Luke-Acts They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. The MacArthur Bible Commentary by John F. MacArthur - Google Play God (through the prophet Jeremiah) said, For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and cut them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13). We may request cookies to be set on your device. He is a popular conference speaker and the president of both The Master's College and The Master's Seminary. The sheep may crack their skull just to ease the suffering to get rid of the brain-eating parasites. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). They also keep a vigilant and watchful eye out for poisonous plants and wild animals. 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. Pentateuch 3 He restores my soul. MON 10/20/2014. Psalms 23 - Dr. Constable's Expository Notes - Bible Commentaries In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. So to be Gods guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible David could say God is my shepherd because of his personal experience. The MacArthur Bible Commentary - John F. MacArthur - Google Books Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.. 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. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching grief's, of orphans in their loneliness. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. John Piper Sep 8, 1980 in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. a. Psalm 23 commentary is a holy piece of work that exudes different kinds of emotions. And David knew that this would carry on all the days of his life. 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. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. The Hebrew word tob has a variety of meanings, such as good, moral, profitable, or plentiful. He is that interested in each of His sheep! They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. (Philip Keller). This psalm is so personal, with the pronoun I or My, being used commonly. 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. 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. On other days, she was on the other side. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. It would stick right by the Shepherd's side! 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. It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. In my experience I have never seen a visible manifestation of God going before me at a fork in the road. David wrote about this in Psalm 25. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. The Macarthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur (2005, Hardcover b. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. Our God leads His people into the green pastures and still waters. And when the days of this life are over, then we shall enter into that which we can only partly imagine, for, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.'. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. Everyone knows this psalm even non-Christians have heard it because it seems to be a favourite at their funerals. [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). I live in New Zealand, and yes, I know, we have more sheep than people! How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? Founded in 1969, Grace to You is the nonprofit organization responsible for developing, producing, and distributing Johns books, audio resources, and the Grace to You radio and television programs. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. Depression and other illnesses can enshroud us in darkness and threaten us with death. They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 23 If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. People need comfort and encouragement. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. When I asked the oncologist how serious it was, he said, Stage threemaybe Stage three and a half. My chances of survival were less than 50-50. Will He never leave me or will something I do cause Him to leave?' He had a sidekick with him who spoke on 'I will build my church'. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. There are no halfway measures when it comes to the Lords provision for our lives. And he awaits the day when the great shepherd will become the chief Shepherd and shall come in the skies. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! 'You are with me' the Psalmist says and that is all that he needs to know. 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. 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. Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. Every Christian is a priest, but he cannot execute the priestly office without unction, and hence we must go day by day to God the Holy Ghost, that we may have our heads anointed with oil. d. For You are with me: This emphasizes that it is the presence of the shepherd that eliminated the fear of evil for the sheep. God is like a shepherd to David. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. I have called you by your name. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. 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. 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. He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. Can you say that about your life? Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. Psalm 23 Commentary: The Lord Is My Shepherd Explained To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. '. John Piper Sep 1, 1980. You are being chased (but don't fret - it's a good thing! But we have the testimony from the Shepherd also how he loved the sheep and would never let them go! You are not your own but were bought with a price! 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. Nothing is outside of His control. But we need to learn to lie down. Its interesting to note how David used the word shepherd in this psalm instead of a more distant term like a king or a deliverer. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, Historical Books These valleys were often dark because of the shadow caused by the cliffs, and they were a favourite place for predators to hide in. In Psalm 23, however, the psalmist declares that the Sovereign of the universe, the Creator of all things, can be described using "my," that the Lord attends to me in a personal way. 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. It wasn't a nice dream at all '. In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' It is for His name's sake and His glory that this is done! This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. It is a psalm written by David who grew up as a shepherd. i. If we could be saved from wrath, and yet remain unregenerate, impenitent sinners, we should not be saved as we desire, for we mainly and chiefly pant to be saved from sin and led in the way of holiness.[4]. Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. 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. The MacArthur Bible Commentary: John MacArthur: 9780785250661: Amazon It is expressed in this verse - Rom Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). As I said, it wasn't all easy and plain sailing being a sheep in Israel however. He wanted to depict the marvelous work of God in his life and encourage many believers with his testimony. Guess I had put my eyes on the problem too much! i. All the days of my life; It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. 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). John MacArthur. Please visit: https://www.bestbiblecommentaries.comPlease visit: www.bestbiblecommentaries.comBrowse John MacArthur's bible commentaries on Amazon:https://am. 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. God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. Included in the "better" provisions are: a better hope . It offers a broad overview of each Bible book and the internal consistency that results from having a single commentator. He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. Notice however that the Psalmist says he 'walks through' this valley. Our children were still quite young. But Jesus is the good Shepherd. I think if we could just grasp this first verse alone our hearts could then rest. ), The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, 6 vol. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. David found him so, and so have we. 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. John MacArthur brings you a complete Bible commentary in one volume. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great Shepherd! GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 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. Play. Why the double standard of confusing messages? 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. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. 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. ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. The promises are for those who have been born again not those who simply like the sound of it for a funeral! Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. [7], 5001 North Oak Trafficway Johannine Writings The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. So I started checking myself - heart was still pumping, ears were attached, nose still worked, yes, everything seemed to be in order. 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. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! In either case, the sulhan represented an intimate table fellowship, just as a dinner table does today. Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain. 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. The New Testament It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. No, press on knowing that if there are shadows, there must be light around the corner causing them! the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! 1939) is a Calvinist theologian, author, editor, and teacher. MacArthur Commentaries - Grace to You Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. Countless experts also argued that David wrote it during the later years of his kingship because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. Kidner notes: The rod (a cudgel worn at the belt) and staff (to walk with, and to round up the flock) were the shepherds weapon and implement: the former for defence (cf. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. If you are truly one of His sheep (evidenced by hearing his voice and following His ways) then this verse is your verse as well! 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. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. If there is a ditch, they will fall in and need to be rescued. b. You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). 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. 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 is no longer speaking about God, but is instead speaking to God. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. 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! Pentateuch 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. General Epistles PSALM 23:1-4. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. Wisdom Literature The mercy here comes from the Hebrew word Hesed which depicts Gods covenant faithfulness. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! Psalm 22 Part 2 - It is finished, He has done it! General Epistles They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. God as our shepherd not only leads but restores as well. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Sometimes those paths lead straight through the valley of the shadow of death. Poetical Books David reflected on God's many blessings to him and concluded that God would continue to be faithful to him and grant him fellowship in the future. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? The center point of this psalm is for you are with me. In the original Hebrew language, there are 26 words before this phrase, and 26 afterwards (Limburg, 74). It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' Which is it? Not was, like He helped you in the past. 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). Under Johns leadership, Grace Community Church's two morning worship services fill the 3,500-seat auditorium to capacity. We are so invited and not just occasionally but foreverthe honor that exceeds all other honors. When the end of the Babylonian Exile and Israels salvation was nigh, God told Israel: Dont be afraid, for I have redeemed you. How marvellous it is that weak, fearful people can be given such confidence through a simple trust in the ability of their shepherd!
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