psalm 23:6 studylight

He has carried over so many depths, that I know his arm to be the arm of love." When anticipating the solemn hour of death, when the soul is ready to halt and ask, How shall it then be? There is a very interesting commentary called, "A Shepherd Looks at the Twenty-third Psalm." Here, however, it is naturally to be understood of the spiritual oil of gladness. Verse Psalms 23:6. In this Psalm, I take it, is rather vouched not what the prophet always performed, but what in duty must be performed, and what David's purpose was to endeavour unto for the time to come. So upon occasions past, David found it true that he should not have been heretofore at any time, and therefore professes, that for the time to come he would be no marigold servant of the Lord, to open with the sun and shut with the dewto serve him in calmer times only, and at a need, to shoot neck out of collar, fearfully and faithlessly to slip aside or shrink away. 1. To yield these blessings, is the exalted office of Christ, and the sole prerogative of his obedience. No, he is and will be sweet. "HE maketh me to lie down!" My cup runneth over. 4. "We may not be spared to each other long. O, therefore, thou the Great Shepherd of my soul, as thou art pleased of thy grace to lead me into them, so vouchsafe with thy grace to lead me in them; for though in themselves they be "paths of righteousness", yet to me they will be but paths of error if thou vouchsafe not, as well to lead me in them, as into them. 2. No, my soul; the goodness is in being "green pastures", for now they perform as much as they promise; and as in being green they were a comfort to me as soon as I saw them, so in being green "pastures" they are a refreshing to me now as soon as I taste them. Still waters; which are opposed to great rivers, which both affright the sheep with their noise, and expose them to the danger of being carried away by their swift and violent streams, whilst they are drinking at them. Ver. 1 Sm 3:1-10, 19-20. The sheep have been drinking at these streams ever since Adam, and yet they are brim full to this very day, and they will so continue till the sheep are above the use of them in heaven! Next, the promptitude of the Good Shepherd to interpose for his rescue. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, etc. Ver. This is the Lord's merciful dealing towards poor wandering souls Fourthly, a good shepherd must have will to feed his sheep according to his skill: the Lord of all others is most willing to provide for his sheep. He has prepared a table for me - and that in the presence of my enemies. We dread the unknown far above anything that we can see; a little noise in the dark will terrify, when even great dangers which are visible do not affright: the unknown, with its mystery and uncertainty, often fills the heart with anxiety, if not with foreboding and gloom. God will lead you through your path of life. The shepherd calls sharply from time to time to remind them of his presence. I shall not want. Time was when David was himself a shepherd; he was taken from following the ewes great with young ( Ps. The language here is obviously taken from the employment of those who had their habitation near the tabernacle, and afterward the temple, whose business it was to attend constantly on the service of God, and to minister in his courts. If I err and go astray, and walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (for a sheep is a straggling creature,) I will fear no evil: for his rod and staff comfort me; his law and his Gospel both contribute to my correction and support. Gods relationship with his people is like that of a shepherd to his sheep. I saw him lame one just now. D. A prepared place for a prepared people. Gracious restoration, holy guidance, and divine motives. Now call for your merry companions, and let them cheer thy heart. Surely goodness and mercy should follow me all the days of my life ( Psalms 23:6 ): Wherever I go, throughout my pilgrim journey on this earth. Psalm 1:1 Commentary Psalm 1:2 Commentary Psalm 1:3 Commentary Psalm 1:4-6 Commentary Psalm 2 Commentary Psalm 3 Commentary Psalm 19:7-14 Commentary Psalm 22:6-I Am a Worm Psalm 23 Commentary Psalm 25:14-15 Commentary Psalm 34 Commentary Psalm 37 Commentary Psalm 42:5 Commentary-Hope in God! It is well to know, as certainly David did, that we belong to the Lord. Do we feel that our spirituality is at its lowest ebb? Whole Psalm. 23:1-2 2. J. L. Porter, A.M., in "The Giant Cities of Bashan", 1867. He restores it to its original purity, that was now grown foul and black with sin; for also, what good were it to have "green" pastures and a black soul! The wicked always want, but the righteous never; a sinner's heart is far from satisfaction, but a gracious spirit dwells in the palace of content. Now call for a cup, a whore; never be daunted, man. He will feed me in green pastures, Psalms 23:2. 