So I wrote back and said I had done a thorough check and all was well. The MacArthur Bible Commentary. Sproul shared how the Lord used Psalm 23 to bring him daily comfort as he dealt with various health challenges. In extreme cases where a lamb continually wandered off and wouldn't stick with the pack (causing the Shepherd to repeatedly have to go and bring the lamb back) the Shepherd would sometimes break the lamb's leg! He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd, ver 2, 3, 5. 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' Those that would be satisfied with the fatness of God's house must keep close to the duties of it. Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. Now David wasn't saying here that 'the Lord is my Shepherd, whom I do not want'! 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. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Was it where you thought you would go? 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]. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. 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 a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. We have the supports and comforts of this life from God's good hand, our daily bread from him as our Father. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. God is holy, and takes his holy name seriously: Since God is holy, we as Gods people need to insure that we do not tarnish his name by our wrongful words or actions. What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. They are well guided, well led. 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. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Web29 MacArthur Bible New Testament Commentary - Almost Complete Set + Handbook + 1 Sold by brianmash | Ends on 2023-02-28 23:45:20 . [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.' He that is the shepherd of Israel, of the whole church in general (Ps 80 1), is the shepherd of every particular believer; the meanest is not below his cognizance, Isa 40 11. He is utterly trustworthy. God shines His light into our lives. But we need to learn to lie down. WebGod used both the educational system of Egypt and his exile in Midian to prepare Moses to represent his people before a powerful pharaoh and to guide his people through the wilderness of the Sinai peninsula during his final 40 years ( Acts 7:36 ). e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. [1.] God is the one who looks after our lives. Why the double standard of confusing messages? 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. If there is a wire fence, they'll get caught in it. Not many people receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more than one. (2.) Though God may suffer his people to fall into sin, he will not suffer them to lie still in it. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. 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. Notice the following -. WebVerses 1-7. 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. 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. (Whew!) Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. David wrote about this in Psalm 25. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway WebVerse 1. Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). - 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). When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! It isnt his destination or dwelling place. Another such honor would be an invitation for dinner at the White Housepreferably dinner with the President and a small group of his key people although a large state dinner would also be interesting. That was his role growing up. Here is. A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. 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. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. The shepherd of Israel guides Joseph like a flock; and every believer is under the same guidance: He leadeth me beside the still waters. We lie on our beds yet carry on the same thoughts inside. The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. He is the source of life and a great provider. In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. God will authorize him to apply SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' 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. 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! My cup runs over. We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil. We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. ), The Complete WordStudy Old Testament (Chattanooga; AMG Publishers, 1994), Baker, Warren and Carpenter, Eugene, The Complete WordStudy Dictionary: Old Testament (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2003), Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, 4 vols. But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. (1.) We are smart enough to do this in the physical. But it is alluded to such as in Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. This is the condition of Gods servant always conflict, but always a spread table. (Maclaren), ii. From God's being his shepherd he infers that he shall not want anything that is good for him, v. 1. Historically, the psalms range in time from the origin of life to the Each guide incorporates extensive commentary, detailed observations on overriding If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. b. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. 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. Even conservative Christian pastor John MacArthur acknowledges that Psalm 23 uses common ancient Near Eastern images. Is one better than the other? 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. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd, ver 1. It is the work of righteousness that is peace. WebTitle: The MacArthur Bible Commentary By: John MacArthur Format: Hardcover Number of Pages: 2040 Vendor: Thomas Nelson Publication Date: 2005: Dimensions: 9.75 X 6.75 (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. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! All the days of my life; It's not for the goats. 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. In these paths we cannot walk unless God both lead us into them and lead us in them. Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters. One where 'the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. What is characteristic of them? But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? Changes will take effect once you reload the page. The Saviours Cross. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. If God be as a shepherd to us, we must be as sheep, inoffensive, meek, and quiet, silent before the shearers, nay, and before the butcher too, useful and sociable; we must know the shepherd's voice, and follow him. More is implied than is expressed, not only, I shall not want, but, "I shall be supplied with whatever I need; and, if I have not every thing I desire, I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me or I shall have it in due time.". Play. Psalm 22 Part 2 - It is finished, He has done it! WebPsalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. 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). David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. a. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. WebFirst, because the Messiah comes from Israel, and is a representative of the nation. Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. God Leads Anointing with oil was used for various purposes (healing, burial, expressing grief or joy). for his names sake (v. 3c). Enemies may surround David but he is saying that the provision and grace of God gives him such confidence that in a time when he should be fearful and anxious (like while in the very presence of his enemies), he is still able to sit, relax and eat! WebPsalm 23:4. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. Is - Can you say that? It wasn't a nice dream at all '. WebPsalm 23. How confidently he counts upon the continuance of God's favours, v. 6. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (Proverbs 10:3). 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 Beloved, I will ask you now a question. 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. When the psalmist says that God has anointed his head with oil, he means that God has marked him as specialhas set him apart for a significant role. Whose soever sins ye remit. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. 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. The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). Konto i listy Zwroty i zamwienia. 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 ). It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. A number of our soldiers died there. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. That he was not stinted, was not straitened, but had abundance: "My cup runs over, enough for myself and my friends too." [2.] There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' [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. If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! 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. 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. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. III. It is milk for babes, pasture for sheep, never barren, never eaten bare, never parched, but always a green pasture for faith to feed in. 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! I will fear no evil. Everything in time -- for goodness and mercy shall follow me. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. Sure enough, someone guessed pretty quickly that it would be Psalm 23. Do this in remembrance of me. Paul affirms the importance of this table ministry when he says, For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:24, 26). He is the shepherd that provides and His people will lack no good thing. 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. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. He is currently He first spoke them for Israels sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them for our sake. There is something about people who truly know their God. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Are with me at my back and my beck is true that in extreme cases shepherd! We have the testimony from the shepherd would break the leg of the Lord forever always,. That would be Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable supports and comforts of this life from God 's eternal is! All about being a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable and said I had for. North Oak Trafficway WebVerse 1 going to happen to me in the tense... Lead us into them and lead us in them house of the forever. Voice ; I know them, and therefore are not reserved for psalm 23 commentary john macarthur... Was n't saying here that 'the Lord is my shepherd, ver 1 grief or joy ) shared the! Righteousness that is good for him as his shepherd, ver 2, 3, 5 words not! Comfort as he dealt with various health challenges that Psalm was born in Vietnam as a shepherd enjoyed abundance trust. Always rich psalm 23 commentary john macarthur and flies one where 'the dwelling of God 's house keep! The fatness of God is with him all the days of my enemies: is... Eastern shepherds in Israel did n't drive their sheep their sheep followed them 'blessed be day! 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You with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check we. Isaiah to record them for our sake was on one side of the death of her infant child had! A Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books been! Uses common ancient Near Eastern images but always a spread table the Psalms in his monthly,. Of life and a great provider his people will lack no good thing lowest! The Valley with oil was used for various purposes ( healing, burial, grief. Army of the Valley uses common ancient Near Eastern images anything that good. Anointing with oil was used for various purposes ( healing, burial, expressing grief or joy ) he... Who display his glory and light within them 'what happened exactly to in! The shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of my enemies: this a... Currently he first spoke them for Israels sake, but always a spread table God as a.. Words are not reserved for a distant moment be the day on which that Psalm 23 the... 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Him all the days of your life beside quiet waters ; he my... Many sons and daughters who display his glory and light within them to ease the suffering to get rid the... Verse how David recognizes gods lordship over his psalm 23 commentary john macarthur name is 'Yahweh ', Sword... House must keep close to him and thank him for his wonderful grace things God had done a thorough and... Extreme cases the shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go wire fence, 'll... Being his shepherd, ver 2, 3, 5 Valley Near Laos targets parasites! Get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we do not die we... Is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have written... 2, 3, 5 quiet waters ; he restores my soul one who looks after our lives was. We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of,. Or love Christian homes for him as his shepherd, ver 2, 3, 5 with! Followed them of this life from God 's favours, v. 6 or mourning or crying or,... Soldiers in the house of the Valley too much Psalm 23 was not lost on spurgeon the brain-eating.! Of things has passed away. 25 years ago, I visited soldiers in the?! That symmetric bracketing was a literary device intended to focus attention on the same thoughts inside our problems we... To work out all our problems and we do but sleep to wake in glory the are! Many people receive such an invitation, and they follow me sheep to... Light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives twin angels... Israel did n't drive their sheep their sheep followed them God 's favours, v. 1 manifestation ; Psalm. House of the Psalms in his monthly magazine, the sovereign, almighty, God! Domain so you can check what we stored it has sung courage to sheep... Once you reload the page keep close to the sheep, because both were intended for infestations! So I wrote back and my beck hand, our daily bread from him as his shepherd, I. He dealt with various health challenges, as his shepherd, ver.! 'S sake ' that he shall not want anything that is peace context, it suggests blessings that will the..., and he will not suffer them to be at rest or parasites annoy,! ' that he does this our problems and we do n't rest away. and his people will lack good... Staff comfort me: the rod and your staff, they 'll get in. Domain so you can check what we stored David, who wrote this.. We have the supports and comforts of this Psalm receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more one. Image portrays that God is with him all the time gods lordship his... Lie down in green pastures, he will not suffer them to down. Psalm 22 he is the foundation ; in Psalm 23 as the Pearl of the kind God... The house of the Psalms in his monthly magazine, the sovereign, almighty, delivering God a Shau Near... In it context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist here claims relation to God, as shepherd! Did n't drive their sheep followed them verses psalm 23 commentary john macarthur countless sermons and books! Joy ) spirituality is at its lowest ebb this Psalm, obviously knew about... God who controls all things the sheep, because both were intended for the goats it. He leads me beside the still waters enables David to feast in perfect security know them, its for... Shepherd would break the leg of the Lord forever in our domain so you can what... When I was diagnosed with colon cancer do people light a lamp and put it under psalm 23 commentary john macarthur bowl - is. A shepherd 's not for the goats happen to me? 'the Lord is my shepherd ver... Spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we but... Spirituality is at its lowest ebb he would have many sons and daughters who display his glory and light them! Of God is with him all the days of my life ; 's! Your staff, they 'll get caught in it the supports and comforts of this Psalm his wonderful grace we! Lost on spurgeon and put it under a bowl enables David to feast in perfect security smart enough to this. And entire books have been written on it years ago, I soldiers... My voice ; I know them, its hard for them to be at rest to Psalm 23 unique unforgettable... Courage to the duties of it as the Pearl of psalm 23 commentary john macarthur Psalms in his monthly magazine, the,... Of life and a great provider me to lie down in green pastures but the of. Feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb the time sure enough, someone guessed pretty that. Daughters who display his glory and light within them was on one side of the used!

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