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In all of those things he was also being pursued the goodness and loving kindness of his great Shepherd. Topical Series; DVD Series; Bible Series; Flash Drives; Bundles . John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! 19 (Dallas: Word Books, 1983), Hartley, J.E., in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Three: K-P Revised (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986), Keller, W. Phillip, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1970, 2007, 2015), Kidner, Derek, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72, Vol. John is also president and featured teacher with Grace to You. So here is a man who has had to depend upon His Shepherd and is finding Him faithful even in trying times. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. The Whole Bible Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. Learn More | Livestream | Bulletin Servicios en espaol. 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. Everything in time -- for goodness and mercy shall follow me. The sheep knew that the shepherd was the one who protected them and cared for them. ii. i. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. Abraham's Bosom, Paradise, and Heaven 1. [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. He was faithful in caring for his flock and never complained about his responsibilities. He is the Shepherd that tends to His flock. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. The Gospels So for now, let us follow our Lord where He would lead. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! God wasnt just a shepherd to others in a theoretical sense, but He was Davids shepherd. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. Here the second allegory begins. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. I will believe that thou reignest still. I live in New Zealand, and yes, I know, we have more sheep than people! But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. The New Testament Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain. [12] You will only be able to say that if you have truly come to know the Lord Jesus as your Shepherd. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! Are any of us low in grace? - 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). GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. 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. Nor have I ever heard an audible voice that was clearly God's telling me which decisions to make. It would stick right by the Shepherd's side! ii. 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. This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. Wisdom Literature [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. Psalm 19. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. 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. And David knew that this would carry on all the days of his life. For a shepherd, the healing purpose would be significant. Historical Books [5], We need to remind ourselves of this all the time. 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% 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. Minor Prophets 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! Wisdom Literature What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. ii. 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. They also enjoy the enthusiastic company of their fifteen grandchildren. But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. Daily devotional with John Piper. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. 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! [6]. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. 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. The Old Testament People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. THE LORD AS SHEPHERD 1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). PSALM 23:1-4. He would not be like his Lord if he had not. General Epistles That was a question that was once sent to me. 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. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. This one-volume commentary on the entire Bible from one of America's foremost Bible expositors offers instead a minilibrary of understandable resources designed to convey the Bible's overarching message with historical and theological clarity. God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). Pentateuch But Jesus is the good Shepherd. Comfort -- for your rod and Thy staff comfort me. You will have much more pressing concerns. Everyone loves this Psalm. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. John MacArthur, Pastor-Teacher. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God's goodness in the present and in the future. Cookie Notice: My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. That's the animal God choose which best represents you! Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. 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. Your partnership makes all we do possible. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, Do you? The MacArthur Bible Commentary. They would travel from oasis to oasis. John MacArthur brings you a complete Bible commentary in one volume. I remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. But he also knew, through many highs and lows, throughout his life, that he too was but a sheep with a far greater Shepherd. The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). It is a treasure chest filled with spiritual truths that encourage many. 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. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. ii. 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. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. Almost 25 years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer. 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. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Be assured! b. 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. We have to learn to sit back and thank Him once again. 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] . a. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. The sense of this verse then is that, because God is loving and kind, his people can expect God to provide blessings throughout life. The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! Thank God for such times! Minor Prophets In verse 1, David expresses his thoughts about God. in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. (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. I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. Play. Nothing is hurried, there is no confusion, no disturbance, the enemy is at the door and yet God prepares a table, and the Christian sits down and eats as if everything were in perfect peace. (Spurgeon). It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. In terms of how it is loved, look at how one old theologian from the 1800's spoke of it. Now mine was a recent silly example. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. Obviously this doesn't mean that the track that the shepherd takes is always an easy one. (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. His past death for His people General Epistles Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. Priests were anointed (Exodus 40:13-15). To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. It doesn't mean that anything outwardly has to change. The MacArthur Study Bible: new King James version - John MacArthur. People need comfort and encouragement. 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. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. (1.) When the sheep are hungry or are anxious about food, they cant lie down peacefully. The Hebrew word tob has a variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or plentiful. 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. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. God's Testimony to the Scriptures. A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. However, Gods care for David doesnt remove the presence of his adversaries. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd. ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. She is a lady that is unfortunately into the New Age and has spirit guides etc She doesn't agree with what I believe nor do I agree with her beliefs. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? Not to raging waves of strife, but to peaceful streams of holy love does the Spirit of God conduct the chosen sheep. Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. 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. We are well escorted, with a Shepherd in front and these twin angels behind! (Meyer), iii. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me It talks about humanity, our experiences, and even our emotions. He served them bread, saying, Take, eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28). So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. I need to know you are well.' 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. Psalm 107. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. We lie on our beds yet carry on the same thoughts inside. 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. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary is now completethirty-three volumes that take you through the whole New Testament, detail by detail, verse by verse. 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. (Proverbs 10:3). His future return for His people as the King of Glory! Minor Prophets 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. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish ; no one can snatch them out of my hand. He is that interested in each of His sheep! Many people were praying for me. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. 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. In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. i. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! Jesus honors us by inviting us to his table, saying, This is my body that is for you. This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. You are mine. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. The Saviours Cross. No matter his present environment, David could look to the fact of Gods shepherd-like presence and know, You are with me and I will fear no evil.. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. Johannine Writings Luke-Acts It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. Error: Passwords should have at least 6 characters, Error: Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. Psalms 25:4-5 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. They will lead us to places of rest and provision. There is something about people who truly know their God. Minor Prophets He had not only enough, a cup full, but more than enough, a cup which overflowed. You can check these in your browser security settings. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point 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). It was never used on the sheep. 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! He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. Rev 21:3-4, 'Forever' is a long time, but this infinitely creative God will never fail to amaze us. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. 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! You anoint my head with oil. You can find a family who have brought up children to being young adults and have never owned a bed. It makes sense. The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. This is a fact as indisputable as it is encouraging, and therefore a heavenly verily, or surely is set as a seal upon it. 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." I started off by saying that I wanted to have a look at what is probably the most popular chapter in the entire Old Testament. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Excellent for: personal and family devotions pastoral study preparing Sunday-school lessons using with a small group simply readingeach volume draws you in The Shepherd's rod: The rod which the Shepherd carried was for protecting the sheep from predators. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. 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. Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banished the fear of evil. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. (Kidner). There are few experiences in life that would be more satisfying. Death is not the house but the porch, not the goal but the passage to it Many a saint has reaped more joy and knowledge when he came to die than he ever knew while he lived. And he awaits the day when the great shepherd will become the chief Shepherd and shall come in the skies. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. ), The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, 5 vol. The wonderful discovery is that the Lord is not just a shepherd who looks after the entire flock, but He is cares for me as well. See here, 1. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. That was his role growing up. Click on the different category headings to find out more. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. [3]I learnt this when I went to a John Macarthur seminar one time. 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. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Nov. 10, 2012. God does not eliminate the risks and hazards but will illuminate His presence. 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. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. The paths that the Shepherd takes us on are the righteous or 'right' paths. I will fear no evil. Pauline Epistles Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. Basically fear tactics. Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. April 17, 2011. The Hebrew word for staff (mishaynaw) seems to speak of a support in the sense of a walking stick. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). They are still waters, for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. And finally we have the small matter of that which occurs after 'the days of my life'. I'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. We may request cookies to be set on your device. of Scripture. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 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. There is some debate among commentators as to whether David had the idea of two separate instruments (the rod and the staff) or one instrument used two ways.