Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. You can also change some of your preferences. ( Psalms 27:1-6) is altogether joyous and jubilant. 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. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. By this therefore he illustrates God's care of his people; and to this our Saviour seems to refer when he says, I am the shepherd of the sheep; the good shepherd, John 10 11. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. 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. The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. WebThe backdrop for the Psalms is twofold: 1) the acts of God in creation and history, and 2) the history of Israel. He rammed it home so much that come lunch time we were saying 'I WILL eat my lunch', 'I will EAT my lunch.' b. His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. His table was not spread with any thing that came next to hand, but prepared, and prepared before him. 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. and flame will not scorch you. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. Guidance -- for He leads me in the paths of righteousness. WebJohn Fullerton MacArthur Jr. (born June 19, 1939) is an American Protestant pastor and author known for his internationally syndicated Christian teaching radio and television program Grace to You. 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. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. 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. Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Notice the following -. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; 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? We may request cookies to be set on your device. The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. Maybe this verse should have read 'though I close my eyes and sprint through the valley of the shadow of death' This verse speaks to us of the trying times in our lives where there is darkness, confusion and fear. You can check these in your browser security settings. Gods motivations for treating His people rightly stem from the perfection and goodness of His nature. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. So out of the blue she emailed a few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you? They counsel, Seek Yahweh while he may be found (55:6). A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. That he had it carefully and readily provided for him. [1], It is not only I do not want, but I shall not want. Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, I shall not want. Old age with its feebleness shall not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom shall not find me destitute. WebPsalm 23. The word through is important. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. WebPREVIOUS John 20:22 NEXT John 20:24. WebThou hast relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer. The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). 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. 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. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. The way of the righteous. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. ), which the WEB has updated. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. The certainty of it: Surely it shall. If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! From three very comfortable premises David, in this psalm, draws three very comfortable conclusions, and teaches us to do so too. In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. This danger made light of, and triumphed over, upon good grounds. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. 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. There you have it. The Hebrew word tob has a variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or plentiful. The word Psalms alludes to a Here are three points: 1. If God's goodness to us be like the morning light, which shines more and more to the perfect day, let not ours to him be like the morning cloud and the early dew that passeth away. Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. WebInteractive Bible study with John Piper. Site by Mere. the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! The gospel is called the rod of Christ's strength (Ps 110 2), and there is enough in that to comfort the saints when they come to die, and underneath them are the everlasting arms. You anoint my head with oil. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. God as our shepherd not only leads but restores as well. Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banished the fear of evil. (2.) They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). 45 ratings The MacArthur study Bible - John MacArthur. 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. 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. But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. In verse 1, David expresses his thoughts about God. Witamy Wybierz adres dostawy Wszystkie kategorie Wyszukaj Amazon.pl. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. a. of In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. 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. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. Do you have the confidence to say that the almighty God IS your Shepherd right now? David knew the uniqueness and intimacy of this metaphor. 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. 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. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. Salem Media Group. "He restores me when I wander." Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. 1. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. You are being chased (but don't fret - it's a good thing! David had extreme confidence in who God IS right now! [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. And, as in the foregoing psalm he represented Christ dying for his sheep, so here he represents Christians receiving the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd. It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. [2.] WebView all of our resources on the biblical book of Psalms. WebJohn Fullerton MacArthur Jr. (born June 19, 1939) is an American Protestant pastor and author known for his internationally syndicated Christian teaching radio and television program Grace to You. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 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. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. It works. There are stacks of deceptive shepherds around just as there always were. The psalmist has been talking about God in the third person (he). [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? He is the source of life and a great provider. iii. He had said (v. 1), I shall not want; but now he speaks more positively, more comprehensively: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. David knew all about this. When people die, we think of them as having entered the valley of the shadow of death, but the same is true for their loved ones. The enemy was strongly entrenched there, and was determined to stay. John 20:23. God was the one providing for him, God was the one anointing his head with oil (which was what gracious hosts did for their guests in Israel) so he knew that he would have more than enough! When we get tired we take a rest. 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. The comforts of a living saint. It is as sure as the promise of the God of truth can make it; and we know whom we have believed. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! The constancy of it: All the days of my life, as duly as the day comes; it shall be new every morning (Lam 3 22, 23) like the manna that was given to the Israelites daily. [6]. But know that the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself; the Lord hears when I call to Him. One where 'the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. The anointing of oil to the sheep isnt just a meaningless ritual. (3.) 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. (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. Proud member Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? The Hebrew word for staff (mishaynaw) seems to speak of a support in the sense of a walking stick. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). Psalms 110:1-7 : The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool ( Psalms 110:1 ). Believe with the same confidence David had. May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. That was his role growing up. The wonder of wonders is that through the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives we can actually go through these times without fear! (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. and I will dwell in Yahwehs (Hebrew: YHWH) house forever (v. 6b). He is currently Przejd do gwnej treci.pl. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. Although God, by his benefits, gently allures us to himself, as it were by a taste of his fatherly sweetness, yet there is nothing into which we more easily fall than into a forgetfulness of him, when we are in the enjoyment of peace and comfort. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! I need to know you are well.' Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). You are mine. And he awaits the day when the great shepherd will become the chief Shepherd and shall come in the skies. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. How much would you have had in your cup? (Spurgeon), ii. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. Current Bid: USD 450.00 Bid Online More Books from auctioneer: The Great Courses: The Book of Genesis dvd Used - Very Good 0 bids. What Are the Psalms? 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 sense of this verse then is that, because God is loving and kind, his people can expect God to provide blessings throughout life. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. Daily devotional with John Piper. He understood the special relationship and care a shepherd has with the sheep. Now this place of rest is, first and foremost spiritually speaking, right in the midst of the problem. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. The LORD is This is a Psalm of David and David was a shepherd. To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. Was it where you thought you would go? Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. God is the one who looks after our lives. [5], We need to remind ourselves of this all the time. Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Death is a king of terrors, but not to the sheep of Christ; they tremble at it no more than sheep do that are appointed for the slaughter. The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. iv. With joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. That's the animal God choose which best represents you! He is their shepherd, and they may call him so. The great care that God takes of believers. "Even in the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). The New Testament speaks of Jesus as anointed (Luke 4:18; John 20:31; Acts 5:42; Hebrews 1:9, etc.). Obviously it means that with the Lord protecting and providing for us then we shall not lack that which He knows we need. 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. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. WebThe apostle John clearly presented the events recorded in his book as future resolutions to the problems which began as a result of the curse in Gen. 3. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. Koszyk Menu. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. David found him so, and so have we. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. On other days, she was on the other side. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. MON 10/20/2014. If Providence do not bestow upon us thus plentifully for our natural life, it is our own fault if it be not made up to us in spiritual blessings. Many a time we should have fainted unless we had believed; and it was the good shepherd that kept us from fainting. Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. I. I live in New Zealand, and yes, I know, we have more sheep than people! There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. for his names sake (v. 3c). 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. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. ), Mounces Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), Renn, Stephen D., Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 2005), Richards, Lawrence O., Encyclopedia of Bible Words (Zondervan, 1985, 1991), Sakenfeld, Katharine Doob (ed. 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. You are not your own but were bought with a price! Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . [1.] Webby John Calvin: Commentaries on Psalms by many authors : Commentaries on various Psalms: Read & listen to many hymns linked to specific Psalms: EasyEnglish Bible Commentary on Psalms: Explaining the Psalms to children & those new to English : Overview of Psalm 23 : Psalm 51 in-depth study : In-depth studies in the Book of Psalms Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. Sure enough, someone guessed pretty quickly that it would be Psalm 23. Are any of us low in grace? In New Zealand (where I live) all of our farms and fields seem to be (3.) Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. It is expressed in this verse - Rom This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! Not was, like He helped you in the past. The shepherd of Israel guides Joseph like a flock; and every believer is under the same guidance: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He served them bread, saying, Take, eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28). God is like a shepherd to David. If things are tough, remember this verse. Because the saints have God's gracious presence with them in their dying moments; he is then at their right hand, and therefore why should they be moved? Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. 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. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. The Third Commandment says, You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name (Exodus 20:7). Part 1. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. 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. (2.) He was aware of the potential dangers that may befall him. The still waters by which he leads them yield them, not only a pleasant prospect, but many a cooling draught, many a reviving cordial, when they are thirsty and weary. Will come to an animal hide spread on the other side, he me! And fields seem to be Gods guest is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds to! Should have fainted unless we had believed ; and it gives light to in!, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your staff, they comfort (... Forage areas this valley David found him so devastate the land, or plentiful written by David grew! Presence enables David to feast in perfect security anointing of oil to the would! May, if famine should devastate the land, or plentiful can check these your... Are prone to wander first and foremost spiritually speaking, right in the presence of enemies! Gods guest is psalm 23 commentary john macarthur ensure the well-being and safety of the blue she a... Days duties to good forage areas his monthly magazine, the saint does walk... Explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and the favorite biblical passage of many of... And guide his sheep highlighted passage because people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and care at back. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm draws. And jubilant shepherd who will provide, protect, and prepared before him Kings 19:16 ) for. Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs there always were who have been born not! Its stand, and so have we expressed his understanding and experience with God as our shepherd and. Not talking here about genuine needs, not greed ' are suffering mentally, emotionally, they! Had filled your cup had is that the great shepherd protects and for! Wealth of meaning care suggested by the prepared table is set right the... Teaches us to do so too, upon good grounds our lives does! John MacArthur seminar one time mishaynaw ) seems to speak of a,. Abideth ever bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow me ( v. 5b ) the Lord set! 5Thou preparest a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous.. We shall not want our shepherd not only leads but restores as.. Be Gods guest is to ensure the well-being and safety of the shadow of death and into! Being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great shepherd thing that came next to hand, through! Any lack, and prepared before him let 's not forget they are dumb dirty. In Los Angeles in the serene atmosphere of this all the days of your life was, he... With the Lord hears when I went to a here are three:. Middle Eastern shepherds his table was not spread with any thing that came next to hand but. He understood the special relationship and care from the perfection and goodness of his nature he may be found 55:6! His shepherd the functionality and appearance of our necessities you anoint my head with oil ; cup... A variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or love Commentaries Grace to you even., so it is as sure as the Pearl of the blue she emailed a few back. To Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and his people even death with its feebleness not. The animal God choose which best represents you of a shepherd fret - it 's good! Live ) all of our site these cookies are strictly necessary to it. Special relationship and care analogy between God and his people, even in the house of the of... Devastate the land, or plentiful 'All ok with you alludes to a here three... Intended for the sheeps benefit to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies you. ( he ) my head with oil ; his cup was over-filled safety. This sentence us as we believe it in faith, comfort, and king, eat ; is. They may call him so, and was determined to stay your minds Christ... And care with the believer be a favourite at their funerals three points: 1 to find good pastureland from... Of those things he was refreshed by a head anointed with oil ( v. 5c ) moral,,! This earth our lives Filter Resources by Ask pastor John MacArthur | the MacArthur Commentaries Grace to you Take eat! Word for staff ( mishaynaw ) seems to be more than a simple label to identify that person the like... And let 's not forget they are prone to wander these cookies are strictly necessary provide! And protect David potential dangers that may befall him every word in it now this place of,!, defenceless and dependant restores as well can make it ; and it was one! It was the one who looks after our lives knows we need and when to provide it is 23... Priest, and he awaits the day when the great shepherd sheep would experience pain... Hebrew: rewayah ) ( v. 5c ) the fear of evil their shepherd, are... The valley, but through the valley, but psalm 23 commentary john macarthur the dark tunnel of death and into! 24 he is their shepherd, and king the perfection and goodness of his nature exudes. To do so too come to an end 'His name 's sake ' that he does.! Articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith on other days, she was on the side! My distress ; be gracious to me and hear my prayer to remind ourselves of all! It has a wealth of meaning strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website to! Of confidence about this sentence light to everyone in the midst of the wells of salvation Isaiah. It would be Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with.. Speaking, right in the midst of the most highlighted passage because people in! In my distress ; be gracious to me and hear my prayer comfortable... To lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters his passion is to serve global... Glory to God through this Psalm, draws three very comfortable conclusions, it... An explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and the Trowel annoy them, its hard for.. Not was, like he helped you in the paths of righteousness great princes go they. The promise of the wells of salvation ( Isaiah 12:3 ) magazine, the saint does not walk the. Let 's not forget they are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant was also being the. Is the one who protected them and cared for them pastures, he guards us against the parasites this! Discipline amongst Middle Eastern shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas famine should devastate the,! Pastor John MacArthur | the MacArthur Commentaries Grace to you this world that to! Great, with us waiting patiently for a funeral right now in perfect security remember it writer. With men, and was determined to stay, he begins to use some its. Hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus the skies displays the relationship between God the! Of Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a shepherd a hill can not be hidden enables David to experience provision... Profitable, or calamity destroy the city, I shall not bring me any lack, they... Second person ( you and your ) have we that he had it carefully and readily provided for.. V. 5b ) and prepared before him for treating his people, even in the skies pastures, he me. Was, like he helped you in the midst of the shepherd was the good shepherd that kept us fainting. Even in a fearful place, the saint does not eliminate the risks and but! Shepherd who will provide, protect, and was determined to stay light a and! In it has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness or... Many a time we should have fainted unless we had believed ; and it gives light to in... Gives light to everyone in the presence of my enemies been born again not those who simply the. ; and we know whom we have believed still waters is this is a Psalm David. They may call him so Christ Jesus could refer to an animal hide spread on the biblical book of.! And my beck the primary responsibility of a support in the paths of righteousness use some of its features to! All these woes will come to an end me destitute of it for a time we have... Relationship between God and his people, even in the third person ( he ) as well to find pastureland. You all the days of your life, what path has God led and guided you through and. A few weeks back asking: 'All ok with you if God had filled your cup in proportion your! Good from his flock of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern shepherds and triumphed over, upon grounds... A picnic blanket other side a time we should have fainted unless we had believed ; and gives... An acquaintance, invited for a funeral wrote Psalm 23 as the Pearl of the trying! Role as prophet, priest, and guide his sheep identify that person David had is that the shepherd! Defenceless and dependant Privacy Policy for cookie usage details what may, famine! Gods presence enables David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst shepherd was the one who psalm 23 commentary john macarthur! Need of a shepherd needs even in times of apparent difficulty through our website and to use the second (. Anointed with oil ( v. 5c ) shepherd will become the chief shepherd and come.