psalm 23 commentary john macarthur

[3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol Summer Psalms. 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. God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God's goodness in the present and in the future. His Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, to cherish. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. Oh! MON 10/20/2014. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. 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! But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. Pauline Epistles Pentateuch And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. Jesus the Messiah was also a descendant of King David. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. 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. It works. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. God shines His light into our lives. i. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. It offers a broad overview of each Bible book and the internal consistency that results from having a single commentator. I will fear no evil. Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. Right paths lead to life rather than death (see Matthew 7:13-14). Psalm 22 Part 2 - It is finished, He has done it! As someone who worked as a shepherd before, David knew that shepherds live with their flock and are everything to it: guide, protector, and source of provision. The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude that tells Davids relationship with God as his shepherd. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. Learn More | Livestream | Bulletin Servicios en espaol. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. Kidner notes: The rod (a cudgel worn at the belt) and staff (to walk with, and to round up the flock) were the shepherds weapon and implement: the former for defence (cf. In Psalm 22 Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. On other days, she was on the other side. Psalm 107. "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. Everything will be ok. i. John MacArthur (b. PSALM 23:1-4. Title The entire collection of Psalms is entitled "Praises" in the Hebrew text. "Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, Psalm 2 Bible Study The Current Rebellion & The Coming King, Psalm 8 Bible Study The wonder of God and the second man, Psalm 16 Part 1: Testing's in the journey through life and death, Psalm 16 Part 2 - Hope in the journey through life and death, Psalm 22 Part 1 - Prophecy of the crucifixion and the wrath of man. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Topical Series; DVD Series; Bible Series; Flash Drives; Bundles . The MacArthur Bible Commentary. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. But that is not how it is in the dry arid lands of the Middle East and we need to read this Psalm with that mindset. Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him His present care and provision for His people Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. Thank you for registering. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. It has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters., God as a shepherd knows where to lead His flock to rest. My - This is probably the best thing about this psalm it is so personal! If there is a wire fence, they'll get caught in it. conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy In this article, well be talking about the commentary of Psalm 23 and explore more about its meaning. God is the one who looks after our lives. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. 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. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. He is a great leader who leads people to righteous living. Thank God for such times! God is. [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. Do you have the confidence to say that the almighty God IS your Shepherd right now? Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. He is not just a 'good shepherd'. When a soldier is in the presence of his enemies, if he eats at all he snatches a hasty meal, and away he hastens to the fight. As I said, it wasn't all easy and plain sailing being a sheep in Israel however. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. 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. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. John MacArthur. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. But he also knew something else. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? Excellent for: personal and family devotions pastoral study preparing Sunday-school lessons using with a small group simply readingeach volume draws you in The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. Poetical Books Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Johannine Writings 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahwehs house forever. iii. To eat at the Kings table in the presence of your enemies would show your enemies that the king holds you in high regard, and would demonstrate their powerlessness to hurt you. b. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. Minor Prophets David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. (1.) Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. Is it Messianic? Pauline Epistles 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.. The sheep would experience excruciating pain that they would bash their heads against trees and rocks for relief. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. God longs to bless and prosper His people. 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. When we get tired we take a rest. People need comfort and encouragement. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. Psalm 23 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. There you have it. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. The MacArthur Study Bible: new King James version - John MacArthur. 3 He restores my soul. Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. 'You are with me' the Psalmist says and that is all that he needs to know. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. The Old Testament He is the source of life and a great provider. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. 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. The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Be assured! How marvellous it is that weak, fearful people can be given such confidence through a simple trust in the ability of their shepherd! iv. How much would you have had in your cup? (Spurgeon), ii. There was no fear involved. He first spoke them for Israels sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them for our sake. God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. Forever. It is a Psalm of life, rest and peace. The light shines the brightest in the dark. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. Johannine Writings i. 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). 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.. His future return for His people as the King of Glory! So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. (Kidner). His past death for His people That's the animal God choose which best represents you! Poetical Books '. Psalm 23:6 And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. It will go singing to your children and my children, and to their children, through all the generations of time; nor will it fold its wings till the last pilgrim is safe, and time ended; and then it shall fly back to the bosom of God, whence it issued, and sound on, mingled with all those sounds of celestial joy which make heaven musical for ever. He had known feast. Now this place of rest is, first and foremost spiritually speaking, right in the midst of the problem. It was never used on the sheep. The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. Scripture: Psalm 23. 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). The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . The subsequent trips through the valley become progressively easier as trust increases. 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. It leads to burn out, break downs and depression. 'Do I need to be extra careful?' In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. They are still waters, for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. The Gospels Psalm 40 - The Pit and the Pierced Ear in the Paths of God, Psalm 41: The pattern of betrayal - Past, present and future (P1), Psalm 55: The pattern of betrayal: Past, present and future (P2), Psalm 69 - The restoration and the zeal of the Lord, Psalm 102 - Change and the Unchangeable One, Psalm 110: Jesus the Messiah - Our Lord and King, Psalm 110: Jesus our priest in the order of Melchizedek. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. 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] . [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. 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. 1939) is a Calvinist theologian, author, editor, and teacher. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. Scripture: Psalm 23. Minor Prophets Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. But, what makes it so compelling? [8] If you are someone that God has placed in a position of leadership or teaching then you should also remember that you are called shepherds and are called to feed the flock of God. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. Email / username or password was incorrect! [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. Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. The word through is important. Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. Our children were still quite young. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. And I will dwell in the house of the LORDforever: The psalm ends with the calmest assurance that he would enjoy the presence of the LORD forever both in his days on this earth and beyond. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. ), which the WEB has updated. 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. The Old Testament David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. General Epistles Prophets We are smart enough to do this in the physical. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. The New Testament Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. 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. That is what God desires to work into your life. Pastor John MacArthur. - Henry Ward Beecher, [2] J Vernon McGee writes 'to put it succinctly, in Psalm 22 we see the cross, in Psalm 23 the crook (the Shepherd's crook), and in Psalm 24 the crown (the King's crown). You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. It's not somewhere that you set up camp thinking that is all you will ever know. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. 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. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. 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. Minor Prophets Click on the different category headings to find out more. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. 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. The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). Sep 8, 1980. A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security. (Clarke). I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish ; no one can snatch them out of my hand. You are mine. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. What is also interesting, even before we get into the actual verses, is that this Psalm is part two of what we could call a Messianic trilogy. He leads me. If there is a ditch, they will fall in and need to be rescued. But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest.