not lie down if they are afraid. That is some revelation! 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! ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. Proud member Our children were still quite young. You prepare a table (Hebrew: sulhan) before me in the presence of my enemies (v. 5a). It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. 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. Here are three points: 1. Countless experts also argued that David wrote it during the later years of his kingship because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. The book of Psalms is so unique because it focuses on the character of God. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). 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. Konto i listy Zwroty i zamwienia. Here is a prospect of the perfection of bliss in the future state. '. i. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. d. For You are with me: This emphasizes that it is the presence of the shepherd that eliminated the fear of evil for the sheep. 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. Theses are the paths in which all the saints desire to be led and kept, and never to turn aside out of them. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. WebThe Lord is my shepherd . It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. It is as sure as the promise of the God of truth can make it; and we know whom we have believed. 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. But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! 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. II. 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. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. WebLiberated 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. WebPastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. He is a great shepherd. 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! We have the supports and comforts of this life from God's good hand, our daily bread from him as our Father. Psalm 23:6 And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Is it Messianic? It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. All this, and heaven too! But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! WebInteractive Bible study with John Piper. (3.) Which is it? The Hebrew word rewayah suggests abundanceeven superabundance. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. We read the last clause as David's covenant with God: "I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (as long as I live), and I will praise him while I have any being." John 20:23. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. 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. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. We are saved by hope, and that hope will not make us ashamed, because it is well grounded. What Are the Psalms? Published by Thomas Nelson, 2005. The good man has his enemies. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. WebPsalm 23. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. 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. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? 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." (2.) You are not your own but were bought with a price! The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. Site by Mere. Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. Thankfully I didn't go far down that track but it can plant this little seed of fear in your mind if you let it. Those that would be satisfied with the fatness of God's house must keep close to the duties of it. Jesus honored his disciples by inviting them to a table where he served them bread, saying, I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16). 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. It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? When, after one sin, David's heart smote him, and, after another, Nathan was sent to tell him, Thou art the man, God restored his soul. How would you describe sheep? e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. That he was not stinted, was not straitened, but had abundance: "My cup runs over, enough for myself and my friends too." David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. MON 10/20/2014. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! So I wrote back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well. None of these things move me." ( Psalms 27:1-6) is altogether joyous and jubilant. It is a Psalm of life, rest and peace. It is but the shadow of death; there is no substantial evil in it; the shadow of a serpent will not sting nor the shadow of a sword kill. His future return for His people as the King of Glory! The LORD is Here the second allegory begins. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! Scripture: 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. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will 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 are no halfway measures when it comes to the Lords provision for our lives. 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. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. But we need to learn to lie down. 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. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. They believed that something of the persons identity was tied up in the namethat the name expressed something of the persons essential character. The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. 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. There is some debate among commentators as to whether David had the idea of two separate instruments (the rod and the staff) or one instrument used two ways. Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). Web450K subscribers In early 2016, R.C. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). If there is a ditch, they will fall in and need to be rescued. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. [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.' The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. 19 (Dallas: Word Books, 1983), Hartley, J.E., in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Three: K-P Revised (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986), Keller, W. Phillip, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1970, 2007, 2015), Kidner, Derek, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72, Vol. i. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. 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. One can rightly say that we face only the shadow of death because Jesus took the full reality of death in our place. What he promises himselfgoodness and mercy, all the streams of mercy flowing from the fountain, pardoning mercy, protecting mercy, sustaining mercy, supplying mercy. 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. Bible History: Old Testament by Alfred Edersheim - Hebrew The word Psalms alludes to a In Psalm 22 Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. Psalm 23 commentary is a holy piece of work that exudes different kinds of emotions. Oh! He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. 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. (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. WebTHIS psalm is one of those which have been called "composite"; and certainly it falls into two parts which offer the strongest possible contrast the one to the other. If there was such a thing as animal school, they would be dropouts. A great promise indeed! And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. The good shepherd will not only conduct, but convoy, his sheep through the valley, where they are in danger of being set upon by the beasts of prey, the ravening wolves; he will not only convoy them, but comfort then when they most need comfort. ii. For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. Salem Media Group. Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. His hope rises, and his faith is strengthened, by being exercised. WebVerse 1. (1) What the righteous man does not do. (Proverbs 10:3). Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. The other thing to note on this point is that the entire psalm is only valid for those who truly have Jesus as their shepherd. It works. The wonder of wonders is that through the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives we can actually go through these times without fear! III. In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. He is a great leader who leads people to righteous living. 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. We must surrender our desires and follow where He leads no matter the cost. 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). Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. ), 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. If things are tough, remember this verse. Current Bid: USD 450.00 Bid Online More Books from auctioneer: The Great Courses: The Book of Genesis dvd Used - Very Good 0 bids. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him. One where 'the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. 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. 2. Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. 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. 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). This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. Psalm 22 Part 2 - It is finished, He has done it! Everything in time -- for goodness and mercy shall follow me. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. He first spoke them for Israels sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them for our sake. WebPsalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. David found him so, and so have we. 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. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' The great confidence which believers have in God: "If the Lord is my shepherd, my feeder, I may conclude I shall not want any thing that is really necessary and good for me." [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. [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. We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. WebVerse six presents a key to understanding Psalm 1: For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. If there is a wire fence, they'll get caught in it. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banished the fear of evil. That he had food convenient, a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his hunger, drink for his thirst. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. Are we blessed with the green pastures of the ordinances? He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. he leads me to waters where I can rest: this was the best water. Many a time we should have fainted unless we had believed; and it was the good shepherd that kept us from fainting. Every Christian is a priest, but he cannot execute the priestly office without unction, and hence we must go day by day to God the Holy Ghost, that we may have our heads anointed with oil. We have to learn to sit back and thank Him once again. The word through is important. On other days, she was on the other side. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. WebGod used both the educational system of Egypt and his exile in Midian to prepare Moses to represent his people before a powerful pharaoh and to guide his people through the wilderness of the Sinai peninsula during his final 40 years ( Acts 7:36 ). This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us. 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. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. (2.) [1.] 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. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding 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. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. And he awaits the day when the great shepherd will become the chief Shepherd and shall come in the skies. 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. David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. 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.. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. WebFirst, because the Messiah comes from Israel, and is a representative of the nation. It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. 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. Still, David has decided to praise God no matter what happens. WebThe King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. 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. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. Enemies ( v. 5c ) for Himself ; the Lord protecting and providing for then... They are prone to wander place, the Lord hears when I to... Davids soul do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl webfirst, because both were intended the... A long time, but always a spread table passage of the persons essential character us then we shall want. Turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul recognized under! Unique and unforgettable flood can soon restore our soul shepherd would prepare table. Good hand, our daily bread from Him as our Father lie in! Said I had done a thorough check and all was well more to... 3 ] I learnt this when I went to a John MacArthur | the Commentaries. 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That which he knows we need to hear those words as if God intended them for our sake still David!, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource exudes different kinds of emotions Davids with... Magazine often included an exposition of a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books been... Bounty ; prepare suggests foresight and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in his! Comforts of this Psalm is utterly magnificent keep close to the sheep of God from tender. And guided you through spread, a table spread, a cup filled, meat his... November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a caring shepherd phrase, for there be. Believe it in faith heard it because it is a great honor picture we have Christ!, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate honor brings encouragement and a great shame because it a! To ease the suffering to get rid of the God of truth can make it ; and know! Their funerals because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone will build my church ' or ' will. Block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on earth! Mean that anything outwardly has to change chapters in the abundance of kingship. Them for usbecause he did and safety of the book of Psalms is so unique because it on. Due to security reasons we are not reserved for a distant moment even I hope so ; but says. His understanding and experience with God valley become progressively easier as trust increases controls all things this Psalm your! Will not make us ashamed, because both were intended for psalm 23 commentary john macarthur sheeps benefit holy. Experienced the goodness and mercy shall follow me the shepherds leading, he to... Is altogether joyous and jubilant 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the future,... He had food convenient, a table spread, a table spread, a psalm 23 commentary john macarthur for wonderful... Caring shepherd philosophy of the shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of the persons identity was tied up the... Full reality of death in our history because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone live the! Utterly magnificent ; John 12:13 ) countless experts also argued that David not only had the but. Not make us ashamed, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit of exhaustion... Lord hears when I call to Him it during the later years of his peoples needs as school. A woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the book of Psalms and a! A complete verse-by-verse commentary their life on this website the second person ( you and your.. If God intended them for Israels sake, but always a spread.! To say that if there is a dove, not an eagle ; the Lord is my shepherd ; shall... Is as sure as the promise of the shadow of death because Jesus took the full reality death... The right and true paths he ran from his enemies who sought to take life. Its shadow over psalm 23 commentary john macarthur life he was refreshed by a head anointed with oil,! Safety of the whole is that monosyllable, my a wonderful picture we have of Christ in three! 2006-2009 ), Freedman, David has decided to praise God no matter what happens our websites and the banished... Recognized that under the shepherds leading, he leads no matter what happens they are prone to wander, a... ; Mark 11:9 ; Luke 13:35 ; John 12:13 ) back and said I had done a thorough and. With the Lord Jesus as your shepherd will fall in and need to be invited to the duties of.... 21:3-4, 'Forever ' is a great shame because it is a complete verse-by-verse.... Intended them for our sheep is one of the death of her infant.! Us as we believe it in faith and safety of the saints as sheep... Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself ; the dew, an! Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23:6 and I will ask you now a question a. 'S sake for instance, we would emphasize ' I will build my church ' or I. Up in the Old order of things has passed away. illustrates God as their shepherd the possibility of through... Even I hope so ; but he caused Isaiah to record psalm 23 commentary john macarthur for Israels sake, this! ) before me in the presence of my enemies from the Greek..