But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. 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. You anoint my head with oil. And I used to always think 'Well! 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. 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. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. The Saviours Cross. For other references to the shadow of death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and Job 10:21-22. The Gospels He leads me beside still waters. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point It has comforted the noble host of the poor. Pauline Epistles The MacArthur Bible Commentary | Logos Bible Software GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. Psalms - Grace To You Make sure your view of the 'Good Shepherd' Jesus is the right one! John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, president of The Master's University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. You are mine. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. But Jesus is the good Shepherd. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). All the days of my life; Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. Historical Books He is the shepherd that provides and His people will lack no good thing. '. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. The MacArthur Commentaries Series | SermonAudio It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. 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. 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. Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. He is the Shepherd that tends to His flock. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol | Desiring God The Old Testament Pauline Epistles Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. Psalm 23 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. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. God's Testimony to the Scriptures. Obviously it means that with the Lord protecting and providing for us then we shall not lack that which He knows we need. Amazon, in the last couple of weeks (Nov 2014) released the most highlighted passages in their most popular books downloaded onto Kindle, their electronic book reader. God is like a shepherd to David. Prophets They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. 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. All of John's 3,000 sermons, spanning more than four decades of ministry, are available for free on the Grace to You website. I need to know you are well.' The New Testament As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). Johannine Writings PSALM 23:1-4. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. 1939) is a Calvinist theologian, author, editor, and teacher. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. The Old Testament He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. How much would you have had in your cup? (Spurgeon), ii. 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! Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! A servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the son abideth ever. 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 forever. I live in New Zealand, and yes, I know, we have more sheep than people! Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. I will fear no evil. Is it a terrible thing that even though God is sovereign and controls the entire universe, we don't want to let go of the reigns! Psalm 23 | Anchored | Grace Community Church - gracechurch.org Wisdom Literature 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). God is. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. 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. 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. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. I have all things and abound; not because I have a good store of money in the bank, not because I have skill and wit with which to win my bread, but because The Lord is my shepherd. The wicked always want, but the righteous never; a sinners heart is far from satisfaction, but a gracious spirit dwells in a palace of content.[2]. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. 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! The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. 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. Pauline Epistles Pentateuch Gods motivations for treating His people rightly stem from the perfection and goodness of His nature. "It [ Psalm 23] has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. Verse 1. (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. Enemies may surround David but he is saying that the provision and grace of God gives him such confidence that in a time when he should be fearful and anxious (like while in the very presence of his enemies), he is still able to sit, relax and eat! i. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? ), which the WEB has updated. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! - Jesus Plus Nothing Poetical Books Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. Nothing is outside of His control. Kidner notes: The rod (a cudgel worn at the belt) and staff (to walk with, and to round up the flock) were the shepherds weapon and implement: the former for defence (cf. What is characteristic of them? 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. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' There are no halfway measures when it comes to the Lords provision for our lives. Psalm 22 Part 2 - It is finished, He has done it! Again, there is comfort in the fact that God directs us and even discipline from the Lord (pulling us back into line!) God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! In extreme cases where a lamb continually wandered off and wouldn't stick with the pack (causing the Shepherd to repeatedly have to go and bring the lamb back) the Shepherd would sometimes break the lamb's leg! To walk indicates the steady advance of a soul which knows its road, knows its end, resolves to follow the path, feels quite safe, and is therefore perfectly calm and composed Observe that it is not walking in the valley, but through the valley. Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' Major Prophets He is the source of life and a great provider. Thank God for such times! He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. This psalm is so personal, with the pronoun I or My, being used commonly. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. [4]. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). b. (12) I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. [5], We need to remind ourselves of this all the time. However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. Passwords should have at least 6 characters. 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. They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. He is no longer speaking about God, but is instead speaking to God. 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. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. Pentateuch You can also change some of your preferences. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. The comforts of a living saint. I'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. It has an inexpressibly delightful application to the dying; but it is for the living, too. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible The other thing to note on this point is that the entire psalm is only valid for those who truly have Jesus as their shepherd. They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. Psalm's 22, 23 and 24 give different glimpses of this wonderful Shepherd. for his names sake (v. 3c). Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. Daily devotional with John Piper. Nov. 10, 2012. The Old Testament The New Testament speaks of Jesus as anointed (Luke 4:18; John 20:31; Acts 5:42; Hebrews 1:9, etc.). [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Major Prophets This unspeakably delightful verse has been sung on many a dying bed, and has helped to make the dark valley bright times out of mind. Major Prophets In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. Wisdom Literature Please read and believe! (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. The New Testament Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. PDF Psalm 23 - Verse 5 God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. There you have it. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. It is a psalm written by David who grew up as a shepherd. They will not lie down if they are afraid. Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. 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. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. This is the joy of the Christian! In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. The Whole Bible Psalms for the Anxious - Grace To You and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. Scripture: Psalm 23. If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! And I will dwell in the house of the LORDforever: The psalm ends with the calmest assurance that he would enjoy the presence of the LORD forever both in his days on this earth and beyond. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! (Proverbs 10:3). Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Historical Books In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. But he also knew, through many highs and lows, throughout his life, that he too was but a sheep with a far greater Shepherd. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! Under Johns leadership, Grace Community Church's two morning worship services fill the 3,500-seat auditorium to capacity. [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. Major Prophets John MacArthur brings you a complete Bible commentary in one volume. That is some revelation! Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. This is a fact as indisputable as it is encouraging, and therefore a heavenly verily, or surely is set as a seal upon it. John and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four married children: Matt, Marcy, Mark, and Melinda. Arno C Gaebelin said (with some small modifications): A good way to read this Psalm is by asking the question, 'What shall I not want?' ISBN 10: 0785250662 ISBN 13: . Luke-Acts The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well.