In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. Best known for his expository exegesis of the Bible . People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. Share. He leads me beside still waters. On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). David had had the highs of defeating Goliath to the lows of running for his life and hiding in caves from Saul. The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. Was it where you thought you would go? [13] Boy it used to annoy me how church leaders and other Christians would create such confusion concerning this! Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. The Shepherds Crook. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point In terms of how it is loved, look at how one old theologian from the 1800's spoke of it. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. The sense of this verse then is that, because God is loving and kind, his people can expect God to provide blessings throughout life. Your partnership makes all we do possible. Pauline Epistles Play. The anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. Passwords should have at least 6 characters. Poetical Books Pentateuch I need to know you are well.' THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. for his names sake (v. 3c). Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. The New Testament Ouch. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. ), The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, 5 vol. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, Poetical Books Be assured! This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! And let's not forget they are prone to wander. 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. Historical Books He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. 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). Lord's Day Services. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. He was aware of the potential dangers that may befall him. Its interesting to note how David used the word shepherd in this psalm instead of a more distant term like a king or a deliverer. 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. Thank you for registering. I'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. There are stacks of deceptive shepherds around just as there always were. 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. Pastor John MacArthur. April 17, 2011. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. I will fear no evil, for you are with me (v. 4b). i. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. This also shows us our need of giving Him His rightful place as Lord over our life. We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil. We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. 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. The Gospels The Whole Bible [10]. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! There is some debate among commentators as to whether David had the idea of two separate instruments (the rod and the staff) or one instrument used two ways. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain. Sun Valley, CA 91352 The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. (Kidner). This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. And I used to always think 'Well! These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. This psalm is so personal, with the pronoun I or My, being used commonly. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 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. Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. For a shepherd, the healing purpose would be significant. He had the honour of being King over all Israel, yet seen the lows of having his own son, Absalom, rise up against him and take the throne. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. It's not for the goats. Major Prophets Prophets Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! 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. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. You are mine. Countless experts also argued that David wrote it during the later years of his kingship because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone. In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. They also enjoy the enthusiastic company of their fifteen grandchildren. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. With joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a Email / username or password was incorrect! It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. Pentateuch So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. 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! Sermon. John Piper Sep 1, 1980. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. 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. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Not was, like He helped you in the past. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point 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. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. This is seen in the following table: [2]. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. i. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. Readers benefit from the coherence a single commentator provides, finding faithful, understandable, and . A great promise indeed! With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. Pastor John MacArthur. 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. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. The Third Commandment says, You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name (Exodus 20:7). He is utterly trustworthy. 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 shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. 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? God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. Johannine Writings David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. Do you? David wrote this while remembering his fearful experiences. You may be in a dark place but you must keep walking. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. Obviously it means that with the Lord protecting and providing for us then we shall not lack that which He knows we need. Psalm 107. [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. Anointing with oil was used for various purposes (healing, burial, expressing grief or joy). So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. can be seen as comforting for it is a sign that He loves us scripture says (Heb 12:6). (Whew!) No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. Sure enough, someone guessed pretty quickly that it would be Psalm 23. Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. ), Mounces Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), Renn, Stephen D., Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 2005), Richards, Lawrence O., Encyclopedia of Bible Words (Zondervan, 1985, 1991), Sakenfeld, Katharine Doob (ed.
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