2. Christ's victory over the grave is his people's. Thus is this bodily death a door or entering into life, and therefore not so much dreadful, if it be rightly considered, as it is comfortable; not a mischief, but a remedy for all mischief; no enemy, but a friend; not a cruel tyrant, but a gentle guide; leading us not to mortality, but to immortality! That he had food convenient, a table spread, a cup filled, meat for his hunger, drink for his thirst. 1. Onward. This is not the fanciful costume of a parable, it is simple fact. "He makes me to lie down in green pastures." "The Lord restores my soul", he continues, "He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake." The glorious overflowing life of the child of God. Death stands by the side of the highway in which we have to travel, and the light of heaven shining upon him throws a shadow across our path; let us then rejoice that there is a light beyond. Psalms 23, The Biblical Illustrator, One of over 125 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary contains over 34,000 pages in its original 56 volume printing, the largest of its kind StudyLght.org. Whole Psalm. Then we serve a good Master. See Psalms on "Psalms 23:4" for further information. When he finished there was not noise, but only some tearful eyes. Why did he desire go greatly to frequent the temple, but to offer sacrifices there along with his fellow-worshippers, and to improve by the other exercises of religion in meditation upon the celestial life? I shall not want. 2. Thou anointest my head with oil. For the sting of death was sin, but sin has been removed. It has made the dying Christian slave freer than his master, and consoled those whom, dying, he left behind mourning, not so much that he was gone, as because they were left behind, and could not go too. All is well! He is armed in order to defend his charge, and in this he is very courageous. Some one has said that when there is a shadow there must be light somewhere, and so there is. Thou shalt prepare a table before me, against them that trouble me. W. M. Thomson. 7 They shall [ e]utter the memory of Your great goodness, And shall sing of Your righteousness. . I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Sir Richard Baker. Watching over me, leading me into green pastures, leading me to the still waters, restoring my soul.But now God is a guide. Here, the psalmist takes the highest form of the unknown, the aspect which is most terrible to man, and says, that even in the midst if it he will trust. How earnest is Christ with Peter, to "feed his sheep, "urging him unto it three several times! Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. The position of this psalm is worthy of notice. But the effect of his coming will ever be the realisation of some promise, the recognition of some principle, the attainment of some grace, the understanding of some mystery, which is already in the word, and which we shall thus find, with a deeper impression, and with a fuller development, brought home with power to the heart. Ralph Robinson, 1656. all 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. Ecclesiastes 2:2. (first clause). A child practically acts upon the declaration of Christ that "sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, "we, in this respect far less wise than he, people the unknown with phantoms and speculations, and too often forget our simple trust in God. Ver. Augustine. Verse Psalms 23:6. I have known more than one case in which he had literally to lay it down in the contest. set them in a longing with the sight, and then frustrate them of their expectation? "I want to talk to you about heaven", said a dying parent (1) to a member of his family. Overpowered at the thought, his beloved daughter exclaimed, "Surely you do not think there is any danger?" Here, surely, there is trust the most complete. All the days of my life - Through all its changes; in every variety of situation; until I reach its close. This expresses the desire of a true child of God. The scope of this Psalm is to show the happiness of that man who has God for his protector, and is under his care and tuition. The little child out at sea in the storm is not frightened like all the other passengers on board the vessel, it sleeps in its mother's bosom; it is enough for it that its mother is with it; and it should be enough for the believer to know that Christ is with him. Moses drives us by the law, but Jesus leads us by his example, and the gentle drawing of his love. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. It is a fascinating book, as it goes into many of the aspects of a shepherd, and the character and the nature of sheep. I shall not want, actually, for provision. And yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me ( Psalms 23:3-4 ); Now, God is leading me through my path of life. "In all thy ways acknowledge Him, He will direct your path" ( Proverbs 3:6 ). David himself having sometimes been a shepherd, as himself confesseth when he saith, "he took David from the sheepfold from following the sheep, "etc., himself having been a shepherd, he beholds the Lord the same to him. The knowledge of God's protection and provision are a great comfort. Our Lord leads us beside these "still waters; "we could not go there of ourselves, we need his guidance, therefore it is said, "he leadeth me." And when the thief and the robber come (and come they do), the faithful shepherd has often to put his life in his hand to defend his flock. 2. New American Standard Version They are "still waters", for the Holy Ghost loves peace, and sounds no trumpet of ostentation in his operations. Ver. Note continued on See Psalms on "Job 42:14". How highly he magnifies God's gracious vouchsafements to him (Psalms 23:5; Psalms 23:5): "Thou preparest a table before me; thou hast provided for me all things pertaining both to life and godliness, all things requisite both for body and soul, for time and eternity:" such a bountiful benefactor is God to all his people; and it becomes them abundantly to utter his great goodness, as David here, who acknowledges, (1.) Some sheep always keep near the shepherd, and are his special favourites. Chapter Summary David celebrates the protection and guidance of God. His Word would not avail by itself. In Psalms 23:6 the psalmist expressed his confidence that he would have access to Gods presence (the house of the Lord refers to the earthly Tabernacle or Temple; cf. What are these "green pastures" but the Scriptures of truthalways fresh, always rich, and never exhausted? Those that would be satisfied with the fatness of God's house must keep close to the duties of it. And therefore if he have nothing at all of all other things, he does not want, neither is there anything wanting which might make him rich enough, or by absence whereof, his riches should be said to be deficient. Death doesn't hold any terror or fear for the child of God. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. And I'm going to prepare a place for you." Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over ( Psalms 23:5 ). Into the body, out of which it was even departing and fainting away. Some Christians overlook the blessing of sanctification, and yet to a thoroughly renewed heart this is one of the sweetest gifts of the covenant. Ver. 5. God never leaves his true followers providential mercies gracious influences, and miraculous interferences, shall never be wanting when they are necessary. At first the masses swayed and moved, as if shaken by some internal convulsion; then points struck out in the direction taken by the shepherds; these became longer and longer until the confused masses were resolved into long, living streams, flowing after their leaders. Sir Richard Baker. 1. 1. David had himself been a keeper of sheep, and understood both the needs of the sheep and the many cares of a shepherd. Ver. They not infrequently attack the flock in the very presence of the shepherd, and he must be ready to do battle at a moment's warning. J. R. Macduff, D.D. [Note: Kidner, p. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. We must dwell in his house as servants, that desired to have their ears bored to the door-post, to serve him for ever. Ver. Ver. Your ignorance, your discontents, your pride, your unthankful hearts, may make you to believe that you dwell in a barren land, far from mercies (as melancholy makes a person to imagine that he is drowning, or killing, etc. They know that he spoke that sentence which could not be mistaken, "Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness." Taking me by the hand, leading me through the valley. . Bible Study Tools Language Tools Study Library Everlastingly well! The Christian is not obedient to some commandments and neglectful of others; he does not pick and choose, but yields to all. Thomas Dale, M.A., in "The Good Shepherd", 1847. He restoreth my soul. But in reality, a guide could look at it too, and a host could look at it, because he sees God in all three capacities, not just as a shepherd, but also as a guide and as a host. God as Guide; His people as needy pilgrims, Ps. Ver. [Note: Brueggemann, p. 2 Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. Condensed from Obadiah Sedgwick. 2. And you can ask a mortician, and it's almost impossible for a mortician to put a smile on a person's face when they are dead. The glowing descriptions I had so frequently received from the Bedouins of the beauty and fertility of the banks of the Khabour were more than realised. I look at the beauties of the lakes and the rivers and the streams and the woods, the deserts. Joseph Caryl. ", Thy rod and thy staff, by which you govern and rule your flock, the ensigns of your sovereignty and of your gracious care. length of days), which, when used elsewhere of men, usually refers to a lengthy period of time (such as ones lifetime), not eternity (cf. For though in regard of unnecessary goods he be "as having nothing", yet in regard of others he is as if he possessed all things. It follows the twenty-second, which is peculiarly the Psalm of the Cross. It will be precious to him to support your weakness; prove that when weak, then are you strong; that you may be secure, his strength shall be perfected in your perfect weakness. 4. Only he that can want does not want; and he that cannot, does. This short but touching epitaph is frequently seen in the catacombs at Rome, "In Christo, in pace" (In Christ, in peace). What are these "still waters" but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? 3. 4. He shall bring me forth in paths of righteousness; in those paths of imputed righteousness which are always adorned with the trees of holiness, are always watered with the fountains of consolation, and always terminate in everlasting rest. This twenty-third may be compared to the fairest flowers that grew around it. NIVs forever translates a Hebrew phrase (orek yamim, lit. Ver. During our stay at Arban, the colour of these great plains was undergoing a continual change. For he makes me to lay down in green pastures ( Psalms 23:2 ): he leads me beside the still waters ( Psalms 23:2 ). Not Yet a Member? If He could do all of this in six days, what must that place be like that He has been working on for 1900 years? Has solid sustenancein green pastures. And if they wander he will fetch them in, it may be with his shepherd's dog (some affliction); but he will not be, as we say, dogged himself. Why, what friend is it that keeps up your spirits, that bears you company in that black and dismal region? David has left no sweeter Psalm than the short twenty-third (Psalms 23:1-6). He revives or comforts me. 6.Surely goodness and mercy. These are the contented and happy ones. Ver. Think of the supreme contentment a flock as this could have! 2. "He restoreth my soul." Ver. Whereas a man may be ever so wealthy, but if he be discontented his cup cannot run over; it is cracked and leaks. This exercise will help you evaluate your effectiveness. Ver. I may not possess all that I wish for, but "I shall not want." Zechariah 11:7. Others, again, are restless and discontented, jumping into everybody's field, climbing into bushes, and even into leaning trees, whence they often fall and break their limbs. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: "Lord, save me!" 5 The Lord is gracious and righteous; By the way, I note that David amidst his green pastures, where he wanted nothing, and in his greatest ease and highest excellency, records the valley of misery and shade of death which might ensue, if God so would; and therewithal reckoneth of his safest harbour and firm repose, even in God alone. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Sitting Mary and stirring Martha are emblems of contemplation and action, and as they dwell in one house, so must these in one heart. As they say of fools, they can propose more questions than twenty wise men need to answer. If Providence do not bestow upon us thus plentifully for our natural life, it is our own fault if it be not made up to us in spiritual blessings. Our guiding must be mild and gentle, else it is not duxisti, but traxisti drawing and driving, and no leading. When a carnal man's heart is ready to die within him, and, with Nabal, to become like a stone, how cheerfully then can those look that have God for their friend! 1. Behold how good and how pleasant a thing it is for God and the soul to dwell together in unity! (last clause). The effect of Gods merciful dealings with him had been to lead his mind to the assurance that God would always be his shepherd and friend; that He would never leave him to want. Zachary Bogan. The first was designed to show their love and respect; the latter to imply that while they remained there, they should have an abundance of everything. 5. So God is a shepherd. The valley conjures imagery of being trapped, surrounded by obstacles. Austin H. Layard, 1853. A body is not maimed unless it have lost a principal part: only privative defects discommend a thing, and not those that are negative. You bet there will be a smile on my face. The phrase used here, I will dwell in the house of the Lord, is one that is several times employed in the Psalms as indicative of the wish of the psalmist. The language here is obviously taken from the employment of those who had their habitation near the tabernacle, and afterward the temple, whose business it was to attend constantly on the service of God, and to minister in his courts. He will do for me what a good shepherd will do for his sheep. And even so are the people of God called the rod of his inheritance (Jeremiah 10:16), such as he takes special notice or account of. His ministers could not do it if he did not. The ark was framed for the waters, the ship for the sea; and happy is the mariner that knoweth where to cast anchor; but, oh! Ver. (4.) In the vast oak woods along the eastern sides of Lebanon, between Baalbek and the cedars, there are there gathered innumerable flocks, and the shepherds are all day long in the bushy trees, cutting down the branches, upon whose green leaves and tender twigs the sheep and goats are entirely supported. Samuel Smith. 