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THE TWENTY-THIRD PSALM A very good title for this chapter would be stated in these words: “Jehovah, the Shepherd of His Own”. It seems that there can be no reason to doubt that the 23rd Psalm is Messianic. Throughout the Jehovah is presented as the Shepherd of the sheep. I am very frank in the opinion that the psalm may be summarized as to its foundation thoughts simply by calling attention to six special words beginning with the letter C. Each word may be considered as a summary of one of the six parts of the psalm. For instance, for verse one let us suggest the word Confidence. The verse reads, “Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want”. What could more beautifully express confidence than this first verse? Having taken the first verse and the word confidence as it summary, we should be able to finish without further illustrating. I have selected Contentment as our summary word for verse two; likewise I have selected Consolation as our summary word for verse three; and Courage as the summary word for verse four; Comfort very fittingly summarizes verse five; Consecration is suggested by the last verse. Jehovah, then, as the precious Shepherd, in all His leading gives us Confidence, Contentment, Consolation, Courage, Comfort, and Consecration. How can we live without Him! How rich and abundant our lives may be as we follow Him! Want is canceled. For weariness He has green pastures of rest. He leads by pleasant ways. From wanderings He restores. Through perplexities He guides, and that by the right way. In the valley of death’s shadow His presence cancels all fear. In the presence of enemies He makes a feast, and is a Host royal in bounty. And finally the path runs on, not into a tangled wilderness, but the King’s own palace. Psalms in Reflection by Elder Len Dalton
PSALM 23
The psalm has been a favorite of God’s people through the ages and with due reason: it expresses as simply and clearly as any the role of God as our protector and provider in life. The charm of the psalm rests on two figures of speech: the Lord is compared to a shepherd and the believer to His sheep (verses 1-4); then the Lord is likened to a host with the believer as the guest (verses 5-6). The image of the Lord as shepherd is frequent one in both the Old Testament (Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10) and the New (John 10:11-16; Hebrews 13:20). Believers in are never pictured in Scripture as mighty lions, independent and self-sufficient; rather, they are sheep who are dependent on their Shepherd for His provision and protection. The believer is more than a dependent sheep, however; he is also like an honored guest, since the Lord prepares a table for him (verse 5). Connected with this honored position is abundant provision, vindication before one’s enemies, and eternal celebration of God’s goodness. The Annotated Study Bible
A WORD STUDY OF PSALM 23
This word study was compiled as follows: 1. Bold-face print (bold) denotes the words which are under consideration for study. Underlined words in the verse indicate that the Hebrew word(s) require more than one English word in its or their translation. Most of the phrases are from The Englishman’s Hebrew Concordance of the Old Testament by George V. Wigram. In some cases words were combined for convenience. 2. The superscript number (1) appearing beside the word(s) in the verse indicates a footnote number for the definition(s) which follows the subject psalm. 3. The bracketed number [2000] in the footnote is Strong’s number for his Hebrew Dictionary.
4. The bracketed acronyms [S] at the end of the definition are for the following references used in this study: · [B] – The Companion Bible by E. W. Bullinger · [C] – Cruden’s Unabridged Concordance by Alexander Cruden · [COTL] – Crosswalk Old Testament Lexicon [internet site] · [JFB] – Jameison-Faussett-Brown Commentary and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · [JG] – Gill’s Commentary by John Gill · [JW] – John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible · [N] – Nave’s Study Bible · [S] – Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible by James Strong · [SS] – The Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible by James Strong Fully Revised and Corrected by John R. Kohlengerger III and James A. Swanson · [TW] – Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament by R. L. Harris, G. L. Archer, Jr., and B. K. Waltke · [W] – American Dictionary of the English Language – Noah Webster 1828 · [WW] – Old Testament Word Studies by William Wilson [WSD] – The Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament by Warren G. Baker and Eugene Carpenter
PSALM 23
A Psalm1 of David2
1. The LORD3 is my Shepherd4; I shall not6 want5. 2. He maketh me to lie down7 in green9 pastures8; He leadeth me10 beside11 the still12 waters13. 3. He restoreth14 my soul15: He leadeth me16 in the paths of17 righteousness18 for His name’s20 sake19. 4. Yea21, though22 I walk23 through the valley of24 the shadow of death25, I will fear26 no27 evil28: for22 Thou art with me29; Thy rod30 and Thy staff31 they comfort me32. 5. Thou preparest33 a table34 before me35 in the presence of36 mine enemies37; Thou anointest38 my head39 with oil40; my cup41 runneth over42. 6. Surely43 goodness44 and mercy45 shall follow me46 all47 the days of48 my life49: And I will dwell50 in the house of51 the LORD3 for ever48.
FOOTNOTES
1. A PSALM [4210] – Properly instrumental music; by implication a poem set to notes.[S] Psalm, melody.[SS] Mizmor [4210] means, and is invariably rendered, “ a Psalm”, and occurs nowhere but in the Psalm-Titles. It differs from Shir [2167], which is “a Song”: i.e., for singing, whereas mizmor may be for meditation, etc.[B] A sacred song or hymn; a song composed on a divine subject and in praise of God.[W] 2. OF DAVID [1732] – Loving.[S] David, “beloved one”.[SS] Beloved, dear.[C] Relating to or concerning David’s Son and David’s Lord (Matthew 22:41-45). “The root and offspring of David” (Revelation 22:16). David “being a prophet and knowing … spake of”. Psalms 22, 23 and 24 relate to the sufferings and the glory of “the Man Christ Jesus”. Psalm 22 = The Good Shepherd on Earth, in Death (John 10:11). Psalm 23 = The Great Shepherd, in Heaven, by Resurrection (Hebrews 13:20). Psalm 24 = The Chief Shepherd, coming in His Glory to earth and Zion again (1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 19).[B] 3. THE LORD [3068] – The self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.[S] LORD (Yahweh), the proper name of the one true God; knowledge and use of the name implies personal or covenant relationship; the name pictures God as the One who exists and/or causes existence.[SS] Jehovah, the divinely communicated name of the Supreme God; that “glorious and fearful name” by which He is known to His church and people. It expresses the eternity and immutability of the divine nature and the faithfulness of God to all His purposes and promises. In our version it is distinguished by “LORD” in small capitals.[WW] Literally, “I am that I am” or “I will be what I will be”, Jehovah.[N]
JEHOVAH. While Elohim is God as the Creator of all things, Jehovah is the same God in covenant relation to those whom He has created (compare 2 Chronicles 18:31). Jehovah means the Eternal, the Immutable One. He Who WAS, and IS, and IS TO COME. The Divine definition is given in Genesis 21:33. He is especially, therefore, the God of Israel; and the God of those who are redeemed, and are thus now “in Christ”. We can say “My God”, but not “My Jehovah”, for Jehovah is “My God”. Jehovah is indicated (as in A.V.) by small capital letters, “LORD”; and by “God” when it occurs in combination with Adonai, in which case Lord God = Adonai Jehovah. The name Jehovah is combined with ten other words, which form what are known as “the Jehovah Titles”. They are as follows in the order in which they occur in the Hebrew Canon: 1. JEHOVAH-JIREH = Jehovah will see or provide. Genesis 22:14. 2. JEHOVAH-ROPHEKA = Jehovah that healeth thee. Exodus 15:26. 3. JEHOVAH-NISSI = Jehovah my banner. Exodus 17:15. 4. JEHOVAH-MeKADDISHKEM = Jehovah that doth sanctify you. Exodus 31:13; Leviticus 20:8, 21:8, 22:32; Ezekiel 20:12. 5. JEHOVAH-SHALOM = Jehovah [send] peace. Judges 6:24. 6. JEHOVAH-ZeBA’OTH = Jehovah of hosts. 1 Samuel 1:3 and frequently 7. JEHOVAH-ZIDKENU = Jehovah our righteousness. Jeremiah 23:6, 33:16. 8. JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH = Jehovah is there. Ezekiel 48:35. 9. JEHOVAH-‘ELYON = Jehovah most high. Psalm 7:17, 47:2, 97:9. JEHOVAH-RO’I = Jehovah my Shepherd. Psalm 23:1. We have seven of these, experimentally referred to, in Psalm 23, in as much as Jehovah, as the “Good”, “Great”, and “Chief Shepherd”, is engaged in all the perfection of His attributes, on behalf of His sheep: In verse 1, we have No. 1 above. In verse 2, we have No. 5. In verse 3, we have Nos. 2 and 7. In verse 4, we have No. 8. In verse 5, we have Nos. 3 and 4.[B] 4. MY SHEPHERD [7462] – To tend [i.e., to watch, to guard, accompany as a protector, take care of] a flock, i.e., pasture it; intransitively to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension to associate with (as a friend).[S] To be a companion, be a friend; to be a shepherd, to care for flocks, graze, by extension: to rule, with a focus on care and concern.