* A painting of Psalm 23 (King James' Version), frontispiece to the 1880 omnibus printing of The Sunday at Home: A Family Magazine for Sabbath Reading.
>1. What does David call the LORD? Why did he use that description and name? (2a)
* Psalm 23:1-2a "The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures"
* The title is "A Psalm of David."
* "LORD" -Only in the first and last verses.
* "shepherd" -Very common reference to the God of Israel in the Old and New Testament.
* "LORD... shepherd" -King-Shepherd or Shepherd-King has been associated with this psalm since it reflects David's relationship with God as David describes it.
* LORD (all capital letters in the NIV) is the covenant name of Yahweh (YHWH), the name told to Moses at the burning bush. (Exodus 3:14) David, the author of this modern-day famous psalm, called the Lord his shepherd. Calling a king a shepherd was a common practice in the Middle East in David's time. However, David was thinking of his young life as a shepherd when he called the Lord his shepherd.
Jesus referred to himself as a shepherd to his people. (Matthew 25:32, 26:31; John 10) He described what that means by saying, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) And, "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me..." (John 10:14)
David experienced the Lord, his personal shepherd lovingly and practically. "I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures." Sheep are not very intelligent animals. They are intimidated and run away from open lands even though they contain green pastures and they are hungry. Once eating they keep eating forgetting to rest. A shepherd has to make them lie down and rest.
People are like sheep. We don't know where to find rest. We look for rest and peace in all the wrong places. We crave and yet run away from that which will satisfy the craving. When I allow and follow shepherd Jesus' guidance he makes me rest in green pastures. He satisfies my soul. As the Apostle John wrote, "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 23:1-2a.
>As a shepherd is his youth how does he equate this experience with the Lord interactions in his life? (2a-3a)
* Psalm 23:2a-3a "he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."
* "he leads me" -David follows where ever the Lord leads though like sheep, he does not know where the Lord is bringing him.
* "beside quiet waters" -Sheep are afraid of loud noise. They are very nervous animals. The only defense they have against proprietors is numbers. Even if one is killed the flock continues. Thus, their nerves cause them to run away from loud noises.
* "he restores my soul" -Soul is the body and heart (emotions, mind, and will).
* A good shepherd as David learned knows his sheep, when the last eat and when they last had a drink.
* Psalm 23 is divided into two balanced stanzas, each having four couplets with a triplet in between serving as a transition (4d-f). A couplet is one line of Hebrew poetry. BDBD is looking at one couplet a day. Today's couplet reads, "He leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."
Although David, the author never refers to himself as a sheep, he implies it by calling the Lord his shepherd. Sheep are not known for a sharp-wit. They react to their environment with dull impulse reactions, never considering the wisest response before they act. Thus, a fear impulse will drive them away from a babbling brook even though they are thirsty. They do not even know they are thirsty.
A good shepherd knows this about the sheep under his care. Therefore, he leads his sheep beside quiet waters so they will have a sip of cool refreshing water. David learned this as a shepherd boy.
While meditating on his pasture days and his adult life he was shown that his adult impulses are like the sheep of his youth. Even though he is thirsty for the Lord, especially when life circumstances push him to a dull impulse reaction he does not go to the Lord for a drink of the Spirit. Instead, he seeks to either run away from life or try to solve the problem himself. He is just like a sheep and his Lord is like a shepherd. David realizes that the Lord leads him to quiet waters, not babbling brooks. The Lord restores his soul.
John, the author of Revelation wrote concerning Jesus, "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17) During the Feast of Tabernacles when they pour a lot of water onto the temple mount to purify it, Jesus prophecies a shepherd's declarations. "On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, 'If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.' By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified." (John 7:37-39)
I thank Jesus who is my shepherd.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 23:2b-3a.
>2. What kind of paths does the LORD lead his flock? Why? (3b-c)
* Psalm 23:3b-3c "He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
* "He guides me" -When being guided we submit our will to God. We do not know where he will lead us. We trust him even though it is not the way we would go.
* "in paths of righteousness" -"Righteousness" is the noun "sedeq" in the original Hebrew implying in the right naturally, morally, and legally.
* "for his name's sake." -"Shem yalak" in the original Hebrew. "Shem" is an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, and character. The verb "yalak" has many uses.
