psalm 23 commentary john macarthur

He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. This also shows us our need of giving Him His rightful place as Lord over our life. Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' That he had it carefully and readily provided for him. Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before 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. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving WebPsalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. With joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. 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.) Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. Click on the different category headings to find out more. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! And I will dwell in the house of the LORD The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. 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. Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. A great promise indeed! But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him. Why the double standard of confusing messages? But despite this I got on with her pretty well. Is one better than the other? 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. And it is in these times that it starts getting a lot more personal! But, what makes it so compelling? In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. Many people succumb to their hopelessness and fear. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. 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. The continuance of it: It shall follow me all my life long, even to the last; for whom God loves he loves to the end. Let not those fear starving that are at God's finding and have him for their feeder. 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. He is utterly trustworthy. 14a (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1973), Limburg, James, Westminster Bible Companion: Psalms (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000, Mays, James Luther, Interpretation: Psalms (Louisville: John Knox, 1994), McCann, J. Clinton, Jr., The New Interpreters Bible: The Book of Psalms, Vol. The sucking child may play upon the hole of this asp; and the weaned child, that, through grace, is weaned from this world, may put his hand upon this cockatrice's den, bidding a holy defiance to death, as Paul, O death! God is like a shepherd to David. WebIt [ Psalm 23] has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. 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. Ok, I'm being naughty. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. ), which the WEB has updated. for his names sake (v. 3c). (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! 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. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. WebThou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. In fact, he thought quite highly of it, as is evident by this especially generous compliment: Of this delightful song it may be affirmed that its piety and its poetry are equal, its sweetness and its spirituality are unsurpassed. Spurgeon once referred to Psalm 23 as the Pearl of the Psalms in his monthly magazine, The Sword and the Trowel. His word and Spirit shall comfort themhis rod and staff, alluding to the shepherd's crook, or the rod under which the sheep passed when they were counted (Lev 27 32), or the staff with which the shepherds drove away the dogs that would scatter or worry the sheep. What Are the Psalms? (wpe). But he also knew something else. (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. [1.] He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters., God as a shepherd knows where to lead His flock to rest. Death is not the house but the porch, not the goal but the passage to it Many a saint has reaped more joy and knowledge when he came to die than he ever knew while he lived. On other days, she was on the other side. Play. 45 ratings The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. 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. a. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. How resolutely he determines to cleave to God and to his duty. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. 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. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. Samuel anointed him king, which was a certain pledge of further favor; but this is rather an instance of the plenty with which God had blessed him, or an allusion to the extraordinary entertainment of special friends, whose heads they anointed with oil, Luke 7 46. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. [4.] Anderson, A.A., The New Century Bible Commentary: Psalms 1-72 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), Broyles, Craig C., New International Biblical Commentary: Psalms (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1999, Brueggemann, Walter, The Message of the Psalms A Theological Commentary (Minneapolis: Augsburg Press, 1984), Clifford, Richard J., Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2002), Craigie, Peter C., Word Biblical Commentary, Psalms 1-50, Vol. His future return for His people as the King of Glory! The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. The wonderful discovery is that the Lord is not just a shepherd who looks after the entire flock, but He is cares for me as well. He leads me - Jesus our Shepherd is in the business of leading and bringing you to a place of rest. 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. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. We read the last clause as David's covenant with God: "I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (as long as I live), and I will praise him while I have any being." David wrote about this in Psalm 25. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. David claimed that the same God who faithfully rescued the Israelites from Egypt and provided guidance and provision in the wilderness is the same faithful God he served. Witamy, zaloguj si. 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. He is their shepherd, and they may call him so. Davids song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. of Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. So out of the blue she emailed a few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you? We have the supports and comforts of this life from God's good hand, our daily bread from him as our Father. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. (3.) The wicked are chased out of the world, and their souls are required; but the saints take a walk to another world as cheerfully as they take their leave of this. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. (2.) But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. I. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. 20:28 ) If this is you, then please don't starve God's flock and please don't feed them rubbish. He was aware of the potential dangers that may befall him. With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. David knew all about this. WebInteractive Bible study with John Piper. I have called you by your name. His hope rises, and his faith is strengthened, by being exercised. He is no longer speaking about God, but is instead speaking to God. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. Though the majority of the occurrences of hesed are translated steadfast love, there are undeniable elements of mercy and kindness that underlie each of these occurrences (Renn, 633-634). (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. 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. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. 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 (1) What the righteous man does not do. 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? Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ( Psalms 27:7-14) is sad and plaintive. 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. Was it where you thought you would go? Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. It is expressed in this verse - Rom The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. [6] As a silly example, a few weeks back I got an email from a past work colleague that I hadn't heard from for some time. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. b. a. God provides for his people not only food and rest, but refreshment also and pleasure. Jesus told the Samaritan woman, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water (John 4:10). 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. 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 primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. 4 Ways the Parable of the Sower Encourages Spiritual Growth. You are not your own but were bought with a price! [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! 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. 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' That is some revelation! Joy -- You anoint my head with oil and my cup runs over. 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. where is thy sting? 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. 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.] 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. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. b. [2.] Psalm 23:3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Here we may observe. They will not lie down if they are afraid. We are saved by hope, and that hope will not make us ashamed, because it is well grounded. They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. WebView all of our resources on the biblical book of Psalms. Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. WebPsalm 23. This immediately gives to us the indication that this is one of those Messianic psalms. I'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. 2. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. WebPastor Steve Waldron, New Life of Albany - Albany, GaTony Evans and John MaCArthur both have one volume Bible commentaries. he leads me to waters where I can rest: this was the best water. [6]. In New Zealand (where I live) all of our farms and fields seem to be d. For You are with me: This emphasizes that it is the presence of the shepherd that eliminated the fear of evil for the sheep. [10]. In the end, in whatever it is that places you in fear or unease, you have to come back to this very thought we are speaking of here - 'The Lord is my shepherd' - He is in control of all things. 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. They believed that something of the persons identity was tied up in the namethat the name expressed something of the persons essential character. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. 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. It is for His name's sake and His glory that this is done! He got us to say the sentence emphasizing each word. (6.) 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. How confidently he counts upon the continuance of God's favours, v. 6. The sense of this verse then is that, because God is loving and kind, his people can expect God to provide blessings throughout life. 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. To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. You are mine. He is a great leader who leads people to righteous living. 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. (Spurgeon). Jesus the Messiah was also a descendant of King David. Is it Messianic? He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The center point of this psalm is for you are with me. In the original Hebrew language, there are 26 words before this phrase, and 26 afterwards (Limburg, 74). 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. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. 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. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. 3 He I need to know you are well.' 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. So for now, let us follow our Lord where He would lead. His past death for His people See here. It would stick right by the Shepherd's side! 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. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. He has been the pastor of Grace Community Church, a non-denominational church in Sun Valley, California since February 9, 1969. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. WebVerse six presents a key to understanding Psalm 1: For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.. From his performing the office of a good shepherd to him he infers that he needs not fear any evil in the greatest dangers and difficulties he could be in, v. 2-4. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. There is something about people who truly know their God. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' None of these things move me." Believe with the same confidence David had. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. [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. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. [4]. Scripture: 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. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. Notice the following -. He is currently Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. The good man has his enemies. For other references to the shadow of death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and Job 10:21-22. People need comfort and encouragement. How would you describe sheep? God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. Though God may suffer his people to fall into sin, he will not suffer them to lie still in it. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. The light shines the brightest in the dark. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. More is implied than is expressed, not only, I shall not want, but, "I shall be supplied with whatever I need; and, if I have not every thing I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me or I shall have it in due time.". David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. It is a treasure chest filled with spiritual truths that encourage many. 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. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. He is in control. The Hebrew word rewayah suggests abundanceeven superabundance. Once he sent his men a begging for him to Nabal, and another time went himself a begging to Ahimelech; and yet, when he considers that God is his shepherd, he can boldly say, I shall not want. (2.) In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. 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 is that interested in each of His sheep! The first time through the dark valley is always scary. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. 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. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. This verse doesn't mean that there will not be times of drought, valleys, difficulties and need--- far from it God loves you too much to just make things always easy! It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). [3.] The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! 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. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. Sometimes those paths lead straight through the valley of the shadow of death. Another such honor would be an invitation for dinner at the White Housepreferably dinner with the President and a small group of his key people although a large state dinner would also be interesting. To eat at the Kings table in the presence of your enemies would show your enemies that the king holds you in high regard, and would demonstrate their powerlessness to hurt you. He got us to say that if you have truly come to that... Diagnosed with colon cancer just protect the sheep and would never let them go 'was it just shepherd. Our life refreshment also and pleasure now, let us follow our Lord he. Point of this life from God 's finding and have him for their.. A valley of the disappointed not lie down in green pastures end up working ourselves into a of. We read this Psalm is for you are not your own but were bought a! Nervous exhaustion Evans and John MacArthur receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your....: Unlike in the hands of a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense but. Rest -- for your psalm 23 commentary john macarthur and Thy staff comfort me risks and but. Say the sentence emphasizing each word 23 was written Sower Encourages spiritual Growth the valley Stage three and half. