Psalm 23...one of the "Big Guns" of the Sacred Scriptures...right up there with John 3:16 (For God so loved the world....) or the passage from Matthew 6 ( Our Father...who art in Heaven...)...a real pretty passage of Scripture.....
So, what is up with Psalm 23?
Scriptures in the western or American culture of Christianity are often considered favorites...because of "pretty endings". American Christians love pretty passages of Scriptures that "paint" pretty pictures as they are read. Americans today don't like to hear about sufferings and don't like to face life that may include suffering...or simply acknowledge they may have problems in their lives.
Years ago there was a story that told of a man who visited Boston, Massachusetts. He happen to be a history buff and wanted to learn more about the founding fathers of this great nation...the U.S.A....particularly during the Revolutionary War period. As he took a tour one day their guide took them to a statue of Samuel Adams, one of America's great founding fathers during this time period. The statue of Samuel Adams was one that portrayed a tall, erect, slender and lean man. The tour guide for that day then rather bashfully announced: "Actually, the real Samuel Adams was much shorter in height...and somewhat stockier. In fact, Adams would be considered a little fat if he were alive today." The guide then went on to say: " As Samuel Adams became a national hero, the artists chosen to make a statue of him thought it best if he were projected as a more tall and strong type figure. His real image is not what they were wanting to make...it wouldn't be the image they would want to create...in reference to a founding father. And we all know...to an American...image is...everything!"
Psalm 23 kind of is like that...at least to me.
When we think of King David, who wrote this Psalm, we often depict in our mind a young shepherd, lying on a slope of a picturesque countryside, a field full of luscious grass, enjoying the warmth of the sun against his face, a light wind blowing through his hair, a writing pen in hand, and the sheep he was over all resting nearby. Then as David enjoyed this "peaceful bliss", out of his heart and with the stroke of his pen, he began to write: "The Lord is my shepherd...I shall not want...".
Add a little Walt Disney...and you might have a little bird on David's shoulder and "Bambi" nuzzling at David's hand for a few morsels of grain.
Uh...No!...That was not the case...in any sense of the word!
Numerous Bible historians conclude this Psalm really found its origin in a totally different scenario. This Psalm was more likely written much later in David's life...and it seems to point to a time when David was running for his life...from his very own son...Absalom.
In fact, historians go on to write this may have been one of the darkest times in David's life.
The thing about David...and in particular...his family, David's own family was very...very...very dysfunctional.
Sometimes parents get upset when their children act in a rebellious manner or are disrespectful...David had a son that was out...to kill him... Parents get frustrated when children are fighting with themselves...David had a son that killed his brother... Parents today get embarrassed or feel shamed with some of their children's behavior...David had a son that violated his sister...
and in this instance, David's son Absalom was out to kill his father so he could gain control of the crown...as king.
While David was running from his son...and he had crossed the River Jordan, David came across a man named Barzillas...a shepherd, who treated King David with kindness and due respect. From this experience...it caused David to remember his deep friendship with the Lord and how much the Lord meant to him...so much that Psalm 23 was birthed from David's heart.
It wasn't that David didn't have problems...because he had many. It wasn't because David had live a virtuous life...for he had faced his share of failures. It wasn't even because David had not always obeyed the Sacred Commandments...because he broke them....just like any one of us.
Yet...David was known and still is today...as "the man after God's own heart." 1 Samuel 13:14
One key to David was his childlike trust in reference to his God. This was an absolute that no matter what circumstances David faced in life, no matter how bad David had messed up...David would always return and put his trust in the goodness and mercy...of his God.
Psalm 23...is a beautiful ancient poetic literature that speaks of this trust...a trust between 2 lifelong friends...David...and his God.
I am going to take this Psalm from the King James Version...and offer some humble thoughts on these potent verses written by...King David.
Verse 1: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want."
In the Old Testament, when the word "Lord" is used, it normally implies a more personal relationship with Him. The first verse does not start with "God" is my Shepherd or even "Jehovah" is my Shepherd...and the word "Lord" was even a term used at times when a wife would address her husband. Yet, it was not used in the sense of "power" over another, rather a deep respect and trust that finds contentment in accepting one to be their provider. As for David, he is totally satisfied in his friendship with his Lord...and the trust he has with Him...and the Lord reciprocates His love and what David means to Him. The last part of the verse, "I shall not want"...is very personal and denotes:...I have You...what else could I possibly need?
Verse 2: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me besides still waters."
"Maketh" to lie down is interesting. Since shepherding sheep is an ongoing comparison with the Lord (the Shepherd) and His people (sheep)...getting sheep to lie down in green pasture requires certain conditions. A sheep will not lie down if there is any threat of danger. Nor will a sheep lie down if they are fighting among themselves (draws too much intention which could possibly invite a predator), and a sheep will not lie down...to eat. Yet, "maketh" is not about force...it's about trust. David gives thought in this verse that no matter what we may be experiencing in life, both good or bad, are we able to find His rest and trust Him? When we do, then it becomes much easier for us to be led in the way of Peace.
Verse 3: " He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in paths of righteousness...for His Name's sake."
In order to be "restored", you must be depleted, perhaps exhausted or at your "wit's end". David was going through a steady diet of mixed emotions...loving his son Absalom...even though Absalom was out to kill him.
Verse 4: " Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."
A person could literally spend hours on this train of thought. Here David expresses a culmination of numerous experiences he has had in his life...and draws a conclusion. The thought of the "Shadow of Death"..."thy rod...and thy staff" and the difference between the two...would definitely be a bible study within itself.
My thought on this verse? If you haven't followed David's thoughts and advice given in verse 1, verse 2, and in verse 3, then verse 4 will never work. Unless you have a secure friendship with the Lord Jesus, unless you have taken the time and the trust to adhere to Him...regardless of your circumstances, unless you have come to a point in life where your own ambition, your own will power, your own positive thoughts...will not be enough to overcome....there must be a reliance on His Grace and Mercy...then how are we not to fear evil?
Verse 5: " Thou preparest a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies, thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over."
Preparing a table in front of my enemies...why?... To "showboat" how great our God is? or to "showboat" how wonderful God blesses...me? I don't think so.
Here is where I think the heart of David really lies. During the writing of this Psalm, David was being chased by his own son Absalom, and Absalom wanted him killed. Yet, David did not want Absalom killed... he loved Absalom!
David exhibited this type of unselfish and loving heart before. Earlier in his life, King Saul sought out David...and wanted to kill David. Yet, David did not want to kill Saul. He respected and desired to seek peace with Saul.
I think the purpose of a table being spread in the "presence of mine enemies"...is to offer a way of Peace...a solution which includes forgiveness and reconciliation as the main entrees. This in my own way of thinking is why God declared David..." a man that seeks My heart."
No matter how bad a situation may have become in your life...or how "tore up" a relationship in your life may have become...like David...offer the table in the presence of those against you...and trust God,,,just like David. We can't control what the other will do, just like with both Absalom and Saul...yet our job is to offer a table of Peace. This is where the anointing lies....this is why the cup runneth over...to offer peace...to another.
And David confirms this in the last verse of this powerful Psalm.
Verse 6: "Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord...forever!"
When we make a decision based on the benefit of another...and do so to give glory and honor to Him, then Goodness and Mercy will always follow our path...and the friendship we have with the Father...will always be welcome...in His home!
So, what is up with Psalm 23?
Scriptures in the western or American culture of Christianity are often considered favorites...because of "pretty endings". American Christians love pretty passages of Scriptures that "paint" pretty pictures as they are read. Americans today don't like to hear about sufferings and don't like to face life that may include suffering...or simply acknowledge they may have problems in their lives.
Years ago there was a story that told of a man who visited Boston, Massachusetts. He happen to be a history buff and wanted to learn more about the founding fathers of this great nation...the U.S.A....particularly during the Revolutionary War period. As he took a tour one day their guide took them to a statue of Samuel Adams, one of America's great founding fathers during this time period. The statue of Samuel Adams was one that portrayed a tall, erect, slender and lean man. The tour guide for that day then rather bashfully announced: "Actually, the real Samuel Adams was much shorter in height...and somewhat stockier. In fact, Adams would be considered a little fat if he were alive today." The guide then went on to say: " As Samuel Adams became a national hero, the artists chosen to make a statue of him thought it best if he were projected as a more tall and strong type figure. His real image is not what they were wanting to make...it wouldn't be the image they would want to create...in reference to a founding father. And we all know...to an American...image is...everything!"Psalm 23 kind of is like that...at least to me.
When we think of King David, who wrote this Psalm, we often depict in our mind a young shepherd, lying on a slope of a picturesque countryside, a field full of luscious grass, enjoying the warmth of the sun against his face, a light wind blowing through his hair, a writing pen in hand, and the sheep he was over all resting nearby. Then as David enjoyed this "peaceful bliss", out of his heart and with the stroke of his pen, he began to write: "The Lord is my shepherd...I shall not want...".
Add a little Walt Disney...and you might have a little bird on David's shoulder and "Bambi" nuzzling at David's hand for a few morsels of grain.
Uh...No!...That was not the case...in any sense of the word!
Numerous Bible historians conclude this Psalm really found its origin in a totally different scenario. This Psalm was more likely written much later in David's life...and it seems to point to a time when David was running for his life...from his very own son...Absalom.
In fact, historians go on to write this may have been one of the darkest times in David's life.
The thing about David...and in particular...his family, David's own family was very...very...very dysfunctional.
Sometimes parents get upset when their children act in a rebellious manner or are disrespectful...David had a son that was out...to kill him... Parents get frustrated when children are fighting with themselves...David had a son that killed his brother... Parents today get embarrassed or feel shamed with some of their children's behavior...David had a son that violated his sister...
and in this instance, David's son Absalom was out to kill his father so he could gain control of the crown...as king.
While David was running from his son...and he had crossed the River Jordan, David came across a man named Barzillas...a shepherd, who treated King David with kindness and due respect. From this experience...it caused David to remember his deep friendship with the Lord and how much the Lord meant to him...so much that Psalm 23 was birthed from David's heart.
It wasn't that David didn't have problems...because he had many. It wasn't because David had live a virtuous life...for he had faced his share of failures. It wasn't even because David had not always obeyed the Sacred Commandments...because he broke them....just like any one of us.
Yet...David was known and still is today...as "the man after God's own heart." 1 Samuel 13:14
One key to David was his childlike trust in reference to his God. This was an absolute that no matter what circumstances David faced in life, no matter how bad David had messed up...David would always return and put his trust in the goodness and mercy...of his God.
Psalm 23...is a beautiful ancient poetic literature that speaks of this trust...a trust between 2 lifelong friends...David...and his God.
I am going to take this Psalm from the King James Version...and offer some humble thoughts on these potent verses written by...King David.
Verse 1: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want."
In the Old Testament, when the word "Lord" is used, it normally implies a more personal relationship with Him. The first verse does not start with "God" is my Shepherd or even "Jehovah" is my Shepherd...and the word "Lord" was even a term used at times when a wife would address her husband. Yet, it was not used in the sense of "power" over another, rather a deep respect and trust that finds contentment in accepting one to be their provider. As for David, he is totally satisfied in his friendship with his Lord...and the trust he has with Him...and the Lord reciprocates His love and what David means to Him. The last part of the verse, "I shall not want"...is very personal and denotes:...I have You...what else could I possibly need?
Verse 2: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me besides still waters."
Verse 3: " He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in paths of righteousness...for His Name's sake."
In order to be "restored", you must be depleted, perhaps exhausted or at your "wit's end". David was going through a steady diet of mixed emotions...loving his son Absalom...even though Absalom was out to kill him.
Verse 4: " Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."
A person could literally spend hours on this train of thought. Here David expresses a culmination of numerous experiences he has had in his life...and draws a conclusion. The thought of the "Shadow of Death"..."thy rod...and thy staff" and the difference between the two...would definitely be a bible study within itself.
My thought on this verse? If you haven't followed David's thoughts and advice given in verse 1, verse 2, and in verse 3, then verse 4 will never work. Unless you have a secure friendship with the Lord Jesus, unless you have taken the time and the trust to adhere to Him...regardless of your circumstances, unless you have come to a point in life where your own ambition, your own will power, your own positive thoughts...will not be enough to overcome....there must be a reliance on His Grace and Mercy...then how are we not to fear evil?
Verse 5: " Thou preparest a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies, thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over."
Preparing a table in front of my enemies...why?... To "showboat" how great our God is? or to "showboat" how wonderful God blesses...me? I don't think so.
Here is where I think the heart of David really lies. During the writing of this Psalm, David was being chased by his own son Absalom, and Absalom wanted him killed. Yet, David did not want Absalom killed... he loved Absalom!
David exhibited this type of unselfish and loving heart before. Earlier in his life, King Saul sought out David...and wanted to kill David. Yet, David did not want to kill Saul. He respected and desired to seek peace with Saul.
I think the purpose of a table being spread in the "presence of mine enemies"...is to offer a way of Peace...a solution which includes forgiveness and reconciliation as the main entrees. This in my own way of thinking is why God declared David..." a man that seeks My heart."
No matter how bad a situation may have become in your life...or how "tore up" a relationship in your life may have become...like David...offer the table in the presence of those against you...and trust God,,,just like David. We can't control what the other will do, just like with both Absalom and Saul...yet our job is to offer a table of Peace. This is where the anointing lies....this is why the cup runneth over...to offer peace...to another.
And David confirms this in the last verse of this powerful Psalm.
Verse 6: "Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord...forever!"
When we make a decision based on the benefit of another...and do so to give glory and honor to Him, then Goodness and Mercy will always follow our path...and the friendship we have with the Father...will always be welcome...in His home!
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