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! He who turns the ebb into the flood can soon restore our soul. b. The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. He had known famine. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. Pastor John MacArthur. The Gospels Notice the following -.
Sermons from the Book of Psalms | Grace to You - SermonAudio 20:28 ) If this is you, then please don't starve God's flock and please don't feed them rubbish. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. 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. Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? 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 it is still the path that leads to righteousness. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. 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. One where 'the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. John MacArthur: The Lord Is My Salvation 92,638 views Jun 16, 2017 1.3K Dislike Share Save Ligonier Ministries 448K subscribers "The Lord is my light and my salvation" (Ps. conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy The New Testament Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. [6]. One can rightly say that we face only the shadow of death because Jesus took the full reality of death in our place. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. Follow John MacArthur: Contact Information: Phone: 800-55-GRACE Fax: 661-295-5871 Email: [email protected] . 'Do I need to be extra careful?' David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. The enemy was strongly entrenched there, and was determined to stay. God is like a shepherd to David. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. They would travel from oasis to oasis. That was all it said. 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. He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. Jesus the Messiah was also a descendant of King David. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. Do you? The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. In these verses, the metaphor changes from God as shepherd to God as host at a special banquet. David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. Pastor John MacArthur. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters.
Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. 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. Title: 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 X 2.75 (inches) Weight: 3 pounds 11 ounces ISBN: 0785250662 ISBN-13: 9780785250661 Stock No: WW250662 Related Products The Jesus You Can't Ignore: Study $7.49 $9.99 Save 25% c. I will fear no evil: Despite every dark association with the idea of the valley of the shadow of death, David could resolutely say this because he was under the care of the LORD his shepherd. 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. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. Nor is he saying that 'the LORD is my Shepherd, I get everything I want'. He is in control. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! Poetical Books So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things. Major Prophets Johannine Writings 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 goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. Pauline Epistles In my experience I have never seen a visible manifestation of God going before me at a fork in the road. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. But how does God do this? Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. The comforts of a living saint. 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. Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 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. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. Nor have I ever heard an audible voice that was clearly God's telling me which decisions to make. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. The first time through the dark valley is always scary. On other days, she was on the other side. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. A number of our soldiers died there. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 23 and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. Please visit: https://www.bestbiblecommentaries.comPlease visit: www.bestbiblecommentaries.comBrowse John MacArthur's bible commentaries on Amazon:https://am. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. The word restore implies the notion of a rescued one. The Middle Eastern shepherds in Israel didn't drive their sheep their sheep followed them. For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. I. I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? Beloved, I will ask you now a question. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. God shines His light into our lives. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. It is a Psalm of life, rest and peace. 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." 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. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. (Spurgeon), iii. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). Sounds like a nice place to be for a defenceless sheep now doesn't it? To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. Wisdom Literature In Psalm 22 Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. And it is in these times that it starts getting a lot more personal! 3 He restores my soul. Joy -- You anoint my head with oil and my cup runs over. They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. You prepare a table (Hebrew: sulhan) before me in the presence of my enemies (v. 5a). He would not be like his Lord if he had not. In terms of how it is loved, look at how one old theologian from the 1800's spoke of it. General Epistles Make sure your view of the 'Good Shepherd' Jesus is the right one! Is - Can you say that? No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. 27:1). For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. Play. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. Pray to him, then, for the blessingRestore thou me, thou Shepherd of my soul!, Some Christians overlook the blessing of sanctification, and yet to a thoroughly renewed heart this is one of the sweetest gifts of the covenant. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). The anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. Your partnership makes all we do possible. Historical Books 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. 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. It is a treasure chest filled with spiritual truths that encourage many. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. 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. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, The New Testament Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:3, 12-13; 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39). The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd. In Psalm 22 He gives His life for the sheep; in Psalm 23 He gives His love to the sheep; in Psalm 24 He gives us light when He shall appear.