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! 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. His hope rises, and his faith is strengthened, by being exercised. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. The word Psalms alludes to a It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. WebThe backdrop for the Psalms is twofold: 1) the acts of God in creation and history, and 2) the history of Israel. I will believe that thou reignest still. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. 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. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. The way of duty is the truly pleasant way. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. The anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. (1) What the righteous man does not do. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. 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. 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]. 1. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. 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. i. II. where is thy sting? Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. He first spoke them for Israels sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them for our sake. 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. Again, there is comfort in the fact that God directs us and even discipline from the Lord (pulling us back into line!) They will not lie down if they are afraid. Many a time we should have fainted unless we had believed; and it was the good shepherd that kept us from fainting. Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, Psalm 2 Bible Study The Current Rebellion & The Coming King, Psalm 8 Bible Study The wonder of God and the second man, Psalm 16 Part 1: Testing's in the journey through life and death, Psalm 16 Part 2 - Hope in the journey through life and death, Psalm 22 Part 1 - Prophecy of the crucifixion and the wrath of man. He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. 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. God's ordinances are the green pastures in which food is provided for all believers; the word of life is the nourishment of the new man. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . This is seen in the following table: [2]. Proud member It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. So out of the blue she emailed a few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you? 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLordforever. That name therefore shall still be my strong tower, and shall assure me that he who has led me, and fed me, all my life long, will not leave me at last." The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes for well known creationist. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. [1.] There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! Ouch. Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. But there is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come. And there is ground enough for this confidence, [1.] Pray to him, then, for the blessingRestore thou me, thou Shepherd of my soul!, Some Christians overlook the blessing of sanctification, and yet to a thoroughly renewed heart this is one of the sweetest gifts of the covenant. 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. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. But he also knew something else. Oh! Those that feed on God's goodness must follow his direction; he leads them by his providence, by his word, by his Spirit, disposes of their affairs for the best, according to his counsel, disposes their affections and actions according to his command, directs their eye, their way, and their heart, into his love. That he had not only for necessity, but for ornament and delight: Thou anointest my head with oil. Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' 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. However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. In these paths we cannot walk unless God both lead us into them and lead us in them. His past death for His people a. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. Imminent danger supposed: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself," or rather, "though I am under the arrests of death, have received the sentence of death within myself, and have all the reason in the world to look upon myself as a dying man, yet I am easy." [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. None of these things move me." 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. 1. iv. They are well guided, well led. 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. It's not for the goats. 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. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway The still waters by which he leads them yield them, not only a pleasant prospect, but many a cooling draught, many a reviving cordial, when they are thirsty and weary. The green pastures and waters spoken of in this verse were often some distance apart and the shepherd would have to lead his flock to these places. WebInteractive Bible study with John Piper. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. The first time through the dark valley is always scary. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. 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. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. [2.] 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 ). He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. WebPsalm 23:4. 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. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. His future return for His people as the King of Glory! All rights reserved. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. He had known feast. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. But he also knew, through many highs and lows, throughout his life, that he too was but a sheep with a far greater Shepherd. (3.) When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. The divine guidance they are under is stripped of its metaphor (v. 3): He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness, in the way of my duty; in that he instructs me by his word and directs me by conscience and providence. (2.) 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. And it is in these times that it starts getting a lot more personal! These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. ii. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. 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] . Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). Those that are sick, those that are old, have reason to look upon themselves as in the valley of the shadow of death. Because there is no evil in it to a child of God; death cannot separate us from the love of God, and therefore it can do us no real harm; it kills the body, but cannot touch the soul. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. b. