Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching grief's, of orphans in their loneliness. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. Wisdom Literature He had known feast. Minor Prophets (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. And I used to always think 'Well! The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Poetical Books Johannine Writings They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. And, then, it is not the valley of death, but the valley of the shadow of death, for death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. (23) Seller Location . Our God leads His people into the green pastures and still waters. (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. They will lead us to places of rest and provision. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. He is a great shepherd. [4] I read in a John Hunter book that as well as being able to say 'The Lord is my shepherd' we should be able to say 'The shepherd is my Lord.' GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point i. 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. Psalm 23 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (complete) - Christianity The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. That's the animal God choose which best represents you! He is. There was no fear involved. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. It offers a broad overview of each Bible book and the internal consistency that results from having a single commentator. So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things. i. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. and Kahane, Ahuvia, The Oxford English-Hebrew Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 1998), Fohrer, Georg, Hebrew & Aramaic Dictionary of the Old Testament (SCM Press, 2012), Freedman, David Noel (ed. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. [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. 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. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. General Epistles In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. PSALM 23:1-4. Psalms 23 - Dr. Constable's Expository Notes - Bible Commentaries Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. 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. She is a lady that is unfortunately into the New Age and has spirit guides etc She doesn't agree with what I believe nor do I agree with her beliefs. Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point All the days of my life; God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. Davids guidance from God has a moral component. Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. Liberated for Life : Galatians - a Bible Commentary for Laymen by John F. MacArthur and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! Someone said they are the most stupid animal on the face of the earth. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. ii. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. Ok, I'm being naughty. A number of our soldiers died there. My cup runs over. Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. 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. . 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 Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, Johannine Writings Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. I will believe that thou reignest still. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Oh! David found him so, and so have we. Jesus honored his disciples by inviting them to a table where he served them bread, saying, I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16). Bible Introductions - Hebrews by John MacArthur - Blue Letter Bible They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. Basically fear tactics. 19 (Dallas: Word Books, 1983), Hartley, J.E., in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Three: K-P Revised (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986), Keller, W. Phillip, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1970, 2007, 2015), Kidner, Derek, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72, Vol. That was all it said. Psalm 23:6 And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. The Gospels But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. The MacArthur Bible Commentary: John MacArthur: 9780785250661 The Believer's Confession of Sin. i. [6]. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Use semicolons to separate groups: 'Gen;Jdg;Psa-Mal' or 'Rom 3-12;Mat 1:15;Mat 5:12-22', There are options set in 'Advanced Options', The Whole Bible Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. 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. Pauline Epistles 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' 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. Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:3, 12-13; 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39). All of John's 3,000 sermons, spanning more than four decades of ministry, are available for free on the Grace to You website. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. Historical Books In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. Shepherd - This imagery of the shepherd and sheep spans the entire Bible but is most prominent in the New Testament where Jesus speaks about His relationship with His people, His sheep. It's not for the goats. b. He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! Scripture: Psalm 23. [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? 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. and I will dwell in Yahwehs (Hebrew: YHWH) house forever (v. 6b). And then the same thing will happen tomorrow. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order.