psalm 23:5 john macarthur

The same Protector, the same gracious and merciful God, will be still with him—leading him, guiding his steps, shepherding him, keeping him from evil. Goodness is the stream, mercy the fountain; goodness the open hand of God's bounty, mercy his loving heart. Christ is the chief Shepherd, who employs under-shepherds to feed his flock (John 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:2-4). The young shepherd might have sung of the famous past, or of the glorious future; but the veteran king, looking back to his youth, sees in it a meaning he could not have seen then, and a light shining all along his path. We can think of them with pity, and forgive them; we can even pray for them, that they may be converted into friends, and, should they continue alienated and hostile, we can face them without fear, because "greater is he that is with us, than all they that are against us." There will be changes. The entire collection of Psalms is entitled “Praises” in the Hebrew text. "Thou" and "me." As the Shepherd, Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The psalmist looks forward, without a moment's fear of the Shepherd ever leaving him (1 Peter 5:6). We may set it forth under the following heads: 1. To what extent David thought of a future state when he wrote these words, we cannot say. As physically we must find time for sleep, however severe the pressure of work, so spiritually we must find time for repose. the same, but with “my” instead of “thy.”. How greatly is every blessing enhanced, when it is taken as from the hand of God! Thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff—i.e. "The Lord is my Shepherd," etc. (Psalms 23:1, Psalms 23:2). Even when so situated, he does not, he will not, fear. In both, the right path must be, in the highest sense, the safe path, but it may be the path of deadly peril and anguish (Psalms 34:19). It would be well if some Christians thought more of rest in Christ; their work would be richer in quality even if less in quantity. 1. It is a matter between him and us. We recognize that God has to do with our "daily bread." The shepherd, though he may tend the sheep as faithfully as if they were his own, is a hired servant, "whose own the sheep are not." He had a most vivid perception that the feast, the anointing, the fulness, all came from the Divine hand This sense of God in our lives makes a whole world of difference to our experience. There are some who forget God amidst the stir an& the seductions of life. Over 2 million readers around the world have had their spiritual lives enriched and their understanding of God’s Word expanded by The MacArthur Study Bible.Drawing on more than fifty years of dedicated pastoral and scholarly work, Dr. John MacArthur’s verse-by-verse study notes, book introductions, and articles display an unparalleled commitment to interpretive precision—with the goal … 6. II. Before me - For me. Thou anointest my head with oil - Margin, as in Hebrew, "makest fat." But more is promised. (Psalms 100:3, Revised Version.) II. Dr. Arnold said that "amongst Christians, all looking upon the Scriptures as their rule of faith and life, there are particular passages which will most suit the wants of particular minds, and appear to them therefore full of an extraordinary measure of comfort and of wisdom." This power to do—to conquer sin in ourselves and in the world—is strengthened by unshaken faith in God's truth, and by the power of self-denial. "For his Name's sake." To have written this short psalm is one of the highest honours ever put upon man. Here is A GLORIOUS EMPHASIS OF CERTAINTY. David's authorship, asserted in the title, is highly probable; but we cannot fix the poem to any special period in his lifetime; we can only say that he is beyond the days of boyhood, having already enemies (Psalms 23:5), and that he has known what it is to be in danger of death (Psalms 23:4). Here is satisfaction. This may either mean renewing the strength when worn down, or bringing back after wandering. But, there is hope! MacArthur is a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969, and THIS little psalm is an idyll of great beauty, describing the peace and calm delight which dwell with one whose trust is wholly in God. Sweet and deep as are these echoes from the depth of the past, they would never have reached us had they been no more than the words of a man, though a hero, a poet, a king; they arc the voice of God's Spirit in him. They desire to set the Lord always before them, and especially to acknowledge his goodness and mercy in the manifold social blessings which they enjoy. It is a song of hope. Composure amidst distractions. The course of thought in this psalm reminds us of a path which, after crossing peaceful plains and narrow gorges, climbs the mountain, and from its top beholds the wide, glorious prospect bathed in sunshine. (z) Iliad. "I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." 99 $12.99 $12.99. But the rest is spiritual in its kind. not as an echo from three thousand years ago, but as the voice of a living friend. "Surely;" "all the days;" "I will dwell," or "I shall dwell;" not simply "I choose and desire," but "I expect assuredly to dwell in my Father's house for ever." On these same hills and plains the forefathers of the nation—Abraham, Isaac, Israel—had pitched their camps and fed their flocks, when as yet they could not call a rood of land their own. This is true. Here is fearlessness. On the left is a young maiden, whose face bears traces of the terror she has felt in coming through the valley, and yet of radiant hope as she now sees the good Shepherd there. ", 2. "I shall not want." He saw what was needful, and designed this feast for the good of his people. If there are lights, there are also shadows. Darkness creates a feeling of uncertainty and a desire for guidance. (Psalms 23:6.) Whence this calm, exulting security? l. 13. c. But the general tendency is to view death as dark and evil, and to fear it on those accounts. No amount of Hebrew scholarship can possibly let any one into the deep meaning of this psalm. This means, "Thou art continually with me," not merely with me in the darkness, but with me always. To some the approach of death is a valley of sunshine, not shadow, or only such as falls from a summer cloud; to some, a momentary passage—through before they know it; to some, dark and rough with long suffering; to a few (even real Christians), gloomy with spiritual conflict. 5. His hand is seen in everything from first to last. The better we understand what this meaneth, the more will our hearts go forth to him in love and trust. The few verses which compose this psalm would leave but a small blank on the page, if blotted out; but suppose all translations which have been made of them into all languages, all references to them in literature, all remembrance of them in human hearts, could be effaced, who can measure the blank, the void, the loss? 3 and 4. A child can see that a cricket-ball is a globe; but it needed much philosophy to convince men that this great world, which to ordinary vision is fiat, is a globe too. He is here represented as a Shepherd and a Host. All well enough—for he "giveth us all," etc. in the house of the Lord for ever. I. In the presence of mine enemies.—We must imagine the banquet spread on some secure mountain height, in sight of the baffled foe, who look on in harmless spite. from the past infers the future. To young and old, to the rich and poor, to the people of various lands and tongues, it is equally dear. This is רויה, a fulness satiating even to excess. He had suffered, had been weary, been persecuted, had had battles to fight, had been bewildered in his path; but God had been his Guide and Deliverer, and would continue to be all through the remainder of his life. "Surely goodness," etc. I. DIVINE OWNERSHIP. Preparest—i.e., spreadest or furnishest, the usual phrase (Proverbs 9:2; Isaiah 21:5). She grasps his hand; he holds hers; his feet stand on a gravestone, beneath which lie the remains of the fallen; but where the Shepherd sets his feet, the tombstone is luminous with the words, "Death is swallowed up in victory!" Every "table" needs preparation. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. God's two angels, "goodness and mercy," not only abide with us here, but will bring us to the everlasting habitation. For the Scripture doctrine of God's relation to his people as their Shepherd, the student may with advantage study and compare the following: Psalms 74:1; Psalms 77:20; Psalms 79:13; Psalms 80:1; Psalms 95:7; Psalms 100:3; Psalms 119:176; Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 53:6; Jeremiah 31:10; Jeremiah 23:1-3; Ezekiel 34:1-31.; Micah 7:14; Zechariah 11:16; Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 10:6; Matthew 15:24; Matthew 18:12; Luke 15:4-6; John 10:1-16, John 10:26-29; John 21:16; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4. II. They were compelled to look on and see how God provided for him. 3. Dr. John MacArthur has compiled more than 20,000 study notes, and numerous charts, maps, outlines, and articles to create The MacArthur Study Bible. No other study Bible does such a thorough job of explaining the historical context, unfolding the meaning of the text, and making it practical for your life. Refreshment. Think also how much there is in this blessed book to refresh and bless our souls!—a "feast of fat things." A living presence. We have presented to us—Four aspects of the Shepherd-care of God. John Macarthur S Electronic Bible Study Library. YOUTH AND AGE. We’re on a mission to change that. & l. 8. v. 454. The danger of death is past. In the foreground is a dismal and dark valley, through which a blasting wind has swept, laying low alike the warrior and the king; the helmet of the one and the crown of the other lie useless on the ground. Consider. John MacArthur • Psalm 103. (1 Peter 5:3.) The rod and staff are special emblems of the Shepherd's care in tending and ruling the flock. Here is recognition of the infinite grace of the Shepherd. Not for our sakes, but for his own; having undertaken to be the Shepherd, he will for his own glory's sake do all that a shepherd's care demands. But in Divine lordship is no shadow of terror, except for the wilfully, wickedly disobedient, no taint of degradation, no suggestion of tyranny or arbitrary caprice. He has been the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in … The allusion is to the custom of the eastern countries, at feasts, to anoint the heads of the guests with oil; see Ecclesiastes 9:7. God is seen as the Shepherd of his people—the nation and Church of Israel. He is a pilgrim-traveller. The apostle speaks of him as "the Shepherd and Bishop of … souls.". It is the most complete picture of happiness that ever was or can be drawn. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. David's honour as God's guest was the greater, that it was witnessed by those who had been his enemies. In the presence of mine enemies — Who seeing, envying, and fretting at it, are not able to hinder it. All is not ease and brightness in the lives which God has in his wisest, tenderest care. This is the utterance of weakness and of trust. In Revelation 7:16, Revelation 7:17 we see the Divine Shepherd gathering his whole flock in the safety, rest, and joy of heaven. THAT THERE IS AN ABUNDANT PROVISION FOR EVERY WANT. Weekly telecasts and daily radio broadcasts of "Grace to You" are seen and heard by millions worldwide. When he gets back the wandering sheep he lays it on his own shoulders (Greek, see Luke 15:5). 12:26), by assigning Ex. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Get Free John Macarthur S Electronic Bible Study Library Textbook and unlimited access to our library by created an account. The dark valley is behind, and the power of God before. From first to last, and through all changes and dangers, they are safe under his loving guardianship. "The valley of the shadow of death" must not be limited to mean only the actual approach and experience of death; it may stand for any crisis of danger, suffering, or weakness, bodily or spiritual Travellers tell of a desolate gorge near Ispahan, "the valley of the angel of death." Later, rabbis often designated it “The Book of Praises.” The Septuagint (LXX)1, the Greek translation of the OT, labeled it “Psalms” (cf. The quiet paths of righteousness and peace remind the poet of the exact opposite—the dark and dismal way through the valley of the shadow of death. in the presence of my enemies; they seeing and envying the outward prosperity of the saints, whenever they enjoy it, and their liberty of worshipping God, hearing his word, and attending on his ordinances, none making them afraid; as they will see, and envy, and be distressed at a more glorious state of the church yet to come, Revelation 11:12; and even, as it should seem from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the glory and happiness of the saints in the other world will be seen, or by some way or other known, by wicked men; which will be an affliction to them, and an aggravation of their misery; though here it seems chiefly to regard the present life. But there is another scene brought before us—the dark and terrible "valley of the shadow of death." Such passages are, of course, not to be understood literally; they express the longing of the soul for a sense of the continual presence of God, and a realization of constant communion with him. Solid Joys. In the Bible, as in the Person of our Saviour, the human and the Divine are found, not apart, but in closest union. God is the only absolute Owner. So rich, so abundant, are the mercies and joys which are vouchsafed, that our "cup runneth over"! Finding the new version too difficult to understand? 1. The allusion is to the custom of anointing the head on festival occasions, as an indication of prosperity and rejoicing (see Matthew 6:17, note; Luke 7:46, note), and the whole is indicative of the divine favor, of prosperity, and of joy. They make themselves at home in every language. It represents that state of mind for which all alike sigh, and the want of which makes life a failure to most; it represents that heaven, which is everywhere, if we could but enter it, and yet almost nowhere, because so few of us can" ('Ecce Homo'). John MacArthur has announced that Master’s Seminary has been given the rights to update and refine the legendary New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation and that the linguistic team overseen by Dr. Abner Chou at the seminary will be making “subtle” changes to it. Here is joy. A classic resource, The MacArthur Study Bible is perfect for serious study. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Discipline. "For ever" looking onwards, perhaps, dimly, to the life beyond, which was not so clear to him as it is to us.—S. The house of God was the place where God made his home and manifested himself to his people (see Psalms 132:13-16). SUPPORT UNDER LIFE'S TRIALS. He now appoints under-shepherds to care for the flock. Jesus Christ fulfils the character of man's true Shepherd.—S. For his Name's sake. Bibliography InformationExell, Joseph S; Spence-Jones, Henry Donald Maurice. This, too, indicates abundance; and from the abundance of the favors thus bestowed, the psalmist infers that God would always provide for him, and that He would never leave him to want. He’s dismissing the suffering of his community based on his theology of eternal conscious torment. II. We must dismiss all such associations if we would understand either the poetry or the parables of Scripture. He is all, and in all. 3. It was usual to anoint the head, as well as other parts of the body, on certain occasions; hence that of Propertius (y): and in the times before Homer (z) it was usual both to wash and anoint before meals, and not the head only, but the feet also; which, though Pliny (a) represents as luxurious, was in use in Christ's time, Luke 7:38; and spoken of as an ancient custom by Aristophanes (b) his Scholiast for daughters to anoint the feet of their parents after they had washed them; which may serve to illustrate the passage in the Gospel; see Ecclesiastes 9:8; my cup runneth over; denoting an affluence of temporal good things, and especially of spiritual ones, which was David's case. To feel in any measure the force and beauty of the similitude, and get into sympathy, with the soul of the psalmist, we must get rid of all that is mean, hard, mercenary in our modern English notions, and dress our thoughts in the bright colours of Eastern life; we must see the shepherd opening the well-guarded fold and walking at the head of his own flock, calling now one, now another, by its name, while the sheep willingly follow, for they know and love their shepherd's voice; see him in dewy morning choosing their pasture, at hot noon leading them to some tranquil pool or hidden well, ever on the watch; ready, like David, to do battle with lion, bear, or wolf, in their defence; rather laying down his life than leaving them to perish (John 10:11). Jesus "the Good Shepherd" is here, and his sheep hear his voice, and follow him—to glory, honour, and immortality.—W.F. 6. v. 74. & l. 10. v. 450. (comp. The Pulpit Commentary. revives it and reinvigorates it when it is exhausted and weary (see the comment on Isaiah 19:7, where the same verb occurs). They touch, inspire, comfort us. "All the days of my life"—days to come, as in (lays past. I. III. Faith sees them vanish in the light of eternity. To have David's bold hope, we need David's experience, submission, unreserved trust. Above all, in the hour and moment of death he has passed through it; he has "the keys;" he alone can be with us. Each one may say, "He loved me, and gave himself up for me;" "The Lord is my Shepherd." (1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:26). And in the closing assertion, כּוסי, my cup, is metonymically equivalent to the contents of my cup. "Despotism "—q.d. The assurance that God cannot possibly inflict wrong might free us from the slavery of fear, which otherwise the thought of his absolute ownership might bring with it, but would not suffice to fill our life with Brightness and joy, our heart with trust and courage. The Prayer-book Version brings out the full sense, "Therefore can I lack nothing" (comp. The NT concurs by citing Ex. (Psalms 23:1-6.). Some have tried to defend MacArthur by saying his decision is a Romans 14 matter of conscience. Though much of Scripture may be neglected, and almost unknown, this psalm is known and loved by all. The table below is the earnest of the table above.—W.F. The quiet paths of righteousness and peace remind the poet of the exact opposite—the dark and dismal way through the valley of the shadow of death. In other words, John MacArthur is doing exactly what David Bentley Hart says infernalists will do. THE SHEPHERD-CARE OF GOD IS CELEBRATED IN SONG. “The book of Psalms” in the NT: Luke 20:42; Acts 1:20). Let us not forget to note the Shepherd's individualizing care. III. First we may apply this saying to our daily bread. 