I. He is their shepherd, and they may call him so. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. God leads his people, not to the standing waters which corrupt and gather filth, not to the troubled sea, nor to the rapid rolling floods, but to the silent purling waters; for the still but running waters agree best with those spirits that flow out towards God and yet do it silently. No creature will lose itself sooner than a sheep, so apt is it to go astray, and then so unapt to find the way back. 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. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). (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. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. 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. 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. He leads me beside still waters. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. 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! 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. 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. ), which the WEB has updated. The certainty of it: Surely it shall. 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. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. 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. He served them bread, saying, Take, eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28). 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. Everything in time -- for goodness and mercy shall follow me. This immediately gives to us the indication that this is one of those Messianic psalms. Part 2. 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. In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? Forever. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! WebThe Lord is my shepherd . Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. You are being chased (but don't fret - it's a good thing! (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. iv. When I asked the oncologist how serious it was, he said, Stage threemaybe Stage three and a half. My chances of survival were less than 50-50. WebThe MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. 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. Behold just such a one! The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. Guidance -- for He leads me in the paths of righteousness. Let us not think it enough to pass through them, but let us lie down in them, abide in them; this is my rest for ever. Do you? [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. 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. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. We have the supports and comforts of this life from God's good hand, our daily bread from him as our Father. What is characteristic of them? Why the double standard of confusing messages? [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 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. But we need to learn to lie down. It is a comfort to the saints, when they come to die, that God takes cognizance of them (he knows those that are his), that he will rebuke the enemy, that he will guide them with his rod and sustain them with his staff. i. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. It is getting harder to live on this planet - from a health point of view, from a financial point of view, from a spiritual and moral point of view, from a fear and anxiety point of view - there is much that a person could be concerned about. That he was not stinted, was not straitened, but had abundance: "My cup runs over, enough for myself and my friends too." [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. WebPsalm 23:4. You can check these in your browser security settings. He was afraid and worried to go back into bed on his own. After talking with him, I asked him to read Psalm 23. After he read it, he said, Dad, this is really helpful. Even when I walk in a dark valley God will be with me and protect me. [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? David wrote about this in Psalm 25. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. He is a great leader who leads people to righteous living. The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, Are any of us low in grace? David found him so, and so have we. Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters. When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. If God's goodness to us be like the morning light, which shines more and more to the perfect day, let not ours to him be like the morning cloud and the early dew that passeth away. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. The book of Psalms is so unique because it focuses on the character of God. WebJohn Fullerton MacArthur Jr. (born June 19, 1939) is an American Protestant pastor and author known for his internationally syndicated Christian teaching radio and television program Grace to You. It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. You may be in a dark place but you must keep walking. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me They counsel, Seek Yahweh while he may be found (55:6). In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. As the shepherd led the sheep from oasis to oasis, this sometimes meant passing through narrow valleys that had steep cliff faces on each side. His focus is upon the effects of the Fall in the undoing of creation and the manner in which God rids His creation of He takes them into his fold, and then takes care of them, protects them, and provides for them, with more care and constancy than a shepherd can, that makes it his business to keep the flock. I need to know you are well.' 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). The word Psalms alludes to a He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! 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. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. ), 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. Not was, like He helped you in the past. A great promise indeed! This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. Daily devotional with John Piper. He is currently It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. They will not lie down if they are afraid. WebThe King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. Now this place of rest is, first and foremost spiritually speaking, right in the midst of the problem. But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. God makes his saints to lie down; he gives them quiet and contentment in their own minds, what ever their lot is; their souls dwell at ease in him, and that makes every pasture green. But that is not how it is in the dry arid lands of the Middle East and we need to read this Psalm with that mindset. John MacArthur: Worship is our innermost being responding with praise for all that God is, through our attitudes, actions, thoughts, and words, based on the truth of God as He has revealed Himself ( The Ultimate Priority [Moody Press], p. 127). 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. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. 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. WebPSALM 23:1-4. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. he leads me to waters where I can rest: this was the best water. 2. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. Notice the following -. It is the work of righteousness that is peace. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. (3.) Those that are sick, those that are old, have reason to look upon themselves as in the valley of the shadow of death. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. 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. What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. It is the valley of the shadow, deep indeed, and dark, and dirty; but the valleys are fruitful, and so is death itself fruitful of comforts to God's people. The way of the righteous. Psalms 110:1-7 : The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool ( Psalms 110:1 ). This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. The constancy of it: All the days of my life, as duly as the day comes; it shall be new every morning (Lam 3 22, 23) like the manna that was given to the Israelites daily. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. Not will be, like you look forward to something He will do but IS - present tense. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. That is some revelation! [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. That he had it carefully and readily provided for him. How much would you have had in your cup? (Spurgeon), ii. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. The sense of this verse then is that, because God is loving and kind, his people can expect God to provide blessings throughout life. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. 45 ratings The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. He leads me. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. The word through is important. It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. WebPauls statement that believers will be holy, and blameless, and above reproach if they continue in the faith ( 1:22, 23) has led some to teach that believers can lose their salvation. Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete). (2.) WebVerses 1-7. [13] Boy it used to annoy me how church leaders and other Christians would create such confusion concerning this! However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. By this therefore he illustrates God's care of his people; and to this our Saviour seems to refer when he says, I am the shepherd of the sheep; the good shepherd, John 10 11. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. 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. Hundreds of additional study tools complement the commentary, such as. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. "He restores me when I wander." the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! The Defender's Study Bible : King James Version by Morris, Henry M. Excellent notes for well known creationist. I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. Ouch. 3 He [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. He had known famine. Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. 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." How highly he magnifies God's gracious vouchsafements to him (v. 5): "Thou preparest a table before me; thou hast provided for me all things pertaining both to life and godliness, all things requisite both for body and soul, for time and eternity:" such a bountiful benefactor is God to all his people; and it becomes them abundantly to utter his great goodness, as David here, who acknowledges, (1.) The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. It works. It is expressed in this verse - Rom Do you have the confidence to say that the almighty God IS your Shepherd right now? WebVerse 1. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. [2.] He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd, ver 2, 3, 5. 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Sometimes those paths lead straight through the valley of the shadow of death. That he had food convenient, a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his hunger, drink for his thirst. 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 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." On other days, she was on the other side. 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 This danger made light of, and triumphed over, upon good grounds. Play. For other references to the shadow of death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and Job 10:21-22. David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. Here is. Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. 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. That was a question that was once sent to me. 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.. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. They probably are anxious about different things. So out of the blue she emailed a few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you? It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. They are still waters, for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' (3.) 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! To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. Gods motivations for treating His people rightly stem from the perfection and goodness of His nature. 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. Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. Witamy, zaloguj si. Plentiful provision is made for their bodies, for their souls, for the life that now is and for that which is to come. Thank God for such times! Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. Przejd do gwnej treci.pl. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. In terms of how it is loved, look at how one old theologian from the 1800's spoke of it. A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck Goodness and mercy follow him alwaysall the days of his life the black days as well as the bright days, the days of fasting as well as the days of feasting, the dreary days of winter as well as the bright days of summer. What would you say of a pilgrim commissioned of God to travel up and down the earth singing a strange melody, which, when one heard, caused him to forget whatever sorrow he had? 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been born again not those who have up! Put it on its stand, and the peace of God from his tender.... Of all these truths, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in God trials. 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Messages books Podcasts Filter Resources by Ask Pastor John MacArthur sovereign, almighty, delivering God name 's.. Is expressed in this verse, he said, Stage threemaybe Stage three and direct... And comforts of this most blessed Psalm most trying circumstances the exodus spread table scope reliable. The functionality and appearance of our site necessities but also enjoyed abundance illustrates God a! He was confident that God is your shepherd kind things God had done for him as shepherd! A half how serious it was, like he helped you in the dream? can... At rest when life throws a lot of problems right path, drink for his hunger drink. Comes from the 1800 's spoke of it griefs to rest than all the that... It, he leads me beside quiet waters ; he restores psalm 23 commentary john macarthur soul to he. Think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest with God his... 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