psalm 23 commentary john macarthur

This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. Believe with the same confidence David had. [6] As a silly example, a few weeks back I got an email from a past work colleague that I hadn't heard from for some time. Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. 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% It has comforted the noble host of the poor. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. Why the double standard of confusing messages? But it is still the path that leads to righteousness. Luke-Acts 6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahwehs house forever. When a soldier is in the presence of his enemies, if he eats at all he snatches a hasty meal, and away he hastens to the fight. It is expressed in this verse - Rom It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. Historical Books I have called you by your name. [9] These are the paths we should desire and actively seek. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). The shepherd certainly did not remove the presence of evil but removed the fear of evil. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. 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." May we live in the daily enjoyment of this blessing, receiving a fresh anointing for every days duties. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. The psalmist has been talking about God in the third person (he). Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. We lie on our beds yet carry on the same thoughts inside. The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. 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 is a necessary method to protect the sheep. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of theLordforever. Amazon, in the last couple of weeks (Nov 2014) released the most highlighted passages in their most popular books downloaded onto Kindle, their electronic book reader. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. You are being chased (but don't fret - it's a good thing! Basically fear tactics. 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. He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. People need comfort and encouragement. They believed that something of the persons identity was tied up in the namethat the name expressed something of the persons essential character. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. [1] It is a Psalm that encompasses our live here and even extends into eternity future. 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. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. So God will always lead us into that which is right and that which is true. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? General Epistles (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. Topical Series; DVD Series; Bible Series; Flash Drives; Bundles . Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. Lord's Day Services. Dying soldiers have died easier as it was read to them; ghastly hospitals have been illuminated; it has visited the prisoner, and broken his chains, and, like Peter's angel, led him forth in imagination, and sung him back to his home again. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. When we get tired we take a rest. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. You anoint my head with oil. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. Davids former occupation was a humble shepherd. He is that interested in each of His sheep! Historical Books i. 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. 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. Beloved, I will ask you now a question. And one day He will come in the clouds and troubles of this world will be over. He guides us and leads us along the right and true paths. The Gospels However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. Though the majority of the occurrences of hesed are translated steadfast love, there are undeniable elements of mercy and kindness that underlie each of these occurrences (Renn, 633-634). These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck Goodness and mercy follow him alwaysall the days of his life the black days as well as the bright days, the days of fasting as well as the days of feasting, the dreary days of winter as well as the bright days of summer. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. b. Hebrews 13:20-21 May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him His present care and provision for His people Minor Prophets Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. My - This is probably the best thing about this psalm it is so personal! He talks about going through it, showing that he expects to emerge from its shadows into the light on the other side. Companionship -- for you are with me. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). He was refreshed by a head anointed with oil; his cup was over-filled. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. What is characteristic of them? GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point i. (Philip Keller). We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. 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. In describing the Lord as a shepherd, David wrote out of his own experience because he had spent his early years caring for sheep. Luke-Acts So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things. But the confidence David had is that the great shepherd will always know what we need and when to provide it. The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. They are still waters, for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. I will believe that thou reignest still. In the end, in whatever it is that places you in fear or unease, you have to come back to this very thought we are speaking of here - 'The Lord is my shepherd' - He is in control of all things. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. All the days of my life; However, the sheep do not easily lie down. David had had the highs of defeating Goliath to the lows of running for his life and hiding in caves from Saul. David wrote this while remembering his fearful experiences. Pastor John MacArthur. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point 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. He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. He is the shepherd that provides and His people will lack no good thing. Anyway, we might have been being a tad naughty but the principle can be quite helpful and this is what I will do with this first verse. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Joy -- You anoint my head with oil and my cup runs over. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. When I was serving in Vietnam as a chaplain, I visited soldiers in the A Shau Valley near Laos. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. Poetical Books David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. That seldom accomplishes His purposes and the rest of the Psalm show that these things do occur. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! May God grant us grace to dwell in the serene atmosphere of this most blessed Psalm! You anoint my head with oil; As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. David wrote about this in Psalm 25. It is what the Apostle Paul knew when he wrote: Philippians 4:11-13 I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Major Prophets Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New . 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). and I will dwell in Yahwehs (Hebrew: YHWH) house forever (v. 6b). Interactive Bible study with John Piper. The Whole Bible He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. The Hebrew word rewayah suggests abundanceeven superabundance. (23) Seller Location . Everyone loves this Psalm. 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.. 3 He restores my soul. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. The enemy was strongly entrenched there, and was determined to stay. There are stacks of deceptive shepherds around just as there always were. David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. The psalmist doesnt speak of going into the valley, as if it were a box canyon or a final destination. Please visit: https://www.bestbiblecommentaries.comPlease visit: www.bestbiblecommentaries.comBrowse John MacArthur's bible commentaries on Amazon:https://am. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. Ouch. Wisdom Literature conservative Christian faith, which includes a firm belief in the inerrancy 4 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1996), Waltner, James H., Believers Church Bible Commentary: Psalms (Scottdale, Pennsylvania: Herald Press, 2006, Baker, Warren (ed. The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . In the Bible, anointing was used to designate a person for a significant role. When applied to Yahweh, hesed is fundamentally the expression of his loyalty and devotion to the solemn promises attached to the covenant. Everything will be ok. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow. He is utterly trustworthy. He will never, ever, leave you!