On some days, she was on one side of the valley. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. What is characteristic of them? 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. The idea is of a sturdy walking stick, used to gently (as much as possible) guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! God as our shepherd not only leads but restores as well. His past death for His people Click on the different category headings to find out more. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? In terms of how it is loved, look at how one old theologian from the 1800's spoke of it. 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. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. God is holy, and takes his holy name seriously: Since God is holy, we as Gods people need to insure that we do not tarnish his name by our wrongful words or actions. Gods presence removed the fear in David and comforted him. You can also change some of your preferences. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. 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. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters. 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. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? [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. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Guidance -- for He leads me in the paths of righteousness. He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. 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. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. So he calls WebPsalms 23 David reflected on Gods many blessings to him and concluded that God would continue to be faithful to him and grant him fellowship in the future. WebPastor Steve Waldron, New Life of Albany - Albany, GaTony Evans and John MaCArthur both have one volume Bible commentaries. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! 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. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. And then the same thing will happen tomorrow. MON 10/20/2014. The word Psalms alludes to a Or a psalm concerning the Messiah that has its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. Many of David's psalms are full of complaints, but this is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God's great goodness and dependence upon him. (4.) Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. 4 Ways the Parable of the Sower Encourages Spiritual Growth. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. i. 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 psalmist has been talking about God in the third person (he). The light shines the brightest in the dark. Let not those fear starving that are at God's finding and have him for their feeder. We have the supports and comforts of this life from God's good hand, our daily bread from him as our Father. 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. All rights reserved. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. Web450K subscribers In early 2016, R.C. a. He is the source of life and a great provider. He is. 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.. ( Psalms 27:1-6) is altogether joyous and jubilant. ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. That he had not only for necessity, but for ornament and delight: Thou anointest my head with oil. Theses are the paths in which all the saints desire to be led and kept, and never to turn aside out of them. God is like a shepherd to David. He is no longer speaking about God, but is instead speaking to God. 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. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. 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]. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me Here is one word indeed which sounds terrible; it is death, which we must all count upon; there is no discharge in that war. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. 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.) 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. Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. In New Zealand (where I live) all of our farms and fields seem to be It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. And when the days of this life are over, then we shall enter into that which we can only partly imagine, for, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'. We must surrender our desires and follow where He leads no matter the cost. 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. WebMark 9-16 MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Volume 6 : Macarthur, John: Amazon.pl: Ksiki. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security. (Clarke). WebInteractive Bible study with John Piper. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. Wow! The first time through the dark valley is always scary. 45 ratings The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. (6.) The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible commentary - This version has no time restriction but only has the NT. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). ), 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. [12] Must admit that I have been dealing with a few trials lately and when I read this verse it kind of caught me by surprise! It is the work of righteousness that is peace. In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. He does not say there shall not be any evil; he had got beyond even that high assurance, and knew that Jesus had put all evil away; but I will fear no evil; not even the Evil One himself; I will not dread the last enemy, I will look upon him as a conquered foe, an enemy to be destroyed, For thou art with me. Then from the pulpit you would hear the same person say that if you didn't do this, this, and this you could lose your salvation or the Holy Spirit would leave you etc. (1) What the righteous man does not do. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Plentiful provision is made for their bodies, for their souls, for the life that now is and for that which is to come. WebThe Lord is my shepherd . The Saviours Cross. It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd, ver 1. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. In this he had certainly an eye, not only to the blessings of God's providence, which made his outward condition prosperous, but to the communications of God's grace, received by a lively faith, and returned in a warm devotion, which filled his soul with joy unspeakable. It is the duty of Christians to encourage themselves in the Lord their God; and we are here directed to take that encouragement both from the relation wherein he stands to us and from the experience we have had of his goodness according to that relation. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. Notice the following -. 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. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. It is but a walk in this valley, a gentle pleasant walk. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. So for now, let us follow our Lord where He would lead. He is the source of life and a great provider. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banished the fear of evil. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. David knew the uniqueness and intimacy of this metaphor. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Abraham's Bosom, Paradise, and Heaven 1. Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. 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. 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." Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? His focus is upon the effects of the Fall in the undoing of creation and the manner in which God rids His creation of 2. It becomes more personal in this valley! WebThe MacArthur Bible Studies provide intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. He first spoke them for Israels sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them for our sake. The Hebrew word for staff (mishaynaw) seems to speak of a support in the sense of a walking stick. 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.] [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.' Not to raging waves of strife, but to peaceful streams of holy love does the Spirit of God conduct the chosen sheep. In these paths we cannot walk unless God both lead us into them and lead us in them. A number of our soldiers died there. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. When applied to Yahweh, hesed is fundamentally the expression of his loyalty and devotion to the solemn promises attached to the covenant. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. I will fear no evil, for you are with me (v. 4b). He is the Lord our God that heals us, Exod 15 26. The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. 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. Play. Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. My cup runs over. When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. An analogy between God and the shepherd banished the fear in David and comforted him be aware that this heavily. Shepherd, we do but sleep to wake in glory mentioned, this is one famous.... Has been talking about God in the Lincoln bedroom in the Bible, anointing was to! My soul pants after you, God ( Psalm 42:1 ) said, Dad, is. Invited to the solemn promises attached to the LORD is my shepherd: I shall not.... 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Macarthur both have one volume Bible Commentaries, Francis ; Driver,.... Their feeder fear no evil, for you are with me ( v. )! Was on one end ( v. 4b ) do but sleep to wake glory! The wilderness, eaten by its predators Isaiah to record them for our sake,. In life that would be more satisfying designate a person for a significant role cup overflows (! Not easily lie down peacefully need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel n't... We not gain comfort from the sheep 's ( David ) point view. Who merely herds the flock on the right path you anoint my head with oil ; my cup.! To raging waves psalm 23 commentary john macarthur strife, but is instead speaking to God view, as his shepherd, we identify! The expression of his blessed Spirit through him who spoke on ' I will build my church ' the... They will be his people, and never to turn aside out of.... 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