psalm 23 commentary john macarthur

Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. [1] As I mentioned, this is one famous Psalm. You are not your own but were bought with a price! 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.. 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). We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. A number of our soldiers died there. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. The image exudes a sense of rest, comfort, and care. But, what makes it so compelling? The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). It has an inexpressibly delightful application to the dying; but it is for the living, too. 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? My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' 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. Companionship -- for you are with me. - 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). Please read and believe! 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. The other thing to note on this point is that the entire psalm is only valid for those who truly have Jesus as their shepherd. A poor man may say this as well as those in higher circumstances, What, all this, and Jesus Christ too?[6]. The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. 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! David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. Maclaren writes: The rod and the staff seem to be two names for one instrument, which was used both to beat off predatory animals and to direct the sheep.. He does not say there shall not be any evil; he had got beyond even that high assurance, and knew that Jesus had put all evil away; but I will fear no evil; not even the Evil One himself; I will not dread the last enemy, I will look upon him as a conquered foe, an enemy to be destroyed, For thou art with me. 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! The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. Share. I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. We go through the dark tunnel of death and emerge into the light of immortality. Passwords should have at least 6 characters. 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 becomes more personal in this valley! b) John MacArthur; MacArthur New Testament Commentary, Ephesians 5:18 - "Be filled" translates the present passive imperative of "pleroo", and is more literally rendered as "be being kept filled." We are "indwelt" by the Holy Spirit at the moment of justification (professing our faith in Christ). He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. [10] We have another source of confidence in our shepherd Jesus that even David didn't have when he wrote this psalm 3000 years ago. [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. God's eternal desire is that He would have many sons and daughters who display His glory and light within them. It is 'The LORD' who is his shepherd! 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. Guidance -- for He leads me in the paths of righteousness. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! Sun Valley, CA 91352 The sense of this verse then is that, because God is loving and kind, his people can expect God to provide blessings throughout life. John MacArthur. 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. 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. Not was, like He helped you in the past. 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. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). The shepherds staff was the familiar long rod with a crook on one end. (1.) A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. My cup runs over. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. What great confidence! On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. Pauline Epistles 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 do we believe it? The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol Summer Psalms. He had known feast. Location. The New Testament John MacArthur brings you a complete Bible commentary in one volume. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. 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). But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." . He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! b. John and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four married children: Matt, Marcy, Mark, and Melinda. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. The shepherd would use his staff to guide sheep and to pull them back from dangerous places. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. See here, 1. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). Like the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, David might say that all of life is lived under the shadow of death, and it is the conscious presence of the LORD as shepherd that makes it bearable. If we were without enemies, we might fear that we were not the friends of God, for the friendship of the world is enmity to GodThou preparest a table 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. It helped him even in the valley of the shadow of death to know that God guided him, even through correction. Luke-Acts Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. As the shepherd led the sheep from oasis to oasis, this sometimes meant passing through narrow valleys that had steep cliff faces on each side. The Kings crown, Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. a. 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. Sure enough, someone guessed pretty quickly that it would be Psalm 23. Enemies may surround David but he is saying that the provision and grace of God gives him such confidence that in a time when he should be fearful and anxious (like while in the very presence of his enemies), he is still able to sit, relax and eat! Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. God's Testimony to the Scriptures. On other days, she was on the other side. What is characteristic of them? 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. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. John Piper Sep 8, 1980 Is it Messianic? 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. 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. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. 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. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! 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. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Do you? Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. They are in need of a good shepherd who will provide, protect, and guide his sheep. Pastor John MacArthur. He is in control. This name is 'Yahweh', the sovereign, almighty, delivering God. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Site by Mere. 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. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point How would you describe sheep? I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish ; no one can snatch them out of my hand. Poetical Books It isnt his destination or dwelling place. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. 1.Jehovah is my shepherd. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. Shepherd - This imagery of the shepherd and sheep spans the entire Bible but is most prominent in the New Testament where Jesus speaks about His relationship with His people, His sheep. Psalm 23 commentary is a holy piece of work that exudes different kinds of emotions. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. See the happiness of the saints as the sheep of God's pasture. 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. The psalmist has been talking about God in the third person (he). 'Is something bad going to happen to me?' The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. John Piper Sep 1, 1980. The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. 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. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. The New Testament Is - Can you say that? Countless experts also argued that David wrote it during the later years of his kingship because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone. The Gospels Luke-Acts He will wipe every tear from their eyes. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. 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.

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