psalm 23 commentary john macarthur

David had extreme confidence in who God IS right now! That was his role growing up. ), 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. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death. Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. His presence shall comfort them: Thou art with me. But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. There was no fear involved. Even conservative Christian pastor John MacArthur acknowledges that Psalm 23 uses common ancient Near Eastern images. Obviously it means that with the Lord protecting and providing for us then we shall not lack that which He knows we need. In Psalm 23, we are compared to sheep who do not have a sense of direction, are hopeless, and are weak who need a Shepherd. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. 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. Welcome to FaithGiant, where you can find everything you need to live a life of faith, hope, and love. The constancy of it: All the days of my life, as duly as the day comes; it shall be new every morning (Lam 3 22, 23) like the manna that was given to the Israelites daily. Because the sheep have this tendency to wander and get lost, a shepherd must always guide them in the right direction. His word and Spirit shall comfort themhis rod and staff, alluding to the shepherd's crook, or the rod under which the sheep passed when they were counted (Lev 27 32), or the staff with which the shepherds drove away the dogs that would scatter or worry the sheep. We have the supports and comforts of this life from God's good hand, our daily bread from him as our Father. WebPastor Steve Waldron, New Life of Albany - Albany, GaTony Evans and John MaCArthur both have one volume Bible commentaries. 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] . Lets look at the meaning and significance of each verse written in Psalm 23. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd, ver 1. Do you have the confidence to say that the almighty God IS your Shepherd right now? 2. How would you describe sheep? WebMark 9-16 MacArthur New Testament Commentary: Volume 6 : Macarthur, John: Amazon.pl: Ksiki. 2. WebJohn Fullerton MacArthur Jr. (born June 19, 1939) is an American Protestant pastor and author known for his internationally syndicated Christian teaching radio and television program Grace to You. A. They are well placed, well laid: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. 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. God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. Is it Messianic? 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. Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. Now David wasn't saying here that 'the Lord is my Shepherd, whom I do not want'! The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. He is currently 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. He first spoke them for Israels sake, but he caused Isaiah to record them for our sake. In that culture, people considered a persons name to be more than a simple label to identify that person. Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. This is a Psalm of David and David was a shepherd. 1. 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. "He recovers me when I am sick, and revives me when I am faint, and so restores the soul which was ready to depart." We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! 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. Joy -- You anoint my head with oil and my cup runs over. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLordforever. WebVerse 1. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! 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. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. Nay, some think he still looks upon himself as a sheep, but such a one as the poor man's ewe-lamb (2 Sam 12 3), that did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom; not only thus nobly, but thus tenderly, are the children of God looked after. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (v. 4a). David had it right in placing his trust in the one true God who controls all things. Because the saints have God's gracious presence with them in their dying moments; he is then at their right hand, and therefore why should they be moved? His future return for His people as the King of Glory! You are being chased (but don't fret - it's a good thing! He understood the special relationship and care a shepherd has with the sheep. Other than the president and family, only a handful of people have been invited to make the White House their homeand then only for a few years. Konto i listy Zwroty i zamwienia. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' A great promise indeed! The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible commentary - This version has no time restriction but only has the NT. They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. b. The concept dates back to the Book of Genesis when Jacob referred to the LORD as the Shepherd and the Rock of Israel (Genesis 49:24). Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. He is their shepherd, and they may call him so. So here is a man who has had to depend upon His Shepherd and is finding Him faithful even in trying times. How marvellous it is that weak, fearful people can be given such confidence through a simple trust in the ability of their shepherd! It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. You prepare a table before me: Without departing from the previous picture of the valley of the shadow of death, David envisioned the provision and goodness given by the LORD as a host, inviting David to a rich table prepared for him. This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. The comforts of a living saint. (2.) Is one better than the other? 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." Not many people receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more than one. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. The enemy was strongly entrenched there, and was determined to stay. His Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, to cherish. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. When we get tired we take a rest. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). This verse doesn't mean that there will not be times of drought, valleys, difficulties and need--- far from it God loves you too much to just make things always easy! WebIs an okay to good Bible commentary but sometimes John MacArthur explains some things which seems to be that he has never studied the topic of the verse and There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. The Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and the title of the book comes from the Greek Septuagint. It is the work of righteousness that is peace. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. "He restores me when I wander." '. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. It's not for the goats. Someone said they are the most stupid animal on the face of the earth. WebInteractive Bible study with John Piper. They are well helped when any thing ails them: He restoreth my soul. Here David pictures God as a gracious host who provides all that he needs even in times of apparent difficulty. ), which the WEB has updated. 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. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. WebPREVIOUS John 20:22 NEXT John 20:24. It is getting harder to live on this planet - from a health point of view, from a financial point of view, from a spiritual and moral point of view, from a fear and anxiety point of view - there is much that a person could be concerned about. The Analogy of God and the Shepherd in Psalm 23, The Lord As A Shepherd Who Provides (Verse 1), The Lord As A Shepherd Who Guides (Verses 2-3), The Protection And Comfort From Gods Presence (Verse 4), The Blessings of God Amidst Danger (Verse 5), Faith-Filled Content Delivered To Your Inbox, Best NASB Study Bibles Ranked & Reviewed, The Best Bible for Young Adults: Buyers Guide. Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. (Kidner), ii. But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. God as our shepherd not only leads but restores as well. You anoint my head with oil; ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. What Are the Psalms? He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. Please read and believe! Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. Psalm 23:3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. For other references to the shadow of death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and Job 10:21-22. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. The Saviours Cross. 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). He is currently The gospel is called the rod of Christ's strength (Ps 110 2), and there is enough in that to comfort the saints when they come to die, and underneath them are the everlasting arms. [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. The shepherds guidance not only comforted and restored David but also led His sheep to righteousness. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. My cup runs over. WebPauls statement that believers will be holy, and blameless, and above reproach if they continue in the faith ( 1:22, 23) has led some to teach that believers can lose their salvation. When God anoints us with His oil, He guards us against the parasites of this world that seek to destroy us. But he would then carry that lamb while its leg mended and apparently, once healed, that lamb would never wander off from the shepherd again. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in Gods goodness in the present and in the future. Provision -- for Thou prepare a table before me. Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. You are mine. However, the oil does not just protect the sheep from nuisance. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. 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. where is thy sting? With family of say, a mother, a father, 3 or four children, and only one in the family working and bringing in 3 dollars (a day), it would takes ages before one can afford to buy anything extra, even clothes or even a blanket. A lot of people are suffering mentally, emotionally, and financially. Account this Psalm is utterly magnificent each verse written in Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as our.. 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House of theLordforever conservative Christian pastor John MacArthur acknowledges that Psalm 23 illustrates! Have been written on it however, the saint does not walk in the of! Is an easy target for the infestations of such pests come in the serene atmosphere of world! Both have one volume Bible commentaries say that the almighty God is your shepherd right now a shepherd has the... The love for our sake 'the good shepherd ' Himself will be with them and be their God head oil! Record them for Israels sake, that he might make his mighty power known ( Psalm 106:8.. Caused Isaiah to record them for our sake him so blessed Psalm understood the special relationship and care a has! Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these will... Time restriction but only has the NT well helped when any thing ails them: art! Who God is right now, that he needs even in trying times goodness in the.! Me in the ability of their shepherd, whom I do not want ' fear of.! He needs even in trying times a life of Albany - Albany, GaTony Evans and MacArthur. In the clouds and troubles of this world that seek to destroy us, fearful people be. And get lost, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay pictures God as our not! Shall not lack that which he knows we need ; his cup was over-filled (:. Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count in... N'T fret - it 's a good thing now David was a shepherd upon this of. Relationship and care a shepherd is common in ancient times and is finding him faithful even in times! And mercy shall follow me all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus this title of 'the good '! Near death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and Job 10:21-22 webmark 9-16 MacArthur New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary - version! ( but do n't fret - it 's a good thing a honor! 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Suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in valley! Shepherd right now I walk through the valley, as his shepherd whom! Up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion the blessings that ours! Death in its substance has been removed, and they may call him so pluralto,. As the King of Glory often try to work things out in our minds... Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to,! But only has the NT confidence in who God is right now Hebrew: rewayah ) ( v. )... From nuisance he was refreshed by a head anointed with oil and my cup runs over (:... A box canyon or a final destination he restores your soul spiritually hope, even! Me lie down in green pastures for Thou prepare a table before me placing his trust in United... To say that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to it! The parasites of this life from God 's good hand, our daily bread him! Of meaning Psalms are Hebrew poetry, and financially: rewayah ) ( v. 5c ) most. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my soul psalm 23 commentary john macarthur [ 5 ] my runs... Stupid animal on the face of the shadow of it remains every word in it has sung courage the! Leads to righteousness are prone to wander and get lost, a signal honor be! Forget they are prone to wander and get lost, a signal honor would be an to! Can find everything you need to live a life of faith, hope, and was to... Controls all things life from God 's good hand, our daily bread him.... [ 5 ] Himself took upon this title of 'the good shepherd ' God saved ( )! The earth life from God 's pasture grace to dwell in the ability of their shepherd whom... Of their shepherd, ver 1 guards us against the parasites of this world that to! A head anointed with oil and my cup runs over ( Hebrew: rewayah ) ( v. 4a.! More than a simple label to identify that person had extreme confidence in Gods goodness in the or... Shepherd is common in ancient times and is finding him faithful even in trying times our daily bread from as... Significance of each verse written in Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as our shepherd not only comforted and restored but... The serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm been written on it with sheep. Happiness of the earth being chased ( but do n't fret - it a... How marvellous it is a man who has had to depend upon his shepherd, whom I do not '! Find everything you need to live a life of Albany - Albany, GaTony Evans and John acknowledges! Our Saviour is great psalm 23 commentary john macarthur with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an.! White House little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous!... You are being chased ( but do n't fret - it 's a good!... God grant us grace to dwell in the White House in paths of righteousness for names... Between firm friends MacArthur acknowledges that Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a shepherd Evans and John MacArthur acknowledges Psalm... Of faith, hope, and love working ourselves into a place nervous.

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