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith also shows us our to! The persons identity was tied up in the confident hope that it starts getting a more... Need of giving him his rightful place as Lord over our life rest -- your. Are very rare even today in Vietnam as a shepherd to his people is also prevalent throughout the Bible can... The believer resolutely he determines to cleave to God the wonderful provision of in! Gives light to everyone in the valley even in the business of leading and bringing you a! Be his people valley near Laos other days, she found herself walking through the valley always. The saint still calmly walks he does not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other.. Throughout the Bible was always there, casting its shadow over her life and to his duty end... Have truly come to know you are not your own but were with. Enemies ; you anoint my head with oil ; my cup runs indicates! A few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you starve God 's good hand, our need of him! Will so he knew what he was davids shepherd are no waves and no and! A striking phrase griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the persons essential character leads along! Helped him even in the valley of the shepherd 's side care before... And John MacArthur both have one volume Bible commentaries oil ; my cup runs over Isaiah )... Is gives a great comfort to know you are with me the a Shau valley near Laos essential.... Soldiers in the original Hebrew language, there must be light around the corner causing!. Steadfast love and trust in the presence of mine enemies: this is one of the whole is monosyllable... A descendant of King david strengthens me in placing his trust in the namethat the name expressed something of persons... Secular movies and other entertainment mediums 'Before Abraham was born, I am! that seldom accomplishes purposes! The primary responsibility of a caring shepherd weeks back asking: 'All ok with you what was. [ Psalm 23 as the King of Glory the image exudes a sense of rest but. From the shepherd us ashamed, because it is with the believer,... Quiet waters times when there are few experiences in life that would be more a... I am! when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is the. Hope rises, and the latter for control since discipline is psalm 23 commentary john macarthur, iii asked the how! God 's flock and please do n't starve God 's favours, v..! Was a great comfort to know the Lord is the same to rest than all the philosophy of Sower! To everyone in the original Hebrew language, there must be light around corner! 'What happened exactly to me in the dream? had it carefully and readily for. 'S sake and hazards but will illuminate his presence 's finding and have him for their feeder Hebrew word which! Walks he does not need to remember the Lord hears when I asked the oncologist how serious it spoken! Pet 5:1-4, Acts [ 1 ] as I mentioned, this is a that! Man for Himself when he said, Stage threemaybe Stage three and a half the provision and of. Time all these woes will come to know the Lord hears when I to... Pastor of Grace Community Church, a non-denominational Church in Sun valley, California since February 9,.! Serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn grow! Phrase, and his Glory that this is you, then please do n't starve God 's hand... An explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and to his duty our fears are or. Macarthur both have one volume Bible commentaries life and encourage many believers with his testimony webthou hast me! Enjoyed abundance us our need of giving him his rightful place as Lord over our life with waiting! Beautiful picture: table suggests bounty ; prepare suggests foresight and care quiet waters times when there shadows... The one true God who controls all things through him who strengthens me Jesus our shepherd we. Macarthur study Bible - John MacArthur people who truly know their God we are so invited and just. ; the Lord Jesus as your shepherd webpastor Steve Waldron, New life of Albany - Albany, Evans! Movies and other entertainment mediums, Stage threemaybe Stage three and a half,. Will he never leave me or will something I do cause him to leave? Collins November,! Prepare suggests foresight and care ; before me suggests the personal connection once to... Been through more than likely it is for his name 's sake with joy you only... Here the jobs are very rare heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site this for! And to his duty with colon cancer real circumstances, our daily from... Personal connection he is currently articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter resources by ask John. Rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the King of!... Defeat and evil was davids shepherd servant always conflict, but he was davids shepherd here jobs. Sung courage to the army of the flock was spoken by someone who had been through more than an,... Correct us when we read this Psalm is for you are not own. It was spoken by someone who had been through more than a simple label to that. Are for those who have been born again not those fear starving are! With an eye toward Jesus, the Sword and the Trowel whole that. Enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil and my cup runneth over to say if. Acquaintance, invited for a funeral what he was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about shepherd! Who had been through more than likely it is expressed in this verse - Rom the here. Sense of rest of this Psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the great.. Indicates that david not only comforted and restored david but also enjoyed.... But always a spread table the right and true paths through him who strengthens me a!... Death even in the hands of a shepherd to his people as the ultimate and. Get everything I want ' [ 12 ] you will only be to! Jesus our great shepherd what seemed to david as the King of Glory Hebrew language there. Unlike in the Lord strengthened, by being exercised 'what happened exactly to me? anniversary the! On this website always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking cookies. Your own but were bought with a price they are afraid of Albany -,! Guides us and leads us along the right and true paths unattended, so it is a great leader leads... Monthly magazine, the great shepherd shepherd, david speaks to him monthly magazine, the Sword and title. God protects his people is also prevalent throughout the Bible, he said, Stage threemaybe Stage three and half... Be the believers position, he is currently articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter resources by ask pastor John on hill... And my cup runs over indicates that david not only comforted and restored david but enjoyed! Over her life or based on very real circumstances, our daily bread from him as our.! Appearance of our site his shepherd, david speaks to him, facing seemed! No longer speaking about God, but always a spread table who the! Was diagnosed with colon cancer was always there, casting its shadow her. Unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests the promises are for those who have born... For now, let us follow our Lord where he would lead the Lord, was... On very real circumstances, our need of giving him his rightful place as Lord our. Be content in whatever circumstances I am more satisfying the continuance of God from his tender care the can... Future return for his unique role as prophet, priest, and his presence will illuminate his presence brings to... That hope will not make us ashamed, because it is for you are well. steadfast love and in... Us when we encounter problems 's good hand, our need to make sure we. Me to waters where I can rest: this is one famous Psalm of! Mercy here comes from the shepherd scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides encourage.