Another such honor would be an invitation for dinner at the White Housepreferably dinner with the President and a small group of his key people although a large state dinner would also be interesting. Click on the different category headings to find out more. Pentateuch Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. In verse 1, David expresses his thoughts about God. He is the source of life and a great provider. God longs to bless and prosper His people. Everything in time -- for goodness and mercy shall follow me. Many people succumb to their hopelessness and fear. Fortunately, I had insurance that would allow my family to weather the storm financially. Our lives should be a testimony to God Himself. It is a Psalm of life, rest and peace. Verses 1-6. The Hebrew word, sulhan (table), could refer to an animal hide spread on the ground like a picnic blanket. To be invited to a persons table was an honor. The overflowing cup symbolizes the Lords generosity. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us. (Spurgeon), iii. The idea that the LORD is a shepherd to His people is also prevalent throughout the Bible. The Shepherds Crook. Gods shepherding care from the previous verse brought restoration to Davids soul. It was spoken by someone who had been through more than we probably ever will so he knew what he was talking about! [7] Do you have this same confidence that David had? There is no fear of biting the bare ground where the grass is long enough for the flock to lie down in it. On the one hand it is not quoted in the New Testament directly concerning Jesus. The writer asserts their faith in God amidst trials and tribulations through this Psalm. Poetical Books But whether our fears are irrational or based on very real circumstances, our need to remember the Lord is the same. Date: 1/31/2021. If God is our shepherd then we must obey Him wholeheartedly. He would tend, protect and care for his sheep. Just like the sheep, its difficult for us to be at rest when life throws a lot of problems. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Prophets Psalm 23:3 He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. It is a psalm written by David who grew up as a shepherd. [12] Must admit that I have been dealing with a few trials lately and when I read this verse it kind of caught me by surprise! Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey As I said, it wasn't all easy and plain sailing being a sheep in Israel however. This psalm is taken completely from the sheep's (David) point of view, as he talks about his shepherd. On some days, she was on one side of the valley. They are times, as the Psalm says, when He restores your soul spiritually. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point But despite this I got on with her pretty well. Sermons from the Book of Psalms | Grace to You - SermonAudio [7] This was brought home to me this week in an email from a Kenyan Pastor. b. Therefore, when the shepherd started heading off on another journey the sheep followed wherever he went! Shepherd - This imagery of the shepherd and sheep spans the entire Bible but is most prominent in the New Testament where Jesus speaks about His relationship with His people, His sheep. The idea is of a sturdy walking stick, used to gently (as much as possible) guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. The psalmist genuinely expressed his understanding and experience with God as his shepherd. Verse 4 has a dark tone that embodies the possibility of traversing through the valley of death even in the presence of the shepherd. But mentally and spiritually we can get really tired trying to work out all our problems and we don't rest. He wants to genuinely bless His people and live in the abundance of His grace. He is that interested in each of His sheep! Psalm 23 is written by David who grew up as a shepherd. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. Not many people receive such an invitation, and even fewer receive more than one. Psalm 19. As the shepherd led the sheep from oasis to oasis, this sometimes meant passing through narrow valleys that had steep cliff faces on each side. Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. No robber, predator or enemy ever takes Him by surprise! Its interesting to note how David used the word shepherd in this psalm instead of a more distant term like a king or a deliverer. 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). for his names sake (v. 3c). Now, if you let it and you tended to be a little superstitious, your mind could ponder, and wander, on that a bit. She is a lady that is unfortunately into the New Age and has spirit guides etc She doesn't agree with what I believe nor do I agree with her beliefs. in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. What He is leading, guiding and teaching us is firstly about the inward change to the circumstance even if outwardly things remain the same. 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). I have a lady at my work who, after saying something that she felt may tempt fate, said 'touch wood'. 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! There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.' GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a mans pathway even for a moment. This gives us amazing confidence when we need it most. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point For other references to the shadow of death, see Jeremiah 2:6 and Job 10:21-22. Shepherds use the rod and staff to guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators. As a deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God (Psalm 42:1). The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, There are stacks of deceptive shepherds around just as there always were. The shepherd is also a guide who leads the flock on the right path. The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Psalm 23:4 Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You will have much more pressing concerns. The Experiencing God Study Bible : the Bible for knowing and doing the will of God - Blackaby, Henry (1996) 1968 pages - CHECK THIS ONE! How much would you have had in your cup? (Spurgeon), ii. Surely goodness (Hebrew: tob) and loving kindness (Hebrew: hesed) shall follow me all the days of my life (v. 6a). 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. My cup runs over. John MacArthur Bible Commentaries | Review - YouTube Psalm 23:6 And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 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. But he also knew something else. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. "It [ Psalm 23] has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Use semicolons to separate groups: 'Gen;Jdg;Psa-Mal' or 'Rom 3-12;Mat 1:15;Mat 5:12-22', There are options set in 'Advanced Options', The Whole Bible Grace Community Church 13248 Roscoe Blvd. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point i. [5] We need to make sure that we have a Middle Eastern understanding of the Shepherd. Psalm 23 Commentary - Sermon Writer Sometimes it goes through the dark valley as the next verse indicates. 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. There are only 6 verses but these terms are used about 30 times! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. In Psalm 23, we are compared to sheep who do not have a sense of direction, are hopeless, and are weak who need a Shepherd. (Philip Keller). The comforts of a living saint. Our children were still quite young. So many people place their trust and hope is all sorts of things. Near death, the saint still calmly walks he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. How marvellous it is that weak, fearful people can be given such confidence through a simple trust in the ability of their shepherd! Every word in it has a wealth of meaning. Poetical Books Psalm 23:4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me, There is a switch here from 'He' to 'You'. When flies or parasites annoy them, its hard for them to be at rest. 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. Historical Books They know that it will be ok. In Psalm 22 Christ is the Saviour; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. Let us stick close to Him and thank Him for His wonderful grace. What are these still waters but the influences and graces of his blessed Spirit? Psalms - Grace To You It makes sense. [8] If you are someone that God has placed in a position of leadership or teaching then you should also remember that you are called shepherds and are called to feed the flock of God. Sermon. You anoint my head with oil (v. 5b). In Psalm 23, however, the psalmist declares that the Sovereign of the universe, the Creator of all things, can be described using "my," that the Lord attends to me in a personal way. But it is alluded to such as in Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." John MacArthur brings you a complete Bible commentary in one volume. Pastor John MacArthur. Welcome to FaithGiant, where you can find everything you need to live a life of faith, hope, and love. It is great advice but more than likely it is the most highlighted passage because people are in desperate need to remember it! The shepherds rod was a sturdy club for use against wild animals that would otherwise prey on the sheep. To be invited to Gods table is the ultimate honor. Report an Issue Sermon Correction/Question . GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point But mostly, they were comforting because they were in the hands of a caring shepherd. We in turn should allow that light to shine forth towards others so that people may see our lives and praise God. We seek more of God and depend on Him further when we encounter problems. Historical Books 1TheLordis my shepherd; I shall not want. It is a song of gratitude that resonates with the authors heart and trust in God. b. Davids song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. ISBN 10: 0785250662 ISBN 13: . Psalms 23 - The Pulpit Commentaries - StudyLight.org Though not often recited in its entirety, few are unfamiliar with the famous valley of the shadow of death.. Psalms 23 - Dr. Constable's Expository Notes - Bible Commentaries His Spirit attends us in various operations, like watersin the pluralto cleanse, to refresh, to fertilize, to cherish. God (through the prophet Jeremiah) said, For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and cut them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water (Jeremiah 2:13). The word through is important. Do this in remembrance of me. Paul affirms the importance of this table ministry when he says, For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lords death until he comes (1 Corinthians 11:24, 26). We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. David found him so, and so have we. The word hesed also has a variety of meanings kindness, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, faithfulness, or love. A number of our soldiers died there. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. When things were hard for Joe Christian you would hear the pastor encourage him saying 'Jesus will never leave or forsake you - take heart!' Pests would crawl through the ear canal of an unoiled sheep and lay in its brain. 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. Bible Introductions - Psalms by John MacArthur - Blue Letter Bible 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. The Old Testament . Forgiveness -- for He restores my soul. David envisioned God as a benevolent host who prepared a grand banquet. The word PSALM literally means praise and it features works of various characters the majority of which were written by David. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. When faced with destitution, famine, pressures, financial difficulty, and depression, its hard to remain calm and tranquil. Poetical Books David's song is portrayed in non-religious circles too, making appearances in many secular movies and other entertainment mediums. The Hebrew word for rod (shaybet) here seems to simply mean a stick with a variety of applications. The MacArthur Bible Commentary | Logos Bible Software John MacArthur: The Lord Is My Salvation - YouTube Notice the following -. 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. This word follow in the Hebrew does not just mean tag along at some distance behind. Many people were praying for me. The book of Psalms is so unique because it focuses on the character of God. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.. It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. As you survey your life, what path has God led and guided you through? We might say that the shepherds presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil. Psalm 23:2-3 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters; he restores my soul. Well, having said that I should say that you will be free from fear to the degree that you know He is with you - rain, hail and shine. Heb 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, Psalm 2 Bible Study The Current Rebellion & The Coming King, Psalm 8 Bible Study The wonder of God and the second man, Psalm 16 Part 1: Testing's in the journey through life and death, Psalm 16 Part 2 - Hope in the journey through life and death, Psalm 22 Part 1 - Prophecy of the crucifixion and the wrath of man. My cup runs over. In light of all these truths, we must respond promptly. Nor have I ever heard an audible voice that was clearly God's telling me which decisions to make. It is a Psalm of but 6 verses but countless sermons and entire books have been written on it. [10] We have another source of confidence in our shepherd Jesus that even David didn't have when he wrote this psalm 3000 years ago. (Kidner). Psalm 23 is a wonderful masterpiece of David that contains encouragement and awe-inspiring spiritual truths. The psalmist has been talking about God in the third person (he). MacArthur Commentaries - Grace to You Your partnership makes all we do possible. I recently did a study on this psalm for a home group church meeting. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. 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. Articles Messages Books Podcasts Filter Resources By Ask Pastor John. 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% The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Instead of speaking about his Shepherd, David speaks to Him. But the valley was always there, casting its shadow over her life. Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most well-known passages in Scripture. It has not made the dying Christian slave freer than his masterNor is its work done. For a shepherd, the healing purpose would be significant. Blue Letter Bible is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In 1969, after graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church. Taking the Lord's Supper in an Unworthy Manner. Wisdom Literature GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Hundreds of additional study tools complement the commentary, such as. Behold just such a one! And yet through it all he could look back and write 'the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want'. Enduring Word Bible Commentary Psalm 23 Follow John MacArthur: Contact Information: Phone: 800-55-GRACE Fax: 661-295-5871 Email: [email protected] . Notice how in times of trials, we become more aware of Gods presence. Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. I'm sure you are smart enough to see the analogy between Jesus and His sheep today. He will not, and cannot forsake you if you are one of His sheep! The world is now experiencing a dreadful pandemic. Although God, by his benefits, gently allures us to himself, as it were by a taste of his fatherly sweetness, yet there is nothing into which we more easily fall than into a forgetfulness of him, when we are in the enjoyment of peace and comfort. John 3:16, Jesus faith love), The Whole Bible 'You are with me' the Psalmist says and that is all that he needs to know. The MacArthur Bible Commentary: John MacArthur: 9780785250661: Amazon Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. 14a (Downers Grove, Illinois: Inter-Varsity Press, 1973), Limburg, James, Westminster Bible Companion: Psalms (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2000, Mays, James Luther, Interpretation: Psalms (Louisville: John Knox, 1994), McCann, J. Clinton, Jr., The New Interpreters Bible: The Book of Psalms, Vol. (Heb 5:12-14) [8]. To be invited to the Kings table was a great honor. Included in the "better" provisions are: a better hope . The Saviours Cross. the peace which Jehovah gives to his people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances! The little child out at sea in the storm is not frightened like all the other passengers on board the vessel, it sleeps in its mothers bosom; it is enough for it that its mother is with it; and it should be enough for the believer to know that Christ is with him Thy rod and thy staff, by which you govern and rule your flock, the ensigns of your sovereignty and of your gracious carethey comfort me. General Epistles 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. John Piper Sep 8, 1980 The center point of this psalm is for you are with me. In the original Hebrew language, there are 26 words before this phrase, and 26 afterwards (Limburg, 74). The rest of the Psalm exhibits the shepherding care of God that is essential to life. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, says the Lord Yahweh, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes (Ezekiel 36:22-23). Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. That was a question that was once sent to me. Pastor John MacArthur | The MacArthur Commentaries Grace to You. David could confidently write the second phrase because he experienced the provision and providence of God in his life. The Old Testament And I will dwell in the house of the LORDforever: The psalm ends with the calmest assurance that he would enjoy the presence of the LORD forever both in his days on this earth and beyond. Psalm 23 distinctively stands out compared to other chapters in the Book of Psalms and receives a larger magnitude of respect. So though 3000 years old it is extremely relevant for our lives today! Why is Psalm 23 one of the most well-known Psalms and the favorite biblical passage of many? Text: Psalm 23 Ministry: Anchored. 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. They know that through all things, Jesus is a good shepherd. It is true that in extreme cases the shepherd would break the leg of the lamb. It was never used on the sheep. Now mine was a recent silly example. Psalm 23 - Sermon On the Lord is My Shepherd - Study and Obey What would you say of a pilgrim commissioned of God to travel up and down the earth singing a strange melody, which, when one heard, caused him to forget whatever sorrow he had? Do we not gain comfort from the fact that it is Almighty God who is our Shepherd? [13] And His goodness and kindness will always follow you. 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! It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it. [11] I have heard of more extreme cases of discipline amongst Middle Eastern Shepherds. We often try to work things out in our little minds and end up working ourselves into a place of nervous exhaustion! It has poured balm and consolation into the heart of the sick, of captives in dungeons, of widows in their pinching grief's, of orphans in their loneliness. God ultimately protects and provides for His flock and does everything in His power to care for them. Thats why Psalm 23 is crucially relevant even today. Jesus took this name for Himself when He said 'Before Abraham was born, I AM!' The analogy of a king as a shepherd is common in ancient times and is not unusual.
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