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. The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. If things are tough, remember this verse. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. (23) Seller Location . So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. But we need to learn to lie down. Rest -- for He makes me to lie down in green pastures. Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. The Old Testament He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. You may be in a dark place but you must keep walking. The image portrays that God has the power to feed and protect David. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. i. Play. for his names sake (v. 3c). The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. In this context, it suggests blessings that will help the psalmist. For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. 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. A shepherd would prepare a table for his sheep by scouting ahead to find good pastureland free from predators and poisonous plants. (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2006-2009), VanGemeren, Willem A. John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, president of The Masters University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. Daily devotional with John Piper. It's not for the goats. April 17, 2011. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 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. 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. The writer of Psalm 23 makes an analogy between God and the shepherd. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible . That is what God desires to work into your life. Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Like the Greek word agape (love) in the New Testament, hesed (lovingkindness) involves actionkindness or love expressed through kind or loving actions rather than just feelings. Notice the following -. The New Testament Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. It has comforted the noble host of the poor. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. You can check these in your browser security settings. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. He lived in the confident hope that it would continue for the rest of his life. We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. Since the text and audio content provided by BLB represent a (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. [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. Everything in eternity -- for I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. The Premiere One-Volume Commentary . That was a question that was once sent to me. John MacArthur brings you a complete Bible commentary in one volume. He got us to say the sentence emphasizing each word. Your partnership makes all we do possible. Minor Prophets What 1 Corinthians 13 is to weddings, Psalm 23 is to funerals. Abraham's Bosom, Paradise, and Heaven 1. Psalm 23 symbolizes the human race as a flock and God as their Shepherd. Pauline Epistles Would you prayerfully consider a gift of support today? We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! He is the shepherd that provides and His people will lack no good thing. John is also president and featured teacher with Grace to You. We can imagine various meanings for the valley of the shadow of death.. He leads me - Jesus our Shepherd is in the business of leading and bringing you to a place of rest. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. (Spurgeon), iii. But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. Johannine Writings He is. 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. Pauline Epistles Interactive Bible study with John Piper. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. MON 10/20/2014. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. A servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the son abideth ever. While I am here I will be a child at home with my God; the whole world shall be his house to me; and when I ascend into the upper chamber, I shall not change my company, nor even change the house; I shall only go to dwell in the upper story of the house of the Lord forever. ii. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! 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. It isnt his destination or dwelling place. Excellent for: personal and family devotions pastoral study preparing Sunday-school lessons using with a small group simply readingeach volume draws you in range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. Psalm 23 Bible Study - Jesus our Great 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. They are dumb, dirty, defenceless and dependant. What humanity needs now is the restoration of hope and joy. It would stick right by the Shepherd's side! Prophets '. God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. What great confidence! With this verse, he begins to use the second person (you and your). It adorns walls in faithful churches and fills frames in Christian homes. A sheep unoiled is an easy target for the infestations of such pests. 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 Piper Sep 8, 1980 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. He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane.[3]. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD David had had the highs of defeating Goliath to the lows of running for his life and hiding in caves from Saul. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake.. Someone said they are the most stupid animal on the face of the earth. If there was such a thing as animal school, they would be dropouts. And let's not forget they are prone to wander. Poetical Books Later, rabbis often designated it "The Book of Praises." . 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.. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. The first time through the dark valley is always scary. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! You will have much more pressing concerns. Commentaries; Sermons. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. [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. We lie on our beds yet carry on the same thoughts inside. Psalm 22 Part 2 - It is finished, He has done it! The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). 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 the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven .' This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. It is for His name's sake and His glory that this is done! The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' Right paths lead to life rather than death (see Matthew 7:13-14). This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God's goodness in the present and in the future. In my experience I have never seen a visible manifestation of God going before me at a fork in the road. iii. While I am here I will be a child at home with my God; the whole world shall be his house to me; and when I ascend into the upper chamber I shall not change my company, nor even change the house; I shall only go to dwell in the upper story of the house of the Lord for ever. (Spurgeon), (c) 2020 The Enduring Word Bible Commentary by David Guzik ewm@enduringword.com. That was all it said. Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Play. Yea, prosperity not only so intoxicates many, as to carry them . Wisdom Literature And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. There was no fear involved. But despite this I got on with her pretty well. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. 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 good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. No, we are not talking here about genuine needs, not greed'! What are these green pastures but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? The New Testament The profound way of weaving Davids testimony to bring glory to God through this Psalm is utterly magnificent. 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. 'What happened exactly to me in the dream?' But, it does entitle David to experience Gods provision and providence in their midst. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; However, he was confident that God is with him all the time. Oh! 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% Site by Mere. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary is now completethirty-three volumes that take you through the whole New Testament, detail by detail, verse by verse. He has also served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. Psalm 23 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. Believe with the same confidence David had. 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. 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! Pentateuch 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! 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). The Shepherd, the Host, and the Highway Patrol Summer Psalms. People need comfort and encouragement. 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'll close with this for is gives a great summary of the wonderful provision of God as outlined in this Psalm. Please read and believe! I will fear no evil. Poetical Books Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). 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! I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'. But the love for our Saviour is great, with us waiting patiently for a time all these woes will come to an end. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ), The Complete WordStudy Old Testament (Chattanooga; AMG Publishers, 1994), Baker, Warren and Carpenter, Eugene, The Complete WordStudy Dictionary: Old Testament (Chattanooga: AMG Publishers, 2003), Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, 4 vols. 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. Pastor and teacher John MacArthur covers the complete Bibleevery passage of the Old and New Testaments, phrase by phrasein this valuable one-volume resource. The shepherd recognizes when the sheep require green pastures and when they require still waters. This feeding is symbolic of being fed spiritually with the word of God. 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. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. Each chapter begins with several questions under the title "PREPARE TO MEET GOD." . 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. (General Editor), New International Dictionary of Old Testament Theology & Exegesis, 5 vol., (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997), All Rights Reserved | 1997-2023 Richard Niell Donovan. Psalm 19. Oils and ointments can salve wounds and insect bites. Major Prophets All of John's 3,000 sermons, spanning more than four decades of ministry, are available for free on the Grace to You website. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. (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 remember a woman who grieved every year on anniversary of the death of her infant child. He had been chased and pursued as he ran from his enemies who sought to take his life. You are mine. 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). 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. It may portray the straying sheep brought back. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. I. It is to live with Him. (Kidner), ii. Pastor John MacArthur. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.' Anointing with oil was used for various purposes (healing, burial, expressing grief or joy). Email / username or password was incorrect! 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 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. Psalms 25:4-5 Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Kings were anointed (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:3, 12-13; 2 Samuel 23:1; 1 Kings 1:39). And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! Notably, David recognized that under the shepherds leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. If you are truly saved He will never leave you all the days of your life! See here, 1. It implies that the Lord is the only thing needed in life and that Gods shepherding care provides all of our necessities. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. type 23-6 in the address bar in place of 1-1 so that . These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. Almost everyone, whether religious or not, has heard Psalm 23 because it is quoted so frequently. The word through is important. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. Major Prophets To walk indicates the steady advance of a soul which knows its road, knows its end, resolves to follow the path, feels quite safe, and is therefore perfectly calm and composed Observe that it is not walking in the valley, but through the valley. The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! It makes sense. [9] As Jesus Himself said, 'You are the light of the world. 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! 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.