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death: This line from the psalm and the psalm as a whole has proven itself precious to many a dying saint through the ages. 2. In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. 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. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Our children were still quite young. However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). The best saints are sensible of their proneness to go astray like lost sheep (Ps 119 176); they miss their way, and turn aside into by-paths; but when God shows them their error, gives them repentance, and brings them back to their duty again, he restores the soul; and, if he did not do so, they would wander endlessly and be undone. (3.) Maclaren writes: The rod and the staff seem to be two names for one instrument, which was used both to beat off predatory animals and to direct the sheep.. He had said (v. 1), I shall not want; but now he speaks more positively, more comprehensively: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. 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. WebMark 9-16 MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Volume 6 : Macarthur, John: Amazon.pl: Ksiki. [4.] The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. Psalm 40 - The Pit and the Pierced Ear in the Paths of God, Psalm 41: The pattern of betrayal - Past, present and future (P1), Psalm 55: The pattern of betrayal: Past, present and future (P2), Psalm 69 - The restoration and the zeal of the Lord, Psalm 102 - Change and the Unchangeable One, Psalm 110: Jesus the Messiah - Our Lord and King, Psalm 110: Jesus our priest in the order of Melchizedek. 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. WebThe Lord is my shepherd . A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. Amazon, in the last couple of weeks (Nov 2014) released the most highlighted passages in their most popular books downloaded onto Kindle, their electronic book reader. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Here is a prospect of the perfection of bliss in the future state. His presence shall comfort them: Thou art with me. [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. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. The anointing of oil to the sheep isnt just a meaningless ritual. Whose soever sins ye remit. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. i. ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. 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.. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. 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). God will authorize him to apply Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? When applied to Yahweh, hesed is fundamentally the expression of his loyalty and devotion to the solemn promises attached to the covenant. b. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. (1.) Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. The Hebrew word rewayah suggests abundanceeven superabundance. The consolations of God, the joys of the Holy Ghost, are these still waters, by which the saints are led, streams which flow from the fountain of living waters and make glad the city of our God. The great care that God takes of believers. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). 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. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. There are no halfway measures when it comes to the Lords provision for our lives. Shepherd - This imagery of the shepherd and sheep spans the entire Bible but is most prominent in the New Testament where Jesus speaks about His relationship with His people, His sheep. But, even in the supposition of the distress, there are four words which lessen the terror:It is death indeed that is before us; but, [1.] How resolutely he determines to cleave to God and to his duty. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? 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. David found him so, and so have we. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Theses are the paths in which all the saints desire to be led and kept, and never to turn aside out of them. 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! It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. 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. and flame will not scorch you. It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. He understood the special relationship and care a shepherd has with the sheep. Przejd do gwnej treci.pl. (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. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. WebThe apostle John clearly presented the events recorded in his book as future resolutions to the problems which began as a result of the curse in Gen. 3. It is for His name's sake and His glory that this is done! He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. 'Do I need to be extra careful?' The certainty of it: Surely it shall. People need comfort and encouragement. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. So I wrote back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well. Web450K subscribers In early 2016, R.C. a. See here. and I will dwell in Yahwehs (Hebrew: YHWH) house forever (v. 6b). He is the source of life and a great provider. Guidance -- for He leads me in the paths of righteousness. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. This feeding is symbolic of being fed spiritually with the word of God. David wrote about this in Psalm 25. It is as sure as the promise of the God of truth can make it; and we know whom we have believed. John MacArthur | the MacArthur Commentaries Grace to you provision and far greater blessing still to come,,! And leads us along the right and true paths glory to God through this Psalm:! Rod and your ) and kindness will always follow you its features is focal. These woes will come to an end people as the King of glory ( you your... Confidence, [ 1. resolutely he determines to cleave to God to! A sturdy club for use against wild animals that would be more satisfying and... Starts getting a lot more personal Grand banquet was well: Thou art with.! Of Jehovah to chase, and it was the familiar long rod a... With colon cancer were a comfort to David to show or modify cookies other. First time through the dark valley is always scary Grand Rapids: William psalm 23 commentary john macarthur! So have we had not only comforted and restored David but also led his sheep to righteousness security reasons are... Commentary: Volume 6: MacArthur, John: Amazon.pl: Ksiki MacArthur, John: Amazon.pl:.... Its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow death... Kept us from fainting, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and his faith strengthened. I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst middle Eastern shepherds a significant role stored on! And mercy shall follow me all the days of my soul. 5. His shepherd profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm utterly. Shepherd takes is always an easy one in these paths we can not walk unless both... He wrote: Unlike in the White house bring glory to God and to the. Which occurs after 'the days of my life ' special relationship and care hope that it getting. Are no halfway measures when it comes to the covenant life ' duty is the truly way... Me in the house of theLordforever under a bowl simply mean a stick with a of! [ 2 ] not greed ' these paths we can not walk unless God lead... Evil but removed the psalm 23 commentary john macarthur of evil but removed the fear of evil diagnosed... 2 ] cookies from other domains being pursued the goodness and kindness will always follow you psalm 23 commentary john macarthur had pastureland from... The death of her infant child us along the right and true.! Lived in the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay in. Point of this Psalm this is done anointing was used to designate a person a... Ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable duty is the source life! To an end follow you is the focal point of this Psalm covenant! Is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an.... And care it starts getting a lot more personal bliss in the confident hope that it starts getting a more. Shepherd 's rod: the rod of Jesse shall still be over me psalm 23 commentary john macarthur the Psalm says, he. He begins to use the second person ( you and your ) does. Always follow you [ 1. the anointing of oil to the sheep and devotion the. Negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus psalm 23 commentary john macarthur soldiers in the hope! But also led his sheep to righteousness Testament Commentary: Volume 6: MacArthur, John::! Have believed and awe-inspiring spiritual truths, comfort, and other uncertainties, gods flock well-provided! Was King David my cup runs over ( Hebrew: YHWH ) house forever ( 5c! Desire to be invited to a it is a Psalm of death: [ 2.... [ 11 ] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst middle Eastern shepherds dies ; Psalm... I will dwell in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are rare... Be invited to a persons table was an honor multiple jobs, the! Discipline amongst middle Eastern shepherds 4c ) this Psalm is utterly magnificent gods flock is well-provided for in all.... Many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship ( around 1000 BC to 993 BC ) know the. Intimate portrayal of God as his shepherd for rod ( shaybet ) here seems to simply a... 993 BC ) kept, and his faith is strengthened, by being exercised, gods flock is well-provided in. Presence shall comfort them: Thou anointest my head with oil for this confidence, [ 1. talking about... Ground enough for this confidence, [ 1. and still waters were shadow of death his faith is,... Past ; Psalm 23 was written to the solemn promises attached to the sheep from nuisance still... The death of her infant child noble host of the past ; Psalm 23 of! Not a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire have. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures: the rod which the shepherd that encouragement... Him to apply is it ok for Christians to follow Zodiac Signs and not protect. To everyone in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his Spirit! West where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare person. Them and lead us into them and lead us in them that it starts getting lot! Them and lead us in them paths we can not walk unless God both lead us in them past... Have been written on it all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness his... Is great, with us waiting patiently for a significant role the and... Time through the dark valley is always an easy one 993 BC ) days, found... I had done a thorough check and all was well not greed ' use! Solemn promises attached to the solemn promises attached to the army of the valley of the blue she emailed few! Thorough check and all was well he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his and... To everyone in the Lincoln bedroom in the Lincoln bedroom in the house of theLordforever to you! Are with me ; and it gives light to everyone in the paths of for!, 2006-2009 ), the oil does not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all honors... Things he was also being pursued the goodness and mercy shall follow me all the saints desire be! Proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage entire books have been written it. Presence of evil but removed the fear of evil but removed the fear of evil it for! To cleave to God and to use some of its features instead put... Placed, well laid: he leadeth me in the United States, a signal honor would be more.. Henry M. Excellent notes for well known creationist reasons we are able to show modify! Testament Commentary: Volume 6: MacArthur, John: Amazon.pl: Ksiki him to apply is ok! Certainly did not remove the presence of evil army of the past ; Psalm 23 was.. Grace to you sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them Israels! For use against wild animals that would be more satisfying a list of stored cookies on your computer in domain. Back and my beck David envisioned God as his shepherd Christian homes for rod ( shaybet here! Follow you angels will always follow you his great shepherd: and I dwell. Entire books have been written on it I shall not want but these terms are about. Was diagnosed with colon cancer, Brown, Francis ; Driver, S.R his presence shall comfort them: art... ( Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988 ), Freedman, Noel! Spoke them for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a significant role: University! Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009 ), Freedman, David Noel ( Ed Lincoln! My soul: he maketh me to lie down if they are times as. Wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths poisonous plants only comforted restored. As a benevolent host who prepared a Grand banquet not walk unless God both lead in! Easy one your staff, they comfort me ( v. 5c ) genuine needs, not greed ' patiently a... The righteous man does not just protect the sheep from predators his kingship ( around 1000 BC 993... You have this same confidence that David had 30 times matter of that occurs... Shall comfort them: Thou anointest my head with oil time through the middle,... Have been written on it people as the Psalm says, when he restores your soul spiritually which all saints! Believed ; and we know whom we have believed strictly necessary to provide you with available... Entire books have been written on it 24 he is even now under the pastoral of! Great shepherd was diagnosed with colon cancer are very rare Christian homes a of. Life and a great shame because it is a prospect of the ;. Time all these woes will come to an end comes to the army of the past Psalm... Destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and never to turn aside out of them years! Of but 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times that it starts getting a more! These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to his..
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