psalm 23 commentary john macarthur

But if it is an honor to be invited to the Presidents home, it is an infinitely greater honor to be invited to the Lords house. 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. You anoint my head with oil. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. My cup runs over. The New Testament They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. Jesus honors us by inviting us to his table, saying, This is my body that is for you. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. [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. Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd. John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, president of The Master's University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. Now this place of rest is, first and foremost spiritually speaking, right in the midst of the problem. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. He will never, ever, leave you! Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. i. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. type 23-6 in the address bar in place of 1-1 so that . Our children were still quite young. i. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Use semicolons to separate groups: 'Gen;Jdg;Psa-Mal' or 'Rom 3-12;Mat 1:15;Mat 5:12-22', There are options set in 'Advanced Options', The Whole Bible April 17, 2011. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). (23) Seller Location . Do you have the confidence to say that the almighty God IS your Shepherd right now? The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. He is a great shepherd. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. Sep 8, 1980. General Epistles 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 word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. John MacArthur. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! Historical Books and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. They probably are anxious about different things. He is no longer speaking about God, but is instead speaking to God. You are mine. Well, having said that I should say that you will be free from fear to the degree that you know He is with you - rain, hail and shine. Minor Prophets To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. The word my cup runs over indicates that David not only had the necessities but also enjoyed abundance. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. But how does God do this? In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. 1 Peter 5:4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 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. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. Not was, like He helped you in the past. The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. Believe with the same confidence David had. And David knew that this would carry on all the days of his life. When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. But Jesus is the good Shepherd. Ouch. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. MON 10/20/2014. i. Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. This is seen in the following table: [2]. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Nothing is outside of His control. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. Gods presence enables David to feast in perfect security. Johannine Writings In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. The idea is of a sturdy walking stick, used to gently (as much as possible) guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. 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. of Scripture. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. This unspeakably delightful verse has been sung on many a dying bed, and has helped to make the dark valley bright times out of mind. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. The intimate portrayal of God as a shepherd is what makes Psalm 23 unique and unforgettable. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). 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. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. 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). In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. What would you say of a pilgrim commissioned of God to travel up and down the earth singing a strange melody, which, when one heard, caused him to forget whatever sorrow he had? Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. [13] Boy it used to annoy me how church leaders and other Christians would create such confusion concerning this! John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. 'You are with me' the Psalmist says and that is all that he needs to know. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. 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.. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. i. Basically fear tactics. God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God's goodness in the present and in the future. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. Nor have I ever heard an audible voice that was clearly God's telling me which decisions to make. Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. Report an Issue Sermon Correction/Question . God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. People need comfort and encouragement. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. You are not your own but were bought with a price! Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. Arno C Gaebelin said (with some small modifications): A good way to read this Psalm is by asking the question, 'What shall I not want?' He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. David had extreme confidence in who God IS right now! (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. i. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. There was no fear involved. He leads me beside still waters. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the author's heart and trust in God. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). 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% 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. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. Share. Davids song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. 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. 3 He restores my soul. 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. Sun Valley, CA 91352 Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: The hosts care brought the goodness and mercy of God to David, and he lived in the faithful expectation of it continuing all the days of his life. To experience the care and guidance of God as a shepherd, we must identify ourselves as His sheep. Psalm 23:6 And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. Not many people receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more than one. Pentateuch Do you? Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Prophets In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. Are any of us low in grace? It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'. Grab your Bible and read this Psalm noting down the times 'I, my, me, he, his, you' etc are used. Best known for his expository exegesis of the Bible . Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. 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. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. Welcome to FaithGiant, where you can find everything you need to live a life of faith, hope, and love. 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. If there was such a thing as animal school, they would be dropouts. [10]. It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. [6]. "Staff," that on which one leans, emblem of Divine strength and . 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. The primary responsibility of a shepherd is to ensure the well-being and safety of the flock. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! God's Testimony to the Scriptures. Daily devotional with John Piper. [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. My cup runs over. The Shepherds Crook. 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. The emphasis of his pulpit ministry is the careful study and verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible, with special attention devoted to the historical and grammatical background behind each passage. The book of Psalms is the most quoted book in the New Testament, and Jesus would refer a lot to the Book of Psalms even in His claims and teachings. They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. ii. Pauline Epistles Luke-Acts The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . Gods motivations for treating His people rightly stem from the perfection and goodness of His nature. 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. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. One where 'the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' Now David wasn't saying here that 'the Lord is my Shepherd, whom I do not want'! If things are tough, remember this verse. Readers benefit from the coherence a single commentator provides, finding faithful, understandable, and . ii. We lie on our beds yet carry on the same thoughts inside. He was aware of the potential dangers that may befall him. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. The enemy was strongly entrenched there, and was determined to stay. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. He is the Shepherd that tends to His flock. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point He is a popular conference speaker and the president of both The Master's College and The Master's Seminary. But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. Had a very strange dream last night and you were in it. But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. For a shepherd, the healing purpose would be significant. You will have much more pressing concerns. The Hebrew word for staff (mishaynaw) seems to speak of a support in the sense of a walking stick. However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. ii. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. Psalms 23. I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. John Piper Sep 1, 1980. b. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. Later, rabbis often designated it "The Book of Praises." . Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. The Hebrew word rewayah suggests abundanceeven superabundance. 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 light shines the brightest in the dark. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. Sometimes those paths lead straight through the valley of the shadow of death. c. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over: Despite the dangers about and the presence of enemies, David enjoyed the richness of his hosts goodness. The Gospels [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. Lets look at the meaning and significance of each verse written in Psalm 23. He is that interested in each of His sheep! Nederlandstalige Bijbelstudies door Stan Marinussen, Copyright - Enduring Word | . To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. You anoint my head with oil; There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. David found him so, and so have we. Historical Books GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point It is a treasure chest filled with spiritual truths that encourage many. With no one to turn to, we develop true and steadfast love and trust in the Lord. - 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). 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. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! It is for His name's sake and His glory that this is done! He is a great leader who leads people to righteous living. ), 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. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation.