That was his role growing up. Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethrens emptier vessels. (Trapp). 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. e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. He is. We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil. 'Do I need to be extra careful?' Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. Again, there is comfort in the fact that God directs us and even discipline from the Lord (pulling us back into line!) Minor Prophets You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. John MacArthur. 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. He got us to say the sentence emphasizing each word. In Psalm 22 Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. Believe with the same confidence David had. Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. When people die, we think of them as having entered the valley of the shadow of death, but the same is true for their loved ones. ), The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, 5 vol. Someone said they are the most stupid animal on the face of the earth. Its also of paramount importance to recognize that the shepherd in this psalm connotes more than someone who merely herds the flock. God is like a shepherd to David. 3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. That was a question that was once sent to me. Our God protects His people, and His presence brings comfort to eliminate the fear of evil. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed ), Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000), Mounce, William D., (ed. Jesus honored his disciples by inviting them to a table where he served them bread, saying, I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God (Luke 22:15-16). 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. 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. Let us not, therefore, be afraid. But the shepherds here use dogs and fences to drive and control the sheep. Date: 1/31/2021. King David, who wrote this Psalm, obviously knew all about being a shepherd. Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. Psalm 23 brings encouragement and a great reminder that God is our shepherd and He will never abandon us. . Minor Prophets Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. Nor have I ever heard an audible voice that was clearly God's telling me which decisions to make. It's not for the goats. Is it Messianic? To eat at the Kings table in the presence of your enemies would show your enemies that the king holds you in high regard, and would demonstrate their powerlessness to hurt you. And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. Verse 1. It could also refer to a piece of furniture like the tables that we know today. In the United States, a signal honor would be an invitation to stay overnight in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House. There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. for his names sake (v. 3c). (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Please visit: https://www.bestbiblecommentaries.comPlease visit: www.bestbiblecommentaries.comBrowse John MacArthur's bible commentaries on Amazon:https://am. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. Interactive Bible study with John Piper. This is a fact as indisputable as it is encouraging, and therefore a heavenly verily, or surely is set as a seal upon it. They believed that something of the persons identity was tied up in the namethat the name expressed something of the persons essential character. Psalm 23 is an explicit metaphor that displays the relationship between God and His people. The concept dates back to the Book of Genesis when Jacob referred to the LORD as the Shepherd and the Rock of Israel (Genesis 49:24). Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer. (Spurgeon). My cup runs over (Hebrew: rewayah) (v. 5c). That's the animal God choose which best represents you! The Whole Bible For instance, we would emphasize 'I WILL build my church' or 'I will BUILD my church' etc. Johannine Writings God shines His light into our lives. (5) Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day. Pray to him, then, for the blessingRestore thou me, thou Shepherd of my soul!, Some Christians overlook the blessing of sanctification, and yet to a thoroughly renewed heart this is one of the sweetest gifts of the covenant. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God's goodness in the present and in the future. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. Mercy is the covenant-word rendered steadfast love elsewhere. The green pastures and waters spoken of in this verse were often some distance apart and the shepherd would have to lead his flock to these places. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. This is a great shame because it is not a psalm of death! So here is a man who has had to depend upon His Shepherd and is finding Him faithful even in trying times. Receive uplifting scriptures, inspiring articles & helpful guides to encourage your faith. In this article, well be talking about the commentary of Psalm 23 and explore more about its meaning. Wisdom Literature The shepherd image appears not only as part of the Old Testament but as a vital part of the New Testament as well. 'My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. Play. 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. Psalm 23 mainly illustrates God as a caring shepherd. Many people succumb to their hopelessness and fear. It becomes more personal in this valley! The other thing to note on this point is that the entire psalm is only valid for those who truly have Jesus as their shepherd. We are smart enough to do this in the physical. Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. 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! Sometimes those paths lead straight through the valley of the shadow of death. ii. The New Testament It makes sense. Sermon. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. The Shepherds Crook. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. They are quiet waters times when there are no waves and no troubles and you can feed and are restored. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). Gods presence removed the fear in David and comforted him. In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. David experienced the goodness and mercy of God from His tender care. Most importantly, I understood that God is with us in life and in deathand so I can truly say that I was not frightened. Pauline Epistles Daily devotional with John Piper. Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banished the fear of evil. I need to know you are well.' A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. He will sustain and provide for all of His peoples needs. Psalm 19. People need to know this beautiful Psalm of David to reorient and renew their thinking. Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. But, what makes it so compelling? In the ancient Near East, the shepherd was a royal metaphor. You anoint my head with oil; But, God as our shepherd provides peace that transcends all understanding. Arno C Gaebelin said (with some small modifications): A good way to read this Psalm is by asking the question, 'What shall I not want?' Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! He is in control. The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment. (Spurgeon). For them, it truly was the valley of the shadow of death. A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security. (Clarke). I will fear no evil, for you are with me (v. 4b). John MacArthur brings you a complete Bible commentary in one volume. However, the sheep do not easily lie down. The Old Testament 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. Psalm 40 - The Pit and the Pierced Ear in the Paths of God, Psalm 41: The pattern of betrayal - Past, present and future (P1), Psalm 55: The pattern of betrayal: Past, present and future (P2), Psalm 69 - The restoration and the zeal of the Lord, Psalm 102 - Change and the Unchangeable One, Psalm 110: Jesus the Messiah - Our Lord and King, Psalm 110: Jesus our priest in the order of Melchizedek. Peace -- for He leads me beside the still waters. Major Prophets What is also interesting, even before we get into the actual verses, is that this Psalm is part two of what we could call a Messianic trilogy. 19 (Dallas: Word Books, 1983), Hartley, J.E., in Bromiley, Geoffrey (General Editor), The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Volume Three: K-P Revised (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986), Keller, W. Phillip, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1970, 2007, 2015), Kidner, Derek, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries: Psalms 1-72, Vol. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. This also shows us our need of giving Him His rightful place as Lord over our life. As someone who worked as a shepherd before, David knew that shepherds live with their flock and are everything to it: guide, protector, and source of provision. The psalmist has been talking about God in the third person (he). The rod of Jesse shall still be over me as the sovereign succor of my soul.[5]. It is a bit difficult to ascertain the exact time Psalm 23 was written. Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. a. Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends. (Kidner), ii. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. And it is in these times that it starts getting a lot more personal! Most scholars account this Psalm to Davids maturity that contains vivid reminiscence of his youth as a shepherd. Was it where you thought you would go? As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? Forever. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. He leads me beside still waters. But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. But if it is an honor to be invited to the Presidents home, it is an infinitely greater honor to be invited to the Lords house. i. b. So our great Shepherd protects and provides for His sheep during their life on this earth. [9] As Jesus Himself said, 'You are the light of the world. This unspeakably delightful verse has been sung on many a dying bed, and has helped to make the dark valley bright times out of mind. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. Countless experts also argued that David wrote it during the later years of his kingship because of its nostalgic and tranquil tone. Be assured! Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. Entdecke The Macarthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur (2005, Hardcover) in groer Auswahl Vergleichen Angebote und Preise Online kaufen bei eBay Kostenlose Lieferung fr viele Artikel! Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. I shall not want can translate to I have no lack. The gist of Psalm 23 is that God is our shepherd who always provides and protects. God refuses to let the godly go hungry. Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. If there is a ditch, they will fall in and need to be rescued. I have called you by your name. The Third Commandment says, You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name (Exodus 20:7). The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual. God is. 'Blessed be the day on which that Psalm was born! Our God does not withhold anything good from His flock. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. God anoints His people with oil just like how shepherds anoint their sheep with oil. Kansas City, Missouri 64118, 2017 The Spurgeon Center and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 2007), Freedman, David Noel (Ed. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. Shepherds feed the flock and herd them to good forage areas. We are well escorted, with a Shepherd in front and these twin angels behind! (Meyer), iii. David wrote this while remembering his fearful experiences. 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% Click on the different category headings to find out more. However, many scholars believed David wrote it during his kingship (around 1000 BC to 993 BC). Sheep are easy targets for parasites, lice, and flies. 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! Email / username or password was incorrect! Whatever be the believers position, he is even now under the pastoral care of Jehovah. There are no halfway measures when it comes to the Lords provision for our lives. The MacArthur Study Bible: new King James version - John MacArthur. To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. He was aware of the potential dangers that may befall him. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point ), which the WEB has updated. Poetical Books 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. Then from the pulpit you would hear the same person say that if you didn't do this, this, and this you could lose your salvation or the Holy Spirit would leave you etc. Regardless of destitution, famine, storms, and other uncertainties, Gods flock is well-provided for in all seasons. Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? Play. When applied to Yahweh, hesed is fundamentally the expression of his loyalty and devotion to the solemn promises attached to the covenant. Oh! Ethan Collins November 17, 2020, Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. In Psalm 23, God has answered this prayer God has led him in paths of righteousness. David found him so, and so have we. Psalm 22 Part 2 - It is finished, He has done it! His anointing set him apart for his unique role as prophet, priest, and king. ii. The sheep didnt know where the green pastures and still waters were. There is some debate among commentators as to whether David had the idea of two separate instruments (the rod and the staff) or one instrument used two ways. [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. [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. If we were without enemies, we might fear that we were not the friends of God, for the friendship of the world is enmity to GodThou preparest a table Nothing is hurried, there is no confusion, no disturbance, the enemy is at the door, and yet God prepares a table, and the Christian sits down and eats as if everything were in perfect peace. i. Jesus honors us by inviting us to his table, saying, This is my body that is for you. In the Old Testament, prophets were anointed (1 Kings 19:16). There you have it. Luke-Acts ), Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. We need to hear those words as if God intended them for usbecause he did. Its evident in this verse how David recognizes Gods lordship over his life. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. The noteworthiness of Psalm 23 was not lost on Spurgeon. 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! They can't run all that fast, don't have the greatest eye sight apparently and, being basically defenceless, are timid and fearful. This table represents all the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. The Analogy of God and the Shepherd in Psalm 23, The Lord As A Shepherd Who Provides (Verse 1), The Lord As A Shepherd Who Guides (Verses 2-3), The Protection And Comfort From Gods Presence (Verse 4), The Blessings of God Amidst Danger (Verse 5), Faith-Filled Content Delivered To Your Inbox, Best NASB Study Bibles Ranked & Reviewed, The Best Bible for Young Adults: Buyers Guide. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. The Old Testament There is no if nor but, nor even I hope so; but he says, The Lord is my shepherd. (Charles Spurgeon). Your rod and your staff, they comfort me (v. 4c). It wasn't a nice dream at all '. Founded in 1969, Grace to You is the nonprofit organization responsible for developing, producing, and distributing Johns books, audio resources, and the Grace to You radio and television programs. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point The rod and staff were comforting to the sheep, because both were intended for the sheeps benefit. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. Significantly, it is at the dangerous moment pictured in the psalm that the He of Psalm 23:1-3 changes to You. The LORD as Shepherd is now in the second person. He served them bread, saying, Take, eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26-28). '. Lie down in green pastures quiet waters - But thank Jesus our great Shepherd that He does bring us to green pastures and quiet waters. 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. Pentateuch Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. This is the joy of the Christian! To call God a shepherd is to acknowledge His sovereignty over their lives and submit to His will. Is - Can you say that? People need comfort and encouragement. (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979-1988), Brown, Francis; Driver, S.R. On still other days, she found herself walking through the middle of the valley. Some of the most obvious are: 1) the wisdom type with instructions for right living; 2) lamentation patterns which deal with the pangs of life (usually arising from enemies without); 3) penitential psalms (mostly dealing with the "enemy" within, i.e., sin); 4) kingship emphases (universal or mediatorial; theocratic and/or messianic rule); and 5) 27:1). The word through is important. If you are truly one of His sheep (evidenced by hearing his voice and following His ways) then this verse is your verse as well! In extreme cases where a lamb continually wandered off and wouldn't stick with the pack (causing the Shepherd to repeatedly have to go and bring the lamb back) the Shepherd would sometimes break the lamb's leg! So life here for our sheep is one of continual green pastures. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You may be in a dark place but you must keep walking. This sentence may be read, only goodness and mercy, for there shall be unmingled mercy in our history. It is for 'His name's sake' that He does this. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. Lets look at the meaning and significance of each verse written in Psalm 23. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. Likewise, we also need God to guide us to the right places and opportunities. He wrote: Unlike in the west where people get multiple jobs, here the jobs are very rare. [4] I read in a John Hunter book that as well as being able to say 'The Lord is my shepherd' we should be able to say 'The shepherd is my Lord.' Yea, though I walk, as if the believer did not quicken his pace when he came to die, but still calmly walked with God. And obviously, he would then leave the lamb to die in the wilderness, eaten by its predators! The instruments used by the shepherd comforted David. He was the son of Jesse and a direct descendant of Abraham. David had had the highs of defeating Goliath to the lows of running for his life and hiding in caves from Saul. God saved (Israel) for his names sake, that he might make his mighty power known (Psalm 106:8). And we know the Jesus Himself took upon this title of 'the good Shepherd'. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.. and flame will not scorch you. That symmetric bracketing was a literary device intended to focus attention on the middle phrase, for you are with me. Gods saving presence is the focal point of this psalm. God is his shepherd and his Goda God all-sufficient to all intents and purposes. How would you describe sheep? Like the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, David might say that all of life is lived under the shadow of death, and it is the conscious presence of the LORD as shepherd that makes it bearable. 'Was it just a silly dream or something more spiritual?' He does not say there shall not be any evil; he had got beyond even that high assurance, and knew that Jesus had put all evil away; but I will fear no evil; not even the Evil One himself; I will not dread the last enemy, I will look upon him as a conquered foe, an enemy to be destroyed, For thou art with me. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. Death is not the house but the porch, not the goal but the passage to it Many a saint has reaped more joy and knowledge when he came to die than he ever knew while he lived. 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! To be invited to a persons table was an honor. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley. John and his wife, Patricia, live in Southern California and have four married children: Matt, Marcy, Mark, and Melinda. [1], It is not only I do not want, but I shall not want. Come what may, if famine should devastate the land, or calamity destroy the city, I shall not want. Old age with its feebleness shall not bring me any lack, and even death with its gloom shall not find me destitute. [3], The LORD - The first thing to note is the source of David's comfort. But we need to learn to lie down. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. b. When I asked the oncologist how serious it was, he said, Stage threemaybe Stage three and a half. My chances of survival were less than 50-50. daq) is life lived in accord with ethical principleslife lived in accord with Gods law and Gods will. Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. For I am Yahweh your God, It is a Psalm of life, rest and peace. Pentateuch When the psalmist says that God has anointed his head with oil, he means that God has marked him as specialhas set him apart for a significant role. (13) I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. He had not only enough, a cup full, but more than enough, a cup which overflowed. Major Prophets 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control since discipline is security., iii. The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. Johannine Writings ; and Briggs, Charles A., The Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon (Peabody, Massachusetts: Hendrickson Publishers, 1906, 2004), Doniach, N.S. Pauline Epistles You are not your own but were bought with a price! (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. What confidence for this life this should give us as we believe it in faith! The anointed writer of Psalm 23 was King David. Thankfully I didn't go far down that track but it can plant this little seed of fear in your mind if you let it. In my experience I have never seen a visible manifestation of God going before me at a fork in the road. Now mine was a recent silly example. They will not lie down when there is conflict among the sheep. The hosts care and concern doesnt eliminate the presence of my enemies but enables the experience of Gods goodness and bounty even in their midst. The Believer's Confession of Sin. 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.

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