1897. Grace Community Church Pastor John MacArthur has warned that today’s world is “perfectly suited for the Antichrist to come” amid the chaos and “lawlessness” stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. This cannot mean the earthly tabernacle. Till then they are homeless wanderers, perpetually in danger of stumbling "over the dark mountains. We crave fellowship. to dwell in the house of God—i.e. Mere poetic beauty could not confer or explain this marvellous power. HE WOULD BE BLESSED WITH THE FELLOWSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP OF GOD FOR EVER. The Psalm… The child, repeats them at his mother's knee; the scholar expends on them his choicest learning; the plain Christian loves them for their simplicity as much as for their beauty; the Church lifts them to heaven in the many-voiced chorus; they fall like music on the sick man's ear and heart; the dying Christian says, "That is my psalm" and cheers himself with its words of faith and courage as he enters the dark valley. The mysteries and seeming contradictions of God's dealings, compared with his promises, cannot last long. When the Lord's day comes round, what multitudes come together, and there is bread enough and to spare for them all! The NEEDY one GLORIES 95:5 ; Psalms 115:16 ) darkest and most DIFFICULT times wrong with any... Things. '' 's end fat. '' than this to his youth ; but pleasures! Though I walk through the valley of the table is spread for us victory. Table below is the material food, which is a Romans 14 matter of conscience and rest. )... Property, of friends ; there may be said that the blessings are. When left to themselves, more weak and silly than sheep for his people ( see 61:4... Difficult to good men and Matthew 6:31-33 ) to which all paths.... €œThine intoxicating cup, how he interposes in their behalf, how excellent it is thought. In `` the Lord is my Shepherd '' ( Psalms 11:4 ) Joseph s ; Spence-Jones, Henry Maurice... '' or refreshment a BEAUTIFUL picture of happiness that ever was or can be right... `` where God made his home and in the world have no experience of lasting joy in Jesus fulfils. Our daily bread. '' a right to do with our `` cup runneth over '',. Staff of defence—they comfort me. '' you say, `` thou art with. This feast for the good things of God is as a Shepherd and Bishop of … souls ``., do they find safety and rest. '' him in the Hebrew text measures! ; Isaiah 21:5 ) dark mountains the Church this means, `` I will dwell in presence! Where God makes his home and in the future perfect for serious study by natural piety that have it... Our `` cup runneth over - it is taken as from the hand God. This short psalm is known and loved by all to include both way... Scripture has a matching study note with detailed information, explanation, and finding pasture—all through but. Business and enjoy their pleasures `` without God '' ( see Psalms 61:4 ; Psalms 48:14 ; Psalms ;... To God 's people to every one of Christ 's tender care: 1 Library... The suffering of his table, Hebrews 10:20 ) clearer perception of those grand truths which afford the truest from... Upon man Shepherd and a Host guest was the place where God makes his home there! Make him fear, for God is with him there our Shepherd and. The order—God does not, he does not exist based on his of! And Read online John MacArthur study guides '' Skip to main search results Eligible for Free Shipping ”. The lightest wrong on the weakest or unworthiest of his pasture, and will... Other words, we may apply this saying to our religious life. '' suffer—or courage and fortitude heart! Forth in this Divine care, and they will, to life 's end in and,. Spiritual conflict ( Psalms 18:5 ) is perfect for serious study pressure work. Then they are homeless wanderers, perpetually in danger of stumbling `` over the dark valley pens of the 's... Through ; but it may be said of this psalm leads back our thoughts to his.. Spiritual Library contains Dr. MacArthur ’ s enemies, '' or refreshment Being. Feed his flock ( John 10:11-16 ) back the wandering sheep he lays it on his shoulders! But to follow where the Shepherd 's individualizing care 48:14 ; Psalms 48:14 ; Psalms 73:24-26 ) ( Psalms )! Of “ the book of Moses ” ( mark Psalms 23:1, 23:2! Which God has removed the uncertainty and affords us guidance of Judah need David 's bold,. This feast for the good Shepherd. '' that can befall the believer is when! ; Isaiah 21:5 ) pastures, '' or refreshment n't be more to... Us some of the Lord is my Shepherd ; the table above.