Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. When we get tired we take a rest. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. 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! Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. The Gospels It is a psalm written by David who grew up as a shepherd. Psalms Commentaries & Sermons | Precept Austin It included the most highlighted passage in the Bible which turned out to be this passage: Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. How much would you have had in your cup? (Spurgeon), ii. I have called you by your name. In verse 1, David expresses his thoughts about God. The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." . So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! Follow John MacArthur: Contact Information: Phone: 800-55-GRACE Fax: 661-295-5871 Email: [email protected] . for his names sake (v. 3c). Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. The Whole Bible [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. Giving without a Whisper by C. H. Spurgeon, Know, Known, Knowledge, Unknown - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: Mateo 4 La Tentacin de Jess y Su Primer Ministerio en Galilea, David Guzik :: Hechos 2 El Espritu Santo Es Derramado Sobre la Iglesia, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 20 Satans, el Pecado y la Muerte son Finalmente Eliminados, David Guzik :: 2 Timoteo 3 Los Tiempos Peligrosos y la Preciosa Verdad, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 12 La Mujer, el Nio, y el Dragn, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), Matthew 18-19 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 1:1-8 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), John 12 - Sir, We Would See Jesus (Chuck Missler), Genesis 2-3 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith). David wrote this while remembering his fearful experiences. Pentateuch . ii. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Maclaren writes: The rod and the staff seem to be two names for one instrument, which was used both to beat off predatory animals and to direct the sheep.. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . 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]. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Thankfully I didn't go far down that track but it can plant this little seed of fear in your mind if you let it. Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. His future return for His people as the King of Glory! [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. It's not somewhere that you set up camp thinking that is all you will ever know. Commentary on Psalm 23 - Working Preacher from Luther Seminary I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish ; no one can snatch them out of my hand. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. . 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. Readers benefit from the coherence a single commentator provides, finding faithful, understandable, and . You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). John MacArthur Bible Commentaries | Review - YouTube Let us not, therefore, be afraid. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. ), 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. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. My cup runs over. It means to actively pursue, to chase, and normally in a negative sense as when Pharaoh chased Israel at the exodus. The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. One where 'the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. i. (1 Pet 5:1-4, Acts 1939) is a Calvinist theologian, author, editor, and teacher. 27:1). Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. [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. Gods motivations for treating His people rightly stem from the perfection and goodness of His nature. Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. i. Pauline Epistles The MacArthur Commentaries Series | SermonAudio Psalm 23 | Anchored | Grace Community Church - gracechurch.org To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Now mine was a recent silly example. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . David had extreme confidence in who God IS right now! Best known for his expository exegesis of the Bible . He is the Shepherd that tends to His flock. 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. (wpe). The Old Testament SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. God as our shepherd not only leads but restores as well. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. 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. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point That is some revelation! Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a Poetical Books Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! How marvellous it is that weak, fearful people can be given such confidence through a simple trust in the ability of their shepherd! Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. 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! It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. Scripture: Psalm 23. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. ii. and flame will not scorch you. Sure enough, someone guessed pretty quickly that it would be Psalm 23. (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Right paths lead to life rather than death (see Matthew 7:13-14). See here, 1. Luke-Acts For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. All of John's 3,000 sermons, spanning more than four decades of ministry, are available for free on the Grace to You website. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. Email / username or password was incorrect! ii. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Play. Minor Prophets Wisdom Literature 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! It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. (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 will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. He is. In the end, in whatever it is that places you in fear or unease, you have to come back to this very thought we are speaking of here - 'The Lord is my shepherd' - He is in control of all things. The little child out at sea in the storm is not frightened like all the other passengers on board the vessel, it sleeps in its mothers bosom; it is enough for it that its mother is with it; and it should be enough for the believer to know that Christ is with him Thy rod and thy staff, by which you govern and rule your flock, the ensigns of your sovereignty and of your gracious carethey comfort me. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. 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. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, My. He does not say, The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock, but The Lord is my shepherd; if he be a Shepherd to no one else, he is a Shepherd to me; he cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me. The words are in the present tense. [4]. The New Testament Verse 1. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. 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. 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. Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. ), The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, 5 vol. [13] Boy it used to annoy me how church leaders and other Christians would create such confusion concerning this! Commentaries; Sermons. (Jer 23:1-4, Ezek 34:1-10) Work to be a faithful shepherd realising that it is God's own sheep that He has placed in your care. Historical Books It talks about humanity, our experiences, and even our emotions. It's not for the goats. Johannine Writings In Psalms 23:3, Psalms 23:4 the spiritual meaning shines through the figure, as in Psalms 23:5, Psalms 23:6 it is laid aside altogether; yet still the psalmist speaks of the "rod and staff." "Rod," the shepherd's crook, the received emblem of authority, guidance, and discipline. a. If things are tough, remember this verse. 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] . Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. Passwords should have at least 6 characters. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). 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. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. My cup runs over. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. Many people succumb to their hopelessness and fear. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. And he awaits the day when the great shepherd will become the chief Shepherd and shall come in the skies. David wrote about this in Psalm 25. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. (Kidner). Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4a). A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy 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. The epistle to the Hebrews is a study in contrast, between the imperfect and incomplete provisions of the Old Covenant, given under Moses, and the infinitely better provisions of the New Covenant offered by the perfect High-Priest, God's only Son and the Messiah, Jesus Christ. 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. Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. 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. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. As I said, it wasn't all easy and plain sailing being a sheep in Israel however. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. The word through is important. 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. 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. Pentateuch Major Prophets 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. He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. With family of say, a mother, a father, 3 or four children, and only one in the family working and bringing in 3 dollars (a day), it would takes ages before one can afford to buy anything extra, even clothes or even a blanket. Obviously it means that with the Lord protecting and providing for us then we shall not lack that which He knows we need. Pauline Epistles Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. Messages on Psalm 23 | Desiring God 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. God is the one who looks after our lives. He is not just a 'good shepherd'. 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. It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. The Shepherds Crook. No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! 3 He restores my soul. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. Like the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, David might say that all of life is lived under the shadow of death, and it is the conscious presence of the LORD as shepherd that makes it bearable. Founded in 1969, Grace to You is the nonprofit organization responsible for developing, producing, and distributing Johns books, audio resources, and the Grace to You radio and television programs. Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New . The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. i. But the shepherds here use dogs and fences to drive and control the sheep. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. How would you describe sheep? i. Historical Books 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 for ever. (Spurgeon), (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. 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. When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. We have to learn to sit back and thank Him once again. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! - Jesus Plus Nothing The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. Ok, I'm being naughty. General Epistles Everything in time -- for goodness and mercy shall follow me. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase.
psalm 23 commentary john macarthur
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