* God leads like a good shepherd. A good shepherd calls to his sheep and leads them out of the sheep pen. He calls them by name, one by one he knows them. He has plans for their well-being. He knows their needs. He knows their wants. He knows safe paths to their desires. The sheep know him and will only follow his voice. They know little of his language. Yet because they trust his gentle voice they follow him. He smiles at them. They are ready for him to lead them.
Paths of righteousness are the best way for the sheep to live following the shepherd. A path must be walked one step at a time to reach green meadows and quiet waters. Righteousness is the actions and positive results of a sound loving relationship between Shepherd Jesus and his people.
Biblical righteousness is rooted in covenants and relationships. Righteousness is fulfilling the terms of a covenant between God and his sheep. Righteousness is not a characteristic of God. Rather, God's righteousness is what God does to fulfill the terms of the covenant. The new covenant is fulfilled in the blood of the Lamb of God. Jesus said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:25) The covenant is the creation of order living.
God found fault with the people so through Jeremiah the prophet he promised, "The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah... By calling this covenant "new" he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear... Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance--now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant." (Hebrews 8:8, 13, 9:15)
It was for his name's sake that the blood of the Lamb is what the new covenant was written in. It is to my benefit for through his path of righteousness made in his blood I find green pastures and quiet waters. The path is paved with his blood, the blood of the Good Shepherd who is the Lamb.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 23:3b-c.
>Where might the Lord lead us? Why? What is the mindset when there? (4)
* Psalm 23:4a-c "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil"
* "Even though I walk" -Assumed to be as the Lord his shepherd leads him.
* "through the valley of the shadow of death" -Shadow of death implies that death has a negative effect on us if we do not have faith in the God who leads us. Valleys will allow us to only walk forward or back.
* "I will fear no evil" -Evil implies that terrible things are expected be linger in the dark.
* Death is a looming tower standing overall, like a mountain rising into swirling clouds. Its dark shadow is long and deep, as a valley fissure presses shoulders into a cold wall. Fear of the dark. Fear of the unknown. Fear of death that keeps one from going. Walking forward I have no choice, for time presses forward blocking a rewind. Death is coming. Death is mine. Death is yours. Death is in my mind.
Hope is a quake that shakes the looming tower, the mountain that is in its last hour. Light holds the life of the shadow, threatening with its stinging bow and arrows. One shot is released taking away fear of the dark. Light makes known. Fear not death for I will keep going. His breath is life.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. My God holds the light. The mountain is no more. The shadow has lost its grip. My mind is clear. The light stops time. Death is no longer mine.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 23:4a-c.
>3. What does knowing and believing that the Lord is with us do to us? (4) Even though we cannot see the Lord because we are in the dark how does the Shepherd-King make himself known to use?
* Psalm 23:4d-f "for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
* "for you are with me"
* "your rod and your staff"
* "they comfort me."
* "Do not be afraid" is a common message from God to his people. The Sovereign Lord said to Abram, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." (Genesis 15:1) God called to Hagar, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there." (Genesis 21:17) I am sure she was crying too. The Lord appeared to Isaac saying, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you." Genesis 26:24) Calling them by name an angel said to Mary the mother of Jesus, Joseph the step-father of Jesus, and Zechariah the father of John the Baptist, "Do not be afraid," (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:13, 30) Jesus says to all his disciples and to me, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27) "One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you," (Acts 18:9-10a)
To accept these four words from God is to say as David, "I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me." A shepherd's rod is his instrument of authority used for counting, guiding, rescuing, protecting, and correcting the sheep under his care. His staff is an instrument of support, fighting off beasts, and directing. The rod and staff do not bring fear, they subside fear for a loving shepherd wields them.
Fear is a base and broad range of emotions resulting from a lack of faith in God. If I believed that the Lord is with me always, till the end of the age I would not fear. If I believed he is concerned for me and looking out for my interest I would not be afraid. Fear caused by their sin made Adam and Eve hide from God. Freedom from fear comes as I trust in the God who protects (Psalm 23:4) and helps me (Isaiah 54:14) The Apostle John wrote, "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." (1 John 4:18)
Love God and fear him only.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 23:4d-f.
>4. What will the Lord do in the future? (5) Why?
* Psalm 23:5a-b "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."
* "You prepare a table before me"
* "in the presence of my enemies."
* I imagine two parallel scenes. David is invited to a special banquet like the one Jesus attended at Matthew's house just after Matthew became a disciple of Jesus. (Matthew 9:9-13) Many people were there including David's and Jesus' enemies. At Matthew's home were his enemies the religious leaders who did not have faith in Jesus. They were only concerned about themselves and their social position. Jesus is at the head of the table, the shepherd-king. The celebration of a new covenant sways like a school of fish swimming to gentle relaxing music and laughter.
The elaborate dinner was a meal set for the king. Many savory meats, vegetables, and food people did not recognize covered the tables. The aroma of oregano, parsley, peppers, and paprika flavored the human faculties. The Lord of the Covenant invites his sheep to the front of the table next to him. The enemies have to stay in the back sneering their teeth exposed. Their hands clenched.
Jesus proclaims, "I have to celebrate. This son of mine was lost and now is found."
David and Matthew address their shepherd-king, "Thank you, Lord. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. Honor me by inviting me to the front. I do not deserve this for I was a rebel and a scoundrel. I am unworthy to be called your son." Jesus puts a ring on their finger. "Let's celebrate!"
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 23:5a-b.
>What does it mean to have our heads anointed with oil? Our cup overflowing? What does this tell our enemies?
* Psalm 23:5c-d "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."
* "You anoint my head with oil"
* "my cup overflows."
* The celebration in the house of the Lord continues as David describes his participation in the festival. David is using metaphor to describe what it is like to have a personal loving relationship with his God. The Lord is his shepherd-king. The benefits of his relationship with the shepherd-king are described as a celebration, a feast.
Anointing the head of the honored guest was common for many a millennium in the Middle East. (Psalm 45:7, 92:10; Amos 6:6-7) Two women on separate festive occasions anointed Jesus' feet and wiped the oil with their hair. (Matthew 26:6-13; Luke 7:36-50; John 11:2) David is saying that his relationship with God included the honor and pleasure of his head being anointed with oil.
David, saying that his cup overflows is poetically saying that his soul is full of sweetness, like the finest wine overflowing from his cup. Living with and under the care of the shepherd-king is a never-ending flow of the soul's wine.
The cup of my youth was empty. I tried filling it with liquor and self-gratification. But no matter how much I poured into the cup it always remained empty. When the shepherd-king Jesus took me into his fold I experienced and continue to experience the life that David is describing in Psalm 23. Never pass up the offer to come into the shepherd-king's fold.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 23:5c-d.
>How is a relationship with the Lord further defined in verse 6? What are goodness and love to a believer in Jesus? How long will they follow?
* Psalm 23:6a-b "Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life"
* "Surely goodness" -A firm belief.
* "and love" -"Love" is the original Hebrew word "hesed" (a transliteration) some Engish translations like the KJV and GW translate as "mercy". Others like the ASV translate it as "lovingkindness". YLT have it as "kindness". HCSB translate it as "faithful love".
* "will follow me all the days of my life" -As companions and soldiers and/or guards would follow a king as he walked.
>Did David believe in the resurrection of the dead and eternal life?
* Psalm 23:6c-d "and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
* "and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever."
* David has two assurances because the Lord is his shepherd. First, goodness and love will follow him all the days of his life. Goodness and love are personified. He imagines they are attendants who ensure all is well with their companion.
Goodness and love for the Lord's sheep are not the same as those whose hope is in this world. Surely David experienced times when he was led through the valley of the shadow of death. No. Goodness for the Lord's people is found in his very presence; his light that gives life to his people. (John 1) Love is the same. Love for the Lord's people is God dwelling within. God's love reassures us in ways that words cannot convey. (Ephesians 3:14-19)
David is also sure that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. David knew and believed in eternal life in the Messiah. He believes the Lord has a house. Jesus promises his disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:1-4, 6-7, 9)
God the Shepherd-King has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 23:6a-d.
II. The Earth is the LORD's (24:1-6)
>5. What truth is declared in verses 1 & 2? How does this set the tone of this psalm?
* Psalm 24:1-2 "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters."
* The title is, "Of David. A psalm."
* "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" -"LORD" is "YHWH" in Hebrew (a transliteration). The Lord is declared
* "for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters."
>With the essence of God established in the first two verses, what conclusion does David draw about the accessibility to God? (3)
* Psalm 24:3 "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place?"
* "the hill of the LORD" -Holy places in ancient times were often on the highest point of land within visible range. When David brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem it was placed on a hilltop just outside of the ancient city. When Solomon, David's son finished the temple, it extended the city limits.
* "holy place" -God is often described as holy and anything near him is declared holy. When Moses went to see the bush that burns but is not consumed he discovered that it was the glory of the Lord. The Lord told him that he should not approach any closer and to remove his sandles because he was standing on holy ground.
* Exodus 3:4-6 "When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am." "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God."
>6. Who does David say can approach God? Does anyone live this way all their life?
* Psalm 24:4 "He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false."
* "He who has clean hands and a pure heart"
* "who does not lift up his soul to an idol"
* "swear by what is false."
>7. What is the outcome of entering the Lord's presence on his holy hill?
* Psalm 24:5-6 "He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. Selah"
* "He will receive blessing from the LORD"
* "vindication from God his Savior"
* "Such is the generation of those who seek him"
* "who seek your face, O God of Jacob."
* Two questions presented concern the accessibility of anyone to God. Since the earth is the LORD's and everything in it, what can anyone build that they could ask God to move into it. Since God founded the earth as a temple is founded, and since God established the earth as a temple is established, what could anyone make that God would desire to be in it?
The temple was built by Solomon, David's son. (1 Kings 6-8) So it existed only in David's mind when this psalm was written. David did move the ark of the LORD and the tent of meeting to a hill in Jerusalem. (1 Chronicle 16) Since God is holy and all are sinful, who may ascend the hill of the LORD and enter the tent of meeting? Who may stand in his holy place? The Lord told Moses, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals because the place you are standing on is holy ground." (Exodus 3:5) The character of God is so holy, magnificent, and glorious who could endure his purity?
The answer is presented in verse 4, "He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false." Well, that excludes me, David, and Solomon. In fact, the Bible is clear, "No one is righteous, no not one." (Psalm 143:2; Romans 3:10; Galatians 3:11) Does hope exist for me? Yes.
Thanks be to God who made a way for my heart to be pure through the blood of the lamb. Apostle Peter wrote, "For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." (1 Peter 1:18-19)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 24:1-6.
III. The King of Glory (24:7-10)
* This drawing by an unknown artist is not in public domain.
>8. What is commanded to lift up their eyes? Do gates have eyes? Why might they be personified in this way?
* Psalm 24:7 "Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in."
* The psalm undergoes a theme switch. The first six verses seem to have nothing to do with the last four.
* "Lift up... be lifted up" -Gates do not have heads. They are either lifted up or swung open. This is poetry.
* "King of glory" -Magnificent one.
* "may come in" -The king needs permission to come in.
>Who is the King of glory? (8, 10)
* Psalm 24:8 "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle."
* Psalm 24:10 10 Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory. Selah"
* "King of glory... the LORD... Lord Almighty... King of glory" -All used to describe the same person.
* This would be the gate keepers calling out the identity of the one before the gate.
>What is commanded to lift up their heads? Do gates have heads? Why might they be personified in this way?
* Psalm 24:9 "Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in."
* The Lord Almighty (YHWH Saba in Hebrew) is referred to four times as the King of glory (melek kabod in Hebrew). He is called the Lord Almighty because he is strong and mighty in battle. He is returning victorious from battle. He is before the gates of Jerusalem a victor in battle. The gates are commanded to look up to the coming King of glory, open up, and let the Lord Almighty come into Jerusalem. A prophecy to be fulfilled after Armageddon when Jesus returns victorious from battle.
Another gate exists that blocks the path of the Lord Almighty, the victorious Jesus. This gate though made of parchment paper is stronger than cast manganese plate and thicker than a mountain of iron. The Lord Jesus wants and belongs inside this gate for he won the right to dwell within. He defeated all enemies and is the owner. The gate that blocks the King of glory is kept in place by me. I can block the one who wears a victor's crown. This gate is in my heart. I can block the victorious Lord Almighty from coming into my soul.
Why do I act so irrational? What reason exists to stop the mighty one from coming in, the one who defeated all my enemies and can keep me safe? The only reasons come from an irrational mind and a cold heart. A fool invents fears to keep from opening the gate. A stubborn gate refuses to look to the King of glory. For to look upon the king would open the gate and let him come in. "He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his eyes." (1 Samuel 3:18)