3. It has sung courage to the army of the disappointed. Now I look at this world and I love to go to Hawaii, and I love to go to Yosemite, and I love to go into any areas where you have beautiful woods and ferns and rivers, and streams and flowers and fauna. I shall not lack for temporal things. God never leaves his true followers providential mercies gracious influences, and miraculous interferences, shall never be wanting when they are necessary. 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; "as if even his fears, those shadows of evil, were gone for ever. 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. Then call your roaring, and your singing, and laughter, mirth; but the Spirit of God calls it madness. He that can truly say so, condemns the rest, and he that desires more than God, cannot truly say, the Lord is his, the Lord is this shepherd, governor and commander, and therefore I shall not want. So Paul: "I was a persecutor, and an oppressor: but the Lord had mercy on me." "A servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the son abideth ever." He is a dove, not an eagle; the dew, not the hurricane. The Lord is my shepherd; I want nothing: thus it may be equally well rendered, though in our version it is in the future tense. Mark David's resolute persuasion, and consider how he came unto it, namely, by experience of God's favour at sundry times, and after sundry manners. Samuel Burder. The storm breaks on the mountain, but the valley is the place of quietude, and thus full often the last days of the Christian are the most peaceful of his whole career; the mountain is bleak and bare, but the valley is rich with golden sheaves, and many a saint has reaped more joy and knowledge when he came to die than he ever knew while he lived. It is David's Heavenly Pastoral; a surpassing ode, which none of the daughters of music can excel. John 10:4. All right, you know. How can that be dark, in which God's child is to have the accomplishment of the longing desire of his life? but the psalmist makes no reservation against it; he will trust where he cannot see. But as a shepherd uses his club (rod) to beat off wild animals, and his crook (staff) to rescue the troubled sheep, so will God care for his people (4). Ver. "It is . So that the words do intimate a singular part of God's gubernation or careful providence of his flock. "On this arm, "answers the believer, "I feel at home; with soul confidence, I repose on my Beloved; for he has supported through so many difficulties, from the contemplation of which I shuddered. The sheep heard them. Then Christ's subsequent care to lead him in the paths of righteousness; and lastly, the reason assigned wherefore he will do thisresolving all into the spontaneousness, the supremacy, the omnipotence of grace. He may flow into our soul, but not into our neighbour's, and therefore our neighbour may not perceive the divine presence; and though the blessed Spirit may be pouring his floods into one heart, yet he that sitteth next to the favoured one may know nothing of it. The Lord is my shepherd. Although, therefore, experience led him to hope well, yet it was principally on the promise by which God confirms his people with respect to the future that he depended. Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. Four precepts evidently addressed to those in authority as judges: (a) To do justice to the poor. W. M. Thomson. The shepherd invariably carries a staff or rod with him when he goes forth to feed his flock. Peter in the gospel by our Saviour, in consideration of infirmity through fear denying his Master, is willed after his conversion by that favourable aspect of our Saviour, to confirm his brethren, and to train them in constancy; for verily God requireth settled minds, resolute men, and confirmed brethren. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. 1. 23:3-4 3. 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 sorrows he had? He will provide waters of comfort for me. It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching griefs, of orphans in their loneliness. [Note: Chisholm, "A Theology . Ver. Ver. "He restoreth my soul." Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. "At that moment I am with you, "whispers Christ; "the same arm you have proved strong and faithful all the way up through the wilderness, which has never failed, though you have been often forced to lean on it all your weakness." He will do all for his own name's sake. Thanks be unto God, who gives us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord" ( 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 ). Ver. Luke 6:38. I will not fear, for thou art with me. 4. 4. No doubt this is what is figuratively referred to in Psalms 23:3, "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness", all leading to one point. 5. And it is a psalm in which he sees God in three aspects. An American playwright in London working on a play became homesick and wrote the words, Be it very so humble, thees no place like home., C. Our home with God is a prepared place John 14:1-3. Ver. We do not die, we do but sleep to wake in glory. And yet death is still a real and present enemy and so is the world. Reading 1. 4. Look at David's prayer in Psalm 25:4-5: "Make me know thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths, lead me in thy truth and teach me, for thou art the God of my salvation, for thee I wait all the day long.". Absence is when something is not present; indigence or want, is when a needful good is not present. John Hull, B.D., in "Lectures on Lamentations", 1617. Thou hast not confined thy bounty merely to the necessaries of life, but thou hast supplied me also with its luxuries. Not only he hath green pastures to lead me into, which shows his ability, but he leads me into them, which shows his goodness. The shepherds led their flocks forth from the gates of the city. As Christians, we face a lifelong struggle with sin. NIV Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. These two together, the valley of the shadow of death, denote the worst that circumstance has to offer. Psalms 23:4 refers to the divine shepherd guiding his lamb (the psalmist) through a dangerous dark valley (a symbol for the danger posed by his enemies, cf. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever., B. There are some distracted souls who would give worlds if they could but do this. that we come to "The Lord is my Shepherd." Have all forsaken thee? Green pastures. He will take care to preserve me in health; if sick, he will restore me. He wishes to live as if he were always engaged in solemn acts of worship, and occupied in holy things; he desires peace and joy in religion as if he were constantly in the place where God makes his abode, and allowed to partake of his smiles and friendship. Ver. These cost the good shepherd incessant trouble. A wicked man prays as the cock crows; the cock crows and ceases, and crows again, and ceases again, and thinks not of crowing till he crows again: so a wicked man prays and ceases, prays and ceases again; his mind is never busied to think whether his prayers speed or no; he thinks it is good religion for him to pray, and therefore he takes for granted that his prayers speed, though in very deed God never hears his prayers, nor no more respects them than he respects the lowing of oxen, or the grunting of hogs. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. (3.) The contemplative and the active element provided for. A meat though never so good, yet if it look not handsomely, it dulls the appetite; but when besides the goodness, it hath also a good look, this gives the appetite another edge, and makes a joy before enjoying. Even so it is when we say that a godly man wanteth nothing. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament, The Hawker's Poor Man's Concordance And Dictionary, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. 3. The Targum interprets it of the house of the sanctuary; and Kimchi expounds the whole verse in a petitionary way, "may goodness and mercy", c. c "nil nisi", Junius & Tremellius "certe vel tantum", Cocceius. "Give, and it shall be given you", is a maxim little believed. After she had been seated some time in the cabin, an Arabian female came and poured perfumed oil on her head. He makes a manifest distinction between himself and ungodly men, who take pleasure only in filling their bellies with luxuriant fare. Psalms 144:15. can you turn in soul affection to your God and say, "There is nothing in death to harm me, while thy love is left to me"? 6 Men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I will declare Your greatness. It is to the honour of our great Shepherd that we should be a holy people, walking in the narrow way of righteousness. The word comprehends all duties of a good herd, as together feeding, guiding, governing, and defending his flock. Plug in, Turn on and Be Enlightened! These are not green pastures, but a parched and blasted heath.

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