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. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. 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. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. 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. Is it Messianic? It works. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. MON 10/20/2014. He was aware of the potential dangers that may befall him. Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. April 17, 2011. Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). 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. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed ISBN 10: 0785250662 ISBN 13: . While I am here I will be a child at home with my God; the whole world shall be his house to me; and when I ascend into the upper chamber I shall not change my company, nor even change the house; I shall only go to dwell in the upper story of the house of the Lord for ever. (Spurgeon), (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. David reflected on God's many blessings to him and concluded that God would continue to be faithful to him and grant him fellowship in 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. for his names sake (v. 3c). The hosts care and concern doesnt eliminate the presence of my enemies but enables the experience of Gods goodness and bounty even in their midst. Under Johns leadership, Grace Community Church's two morning worship services fill the 3,500-seat auditorium to capacity. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Share. 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! 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. Entdecke The Macarthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur (2005, Hardcover) in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. For I am Yahweh your God, Johannine Writings If you are truly one of His sheep (evidenced by hearing his voice and following His ways) then this verse is your verse as well! When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. i. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. Yea, prosperity not only so intoxicates many, as to carry them . (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts They will not lie down if they are afraid. Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. General Epistles Giving without a Whisper by C. H. Spurgeon, Know, Known, Knowledge, Unknown - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: Mateo 4 La Tentacin de Jess y Su Primer Ministerio en Galilea, David Guzik :: Hechos 2 El Espritu Santo Es Derramado Sobre la Iglesia, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 20 Satans, el Pecado y la Muerte son Finalmente Eliminados, David Guzik :: 2 Timoteo 3 Los Tiempos Peligrosos y la Preciosa Verdad, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 12 La Mujer, el Nio, y el Dragn, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), Matthew 18-19 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 1:1-8 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), John 12 - Sir, We Would See Jesus (Chuck Missler), Genesis 2-3 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith). i. God's Testimony to the Scriptures. You can check these in your browser security settings. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. 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. 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. 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. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. We have to learn to sit back and thank Him once again. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. i. Scripture: Psalm 23. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. One can rightly say that we face only the shadow of death because Jesus took the full reality of death in our place. Right paths lead to life rather than death (see Matthew 7:13-14). It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. Not will be, like you look forward to something He will do but IS - present tense. A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. God is the one who looks after our lives. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Pentateuch 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. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. Historical Books Title The entire collection of Psalms is entitled "Praises" in the Hebrew text. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). If there was such a thing as animal school, they would be dropouts. They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. God is. Do you? To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. The book of Psalms is the most quoted book in the New Testament, and Jesus would refer a lot to the Book of Psalms even in His claims and teachings. When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. 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. 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. They will lead us to places of rest and provision. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. the Holy One of Israel, your Savior (Isaiah 43:1-3). The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. She is a lady that is unfortunately into the New Age and has spirit guides etc She doesn't agree with what I believe nor do I agree with her beliefs. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. He had known feast. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? Pastor John MacArthur. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. He got us to say the sentence emphasizing each word. In Psalm 22 He gives His life for the sheep; in Psalm 23 He gives His love to the sheep; in Psalm 24 He gives us light when He shall appear. When explaining why he was restoring Israel, God said, I dont do this for your sake, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations, where you went. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. But we need to learn to lie down. Oh! They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. Liberated for Life : Galatians - a Bible Commentary for Laymen by John F. MacArthur and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. 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.'. In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. The concept dates back to the Book of Genesis when Jacob referred to the LORD as the Shepherd and the Rock of Israel (Genesis 49:24). All the days of my life; We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. The Gospels I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. Welcome to FaithGiant, where you can find everything you need to live a life of faith, hope, and love. The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. 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. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. You may be in a dark place but you must keep walking. I live in New Zealand, and yes, I know, we have more sheep than people! Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! Here the second allegory begins. 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. Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd. That is some revelation! In Psalms 23:3, Psalms 23:4 the spiritual meaning shines through the figure, as in Psalms 23:5, Psalms 23:6 it is laid aside altogether; yet still the psalmist speaks of the "rod and staff." "Rod," the shepherd's crook, the received emblem of authority, guidance, and discipline. In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. But there is a greater provision and far greater blessing still to come. Pauline Epistles 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 [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 what the Apostle Paul knew when he wrote: Philippians 4:11-13 I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. In my experience I have never seen a visible manifestation of God going before me at a fork in the road. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. Ok, I'm being naughty. The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. PSALM 23:1-4. Daily devotional with John Piper. He doesn't stop, and he doesn't give up hope. 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. and flame will not scorch you. Major Prophets What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching grief's, of orphans in their loneliness. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. There is something about people who truly know their God. 27:1). The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. (wpe). The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Use semicolons to separate groups: 'Gen;Jdg;Psa-Mal' or 'Rom 3-12;Mat 1:15;Mat 5:12-22', There are options set in 'Advanced Options', The Whole Bible The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. (Proverbs 10:3). The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! Learn More | Livestream | Bulletin Servicios en espaol. He is. "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. Verses 1-6. (Philip Keller). We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. Make sure your view of the 'Good Shepherd' Jesus is the right one! Can you say that about your life? The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). The good man has his enemies. A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. Luke-Acts [4]. Minor Prophets He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! Verse 1. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! The Old Testament The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. [5], We need to remind ourselves of this all the time. The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. He is a popular conference speaker and the president of both The Master's College and The Master's Seminary. 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. (1.) The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. It's not somewhere that you set up camp thinking that is all you will ever know. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. Johannine Writings b) John MacArthur; MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Ephesians 5:18 - "Be filled" translates the present passive imperative of "pleroo", and is more literally rendered as "be being kept filled." We are "indwelt" by the Holy Spirit at the moment of justification (professing our faith in Christ). The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me People need comfort and encouragement. To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. David knew all about this. 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. 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. It becomes more personal in this valley! Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. 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. He is a great shepherd. Was it where you thought you would go? That was his role growing up. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the author's heart and trust in God. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. The light shines the brightest in the dark. ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. 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. Passwords should have at least 6 characters. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. 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. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed.