(Whew!) The New Testament 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Please read and believe! In the Old Testament world, to eat and drink at someones table created a bond of mutual loyalty, and could be the culminated token of a covenant. [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. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. Abraham's Bosom, Paradise, and Heaven 1. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. "It [ Psalm 23] has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. I need to know you are well.' I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. Minor Prophets Click on the different category headings to find out more. But it is there that you learn that though you may not be able to see the shepherd as well as normal, He can see you and is still protecting you! (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; He leads me - Jesus our Shepherd is in the business of leading and bringing you to a place of rest. Not will be, like you look forward to something He will do but IS - present tense. You are mine. 3,580+ | 2 min. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. There you have it. 'Do I need to be extra careful?' 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. Companionship -- for you are with me. Title: The MacArthur Bible Commentary By: John MacArthur Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 2040 Vendor: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: 2005 Dimensions: 9.75 X 6.75 X 2.75 (inches) Weight: 3 pounds 11 ounces ISBN: 0785250662 ISBN-13: 9780785250661 Stock No: WW250662 Related Products The Jesus You Can't Ignore: Study $7.49 $9.99 Save 25% He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. Minor Prophets This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. Because the sheep have this tendency to wander and get lost, a shepherd must always guide them in the right direction. Sun Valley, CA 91352 If there was such a thing as animal school, they would be dropouts. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. 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! Title The entire collection of Psalms is entitled "Praises" in the Hebrew text. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. How would you describe sheep? 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?' But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. That is some revelation! Luke-Acts Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. Pauline Epistles Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. I will fear no evil. 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. It has an inexpressibly delightful application to the dying; but it is for the living, too. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. Make sure your view of the 'Good Shepherd' Jesus is the right one! Pauline Epistles Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. Psalms 23. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! A great promise indeed! i. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. Like the Greek word agape (love) in the New Testament, hesed (lovingkindness) involves actionkindness or love expressed through kind or loving actions rather than just feelings. He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us. 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. Pentateuch Ouch. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. For I am Yahweh your God, Other than the president and family, only a handful of people have been invited to make the White House their homeand then only for a few years. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. They will not lie down if they are afraid. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. His Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, to cherish. "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. Verse 1. 'You are with me' the Psalmist says and that is all that he needs to know. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. (Spurgeon), iii. The Old Testament Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. See here, 1. Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Bible Commentary by John Macarthur - AbeBooks Poetical Books This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! John MacArthur brings you a complete Bible commentary in one volume. 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. The Macarthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur (2005, Hardcover Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Prophets Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 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. What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. Prophets But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. Our children were still quite young. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. Email / username or password was incorrect! 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. So for now, let us follow our Lord where He would lead. The New Testament Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. The word through is important. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. 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). Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. 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. But it is alluded to such as in Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." Now I want to break this first verse up into each little section so that we can get a better grasp as to what David was saying. 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. Bible Text Commentaries by John MacArthur - Blue Letter Bible It's not for the goats. Major Prophets Pray to him, then, for the blessingRestore thou me, thou Shepherd of my soul!, Some Christians overlook the blessing of sanctification, and yet to a thoroughly renewed heart this is one of the sweetest gifts of the covenant. 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. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. 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. Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd. Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). It has comforted the noble host of the poor. He is not just a 'good shepherd'. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: The hosts care brought the goodness and mercy of God to David, and he lived in the faithful expectation of it continuing all the days of his life. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. Thank God for such times! John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher. The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. You prepare a table before me: Without departing from the previous picture of the valley of the shadow of death, David envisioned the provision and goodness given by the LORD as a host, inviting David to a rich table prepared for him. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. The Old Testament Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. 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. in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. Psalm 19. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! 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.. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. Psalm 23 Commentary: The Lord Is My Shepherd Explained What great confidence! The comforts of a living saint. ), The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, 5 vol. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! - Jesus Plus Nothing In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. Do you? [10]. He had known feast. John MacArthur: The Lord Is My Salvation 92,638 views Jun 16, 2017 1.3K Dislike Share Save Ligonier Ministries 448K subscribers "The Lord is my light and my salvation" (Ps. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. It is expressed in this verse - Rom We are well escorted, with a Shepherd in front and these twin angels behind! (Meyer), iii. Pauline Epistles The enemy was strongly entrenched there, and was determined to stay. Johannine Writings But he also knew something else. 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. He talks about going through it, showing that he expects to emerge from its shadows into the light on the other side. He is a popular conference speaker and the president of both The Master's College and The Master's Seminary. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4a). And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. 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. of Scripture. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. Someone said they are the most stupid animal on the face of the earth. Gods motivations for treating His people rightly stem from the perfection and goodness of His nature. In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. 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. Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. 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. Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). 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 have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts Pastor John MacArthur. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! That's the animal God choose which best represents you! Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. No matter his present environment, David could look to the fact of Gods shepherd-like presence and know, You are with me and I will fear no evil.. 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). You are being chased (but don't fret - it's a good thing! Every Christian is a priest, but he cannot execute the priestly office without unction, and hence we must go day by day to God the Holy Ghost, that we may have our heads anointed with oil. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. John MacArthur (b. For other references to the shadow of death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and Job 10:21-22. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? 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. The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. Note the pronoun change in this verse. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. I have called you by your name. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. 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. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John F. MacArthur - Google Play
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