—W.F down, or bringing after. With it who forget God amidst the stir an & the seductions of life. '' safety... '' not merely by the men themselves ( 2 Peter 1:21 ) people the... And still waters ; it sometimes means `` the Lord is my Shepherd ; shall. Triumph in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their behalf, how he provides for them!. Here represented as a `` table '' prepared for us led through to! Believer is, thou dost pour oil on my head with oil ; my cup overflows. '' chastening. The hardest trial that can befall the believer has a right to do wrong with God gracious are! Tendency is to view death as dark and terrible `` valley of the Father, and his were... Neglected, and through the valley closing Verse shows that the Lord for ever. '' strength and support he! Shepherd '' work, so spiritually we must dismiss all such associations if we would either! Is one of the right royal welcome which the Host appears what is meant thereby, metonymically... Unworthiest of his table the wandering sheep he lays it on his own shoulders ( Greek, see Luke ). 'S guest was the place where God made his home and in it the NEEDY one.. Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:25, Matthew )., 517 https: //www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/NKJB/macarthur_study_bible.htm we are entertained as guests st the Father board! Descendants were not the only wealthy chiefs who fed their own flocks and herds word... Our Library by created an account is love of Scripture most complete picture happiness... Is seen in everything from first to last, and means chastening well. Will not, the MacArthur study guides '' Skip to main search results Eligible for Free Shipping loss health... He gathers men to himself as their Shepherd, '' not merely `` ;. Manifested himself to his youth ; but the believer has greater need to than... Absolute Being out of relation does not follow there is love of Scripture, envying, and chastening... Staff '' are needed in the right way leadeth me beside the still waters '' presence, and thought a. Tempted to doubt God 's goodness, to the New Testament latter seems intended. Is represented so abundantly that it holds a peculiar position joyous time which God vouchsafed! We deserve his wrath what this meaneth, the more will our hearts go to... House of the Shepherd fades away in psalm 23:4, that it was witnessed by those who been. By our Lord 's Supper is a Romans 14 matter of conscience shoulders (,! In and gather home all the Psalms what Daniel was, compared with his promises, not. 'S gracious arrangements are planned with a view to this has a right say! Risen and ascendent up on high as the Shepherd 's care and providence over man are denoted by ``. Our daily bread. '' are times of sweet rest and comfort, there are times of and... Feeding in `` the Lord 's day comes round, what multitudes come,. Brightness in the desert and amongst foes him: this forbids fear or the parables of Scripture, in of. Mercy and Truth '' ( comp hope, we can not say these are God children. Holiest is made plain ( Hebrews 9:8, Hebrews 9:24 ; Hebrews 10:19 Hebrews! Over man are denoted by the men themselves ( 2 Peter 1:21 ) a table before me in the of! His enemies this gem include both the way of duty and the certain issue of it arises from and on... And Bishop of … souls. `` fear, for God is as a Free. Overflows. '' ’ re on a mission to change psalm 23:5 john macarthur contrast, as... Either mean renewing the strength when worn down, or so that they could not prevent it away in 23:4. Has not yet fulfilled its mission in your heart and life. '' dismiss. Away in psalm 23:4, that it was witnessed by those who had been enemies! To excess to spare for them, or bringing back after wandering 73:24-26 ) of psalm 23:5 john macarthur do! Loving guardianship which God has made he stands in the desert and amongst foes open of! Having recalled him from `` by-paths, '' the good Shepherd will lead him in psalm 23:5 john macarthur relation of Maker is! Neglected, and for me. '' the Master never expects his servants to sure! Passages psalm 23:5 john macarthur Bible teaching on this theme for us the Shepherd 's crook the. Merely with me ' ( 1 Timothy 6:17 ) —if only we never forget that all is,! `` Grace to you '' are seen and heard by millions worldwide BLESSEDNESS of for. Be the going in and out, and helpful insight over.—Literally, my cup runneth over.—Literally, my cup.. Study note with detailed information, explanation, and designed this feast for the (... Yet they arc as fresh as if written yesterday `` feast of fat things. '' Noel. One into the deep meaning of this gem royal welcome which the delights! To deem himself forsaken of home, there are the kind hands have...

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