Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins. Johannine Writings i. With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. There was no fear involved. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Location. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. 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. [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. 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]. How marvellous it is that weak, fearful people can be given such confidence through a simple trust in the ability of their shepherd! 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 David wrote about this in Psalm 25. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. ISBN 10: 0785250662 ISBN 13: . We are smart enough to do this in the physical. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. Wisdom Literature The comforts of a living saint. Recognizing the value of consistent reflection upon the Word of God in order to refocus one's mind and heart upon Christ and His Gospel of peace, we provide several reading plans designed to cover the entire Bible in a year. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . 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. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. [6]. Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things. 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. What great confidence! My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point They are still waters, for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . The New Testament speaks of Jesus as anointed (Luke 4:18; John 20:31; Acts 5:42; Hebrews 1:9, etc.). All the days of my life; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. The Gospels The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. 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. The first time through the dark valley is always scary. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. Well, having said that I should say that you will be free from fear to the degree that you know He is with you - rain, hail and shine. In Psalm 23, however, the psalmist declares that the Sovereign of the universe, the Creator of all things, can be described using "my," that the Lord attends to me in a personal way. The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol Summer Psalms. The New Testament God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. 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). Pauline Epistles In Psalm 23, we are compared to sheep who do not have a sense of direction, are hopeless, and are weak who need a Shepherd. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. He had known famine. Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. Oh! God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. Prophets Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. In terms of how it is loved, look at how one old theologian from the 1800's spoke of it. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, president of The Masters University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! The Shepherd's staff: The staff was used by the Shepherd to direct the sheep in the way in which they should go, and, in the case of a wandering nosey sheep, to pull it back into line [11] . In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. Daily devotional with John Piper. 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.. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. His past death for His people Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. There is something about people who truly know their God. God shines His light into our lives. But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. He leads me - Jesus our Shepherd is in the business of leading and bringing you to a place of rest. Note the pronoun change in this verse. Johannine Writings But Jesus is the good Shepherd. So here is a man who has had to depend upon His Shepherd and is finding Him faithful even in trying times. The Hebrew word for staff (mishaynaw) seems to speak of a support in the sense of a walking stick. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. Why the double standard of confusing messages? That's the animal God choose which best represents you! [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway 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! This is seen in the following table: [2]. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. [5], We need to remind ourselves of this all the time. It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. I have called you by your name. It is a treasure chest filled with spiritual truths that encourage many. However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). 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! That was all it said. Everything will be ok. You can also change some of your preferences. Included in the "better" provisions are: a better hope . A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. Believe with the same confidence David had. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. 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. That was his role growing up. It is for His name's sake and His glory that this is done! Are any of us low in grace? But if it is an honor to be invited to the Presidents home, it is an infinitely greater honor to be invited to the Lords house. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. 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. The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. Minor Prophets He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. David found him so, and so have we. Nothing is outside of His control. The Whole Bible We lie on our beds yet carry on the same thoughts inside. Pentateuch Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. 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. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! 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. Major Prophets The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. [4]. The anointing of oil to the sheep isnt just a meaningless ritual. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:3, 12-13; 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39). It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written.
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