[SS] Spoken of God the Son who performs the office of a faithful Shepherd to His people, by leading, feeding, preserving and healing them. He provides for me, He brings me out of the wrong way, and guides me in the right way.[C] Spoken of God who leads, protects and governs His people and provides for their welfare.[W] The LORD…my shepherd = “JEHOVAH-RO’I” = Jehovah my Shepherd.[B] My = Belonging to me.[W] SHEPHERD. One who cares for flocks, Genesis 31:38-40; Jeremiah 31:10; Amos 3:12; Luke 2:8. David, the, defends his flock against a lion and a bear, 1 Samuel 17:34-35. Causes the flock to rest, Psalm 23:2; Song of Solomon 1:7; Jeremiah 33:12. Numbers the flock, Leviticus 27:32; Jeremiah 33:13. Knows his flock by name, John 10:3-5. Waters the flocks, Genesis 29:2-10. Keeps the flocks in folds, Numbers 32:16; 1 Samuel 24:3; 2 Samuel 7:8; John 10:1. Dogs of, Job 30:1. Was an abomination to the Egyptians, Genesis 46:34. Angels appear to, Luke 2:8-20. Instances of: Abel, Genesis 4:2. Rachel, Genesis 29:9. Daughters of Jethro, Exodus 2:16. Moses, Exodus 3:1. David, 1 Samuel 16:11, 17:34; 2 Samuel 7:8; Psalms 78:70. Instances of Christ as Shepherd: Ezekiel 34:23, 37:24; Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:31; John 10:2, 4, 9, 11, 14-16, 27-28; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25, 5:4. Figurative. Genesis 49:24. Of God’s care, Psalm 23, 78:52, 80:1. Of prophets, priests, Levites, and civil authorities, Isaiah 56:11; Ezekiel 34. Of Christ, Zechariah 13:7; Matthew 26:31; Mark 14:27; John 10:1-16; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25, 5:4.[N] 5. I SHALL … WANT [2637] – To lack; by implication to fail, want, lessen.[S] To lack; to have nothing; to go down, recede; to make lower; to deprive; to cause to lack, withhold.[SS] To lack, to be in want.[N] To be destitute; to be deficient in; not to have.[W] His sheep shall not want because “Jehovah will [see or] provide”, JEHOVAH-JIREH.[B] 6. NOT [3808] – A word that expresses negation, denial or refusal.[W] 7. HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN [7257] – To crouch (on all legs folded, like a recumbent animal); by implication to recline, repose, brood, imbed.[S] To lie down; to make to lie down; to cause to rest.[SS] Maketh me = causeth me (implying continuance). Lie down, we need making so as to feed and not trample the pastures down.[B] To repose myself at noon, as the manner was in those hot countries.[JW] 8. IN … PASTURES [4999] – A home; figuratively a pasture.[S] Pasture, pastureland; (generally) abode, dwelling, camp, place.[SS] Dwellings, habitations; pastures, in which flocks lie down and rest.[WW] An area where flocks and herds graze, reside, lie down, and rest.[WSD] All necessary and delightful provisions both for the soul and body.[C] Green pastures = choice pastures, Hebrew “pastures of tender grass” [B]; “pastures of tender grass” are mentioned, not in respect to food, but as places of cool and refreshing rest.[JFB] 9. GREEN [1877] – Sprout; by analogy grass.[S] (New) green vegetation, (new) green grass.[SS] Tender grass.[WW] Where there is both delight and plenty of provisions.[JW] New grass, green herb, vegetation, young.[COTL] Marginal note: pastures of tender grass. 10. HE LEADETH ME [5095] – Properly to run with a sparkle, i.e., flow; hence (transitively) to conduct, and (by inference) to protect, maintain.[S] Guide, bring along, lead; to move along.[SS] To guide, to move along. It has the sense of guiding people, leading them along in an orderly fashion and with great care.[WSD] To give rest, lead with care, guide to a watering place or station, cause to rest, bring to a station or place of rest, guide, refresh.[COTL] Leadeth me = causeth me to rest; Hebrew to lead flocks.[B] To guide or conduct.[C] To conduct to any place.[W] 11. BESIDE [5921] – Near.[W] By, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity).[COTL] 12. STILL [4496] – Repose or (adverbially) peacefully; figuratively consolation (specifically matrimony); hence (concretely) an abode.[S] Resting place.[SS] Rest.[WW] Resting place, rest.[TW] Marginal note: Hebrew waters of quietness. 13. THE … WATERS [4325] – Water; figuratively juice.[S] Water; in nature: ocean, lake, flood, river; from the body: tears, urine.[SS] Refreshment (figuratively).[COTL] Still waters = Hebrew “waters of rest”, JEHOVAH-SHALOM.[B] Literally, “waters of stillness”, whose quiet flow invites to repose; which are contrasted with boisterous streams on the one hand, and stagnant, offensive pools on the other.[JFB] … or waters of rest and quietness; not to rapid torrents, which by the reason of noise they make, and the swiftness of their motion, the sheep are frightened, and not able to drink of them; but to still waters, pure and clear, and motionless, or that go softly, like the waters of Shiloah, Isaiah 8:6, … by these still waters may be designed the everlasting love of God, which is like a river, the streams whereof make glad the hearts of His people; these are the waters of the sanctuary, which rise to the ankles, knees, and loins, and are as a broad river to swim in; the pure river of water of life, Christ leads His sheep to, and gives them to drink freely of: also communion with God, which the saints pant after, as the hart pants after water-brooks, and Christ gives access unto; moreover, He Himself is the fountain of gardens, and well of living waters, and streams of Lebanon; and the graces of His Spirit are also as rivers of living water, all which He makes His people partakers of: to which may be added, that the Scriptures, and the truths of the gospel, are like still, quiet, and refreshing waters to them, and are the waters to which those that are athirst are invited to come, Isaiah 55:1; and in the immortal state Christ will still be a shepherd, and will feed His people, and lead them to fountains of living water, where they shall solace themselves for ever, and shall know no more sorrow and sighing, Revelation 7:17.[JG] 14. HE RESTORETH [7725] – To turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point); generally to retreat; often adverbially again.[S] To turn back, turn to, return; to restore, recover, bring back; to be recovered; to be returned, be brought back; from the base meaning of turning back comes the figurative extension of restoration of fellowship, as when one returns in repentance to God.[SS] To restore; to cause to return, to restore to a former condition.[WW] Bringeth back, as in Psalm 19:7-8 [convert], JEHOVAH-ROPHEKA.[B] To revive or quicken it (Psalm 19:7) or relieve it (Lamentations 1:11, 19).[JFB] Hebrew He bringeth it back; from its errors and wandering.[JW] 15. MY SOUL [5315] – Properly a breathing creature; i.e., animal or (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental).[S] Breath; by extension: life, life force, soul, an immaterial part of a person, the seat of emotion and desire; a creature or person as whole; self, body, even corpse.[SS] This soul is the spirit, the breath, which is the principle of animal life, and which is common to men and brutes. But the Scripture allows to men alone the privileges of understanding, the knowledge of God, wisdom, immortality, the hope of future happiness and of eternal life.[C] 16. HE LEADETH ME [5148] – To guide; by implication to transport (into exile or as colonists).[S] To lead, guide.[SS] To guide, usually in the right direction or on the proper path; here the term carries a connotation of blessing.[WSD] The Psalms frequently recall how God led His people along the right path and beseech Him to do so again. This request is for more that guidance. It is that God be before them showing the way of righteousness.[TW] 17. IN THE PATHS OF [4570] – A track (literally or figuratively); also a rampart (as circular).[S] (Rutted) path (of a cart or wagon); (circled) camp, encampment.[SS] A track, rut, in which wheels go; a way.[WW] Track, course, rut.[WSD] Precepts; rules prescribed.[W] 18. RIGHTEOUSNESS [6664] – The right (naturally, morally or legally); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity.[S] Righteousness, justice, rightness, acting in according to a proper (God’s) standard, doing what is right, being in the right.[SS] Rightness, straightness; rectitude, right, just; justice, of a king, of God; hence righteousness, uprightness, integrity.[WW] Paths of righteousness = righteous paths, JEHOVAH-ZIDKENU [B]; those of safety, as directed by God, and pleasing to Him.[JFB] 19. FOR … SAKE [4616] – Properly heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially on account of (as a motive or aim), teleologically in order that.[S] For the sake of, because; therefore, so that, in order that.[SS] Not for any worth in me, but for the glory of His justice, and faithfulness, and goodness.[JW] 20. HIS NAME’S [8034] – An appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.[S] Name, a proper designation of a person, place, or thing; by extension: renown, fame; “to call on the name of the LORD” means to proclaim or praise the excellence of Yahweh, to worship Yahweh, or to summon Yahweh by name for help.[SS] In Scripture, the name of God signifies His titles, His attributes, His will or purpose, His honor and glory, His word, His grace, His wisdom, power and goodness, His worship or service, or God Himself.[W] Put for the Person himself; own.[B] For His name’s sake = or, regard for His perfections, pledged for His people’s welfare.[JFB] … for His own glory and the praise of His grace, and not for any merits or deserts in men.[JG] 21. YEA [1571] – Properly assemblage, used only adverbially also, even, yea, though: often repeated a correlative both … and.[S] Also, surely, too; and, but, yet, even, moreover.[SS] Moreover.[B] Also, moreover (giving emphasis).[COTL] 22. FOR, THOUGH [3588] – A primary particle [the full form of the prepositional prefix] indicating causal relations of all kinds, antecedent or consequent; (by implication) very widely used as relative conjunction or adverb; often largely modified by other participles annexed.[S] A marker that shows the relationship between clauses, sentences, or sections; logical: for, that, because; contrast: but, except; introducing a statement, often untranslated.[SS] A demonstrative participle meaning because, for, that, when, whenever; indeed, even; if, even when, even though.[WSD] When (of time); if though (with a concessive force).[COTL] For = The word by which a reason is introduced of something before advanced; because, on account of; by reason that; for this cause or reason which follows.[W] 23. I WALK [1980] – To walk (literally or figuratively); causatively to carry (in various senses).[S] To walk, go, travel; to fade away; to walk about, go about; to drive back, get rid of; enable to walk; to lead; bring; to move to and fro, wander, walk about; by extension: to walk as a lifestyle, a pattern of conduct.[SS] To walk is one of the actions of the body that denotes motion from one place to another, and is often used for the conversation or manner of life.[C] 24. THROUGH THE VALLEY OF [1516] – A gorge (from its lofty sides; hence narrow, but not a gully or winter torrent).[S] A valley; so called as the place where waters flow together.[WW] A ravine overhung by high precipitous cliffs, filled with dense forests, and well calculated to inspire dread to the timid, and afford a covert to beasts of prey.[JFB] Used figuratively of a grave danger which one might experience.[TW] Through = Noting passage; over the whole surface or extent [W]; not into, but “through” and out of it, into resurrection life.[B] 25. THE SHADOW OF DEATH [6757] – Shade of death, i.e., the grave (figuratively calamity).[S] Shadow, darkness, gloom, blackness.[SS] Darkness of death, i.e., such as is poured on the eyelids on the approach of death.[WW] Terrible darkness, trouble or death.[W] The depth of the most terrible and affrighting dangers.[C] Deep darkness.[TW] Valley of the shadow of death = a valley of deep shade: may include (but not necessarily) death’s dark valley [B]; while expressive of any danger or cause of terror, it does not exclude the greatest of all, to which it is most popularly applied, and which its terms suggest.[JFB] 26. I WILL FEAR [3372] – To fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten.[S] To be afraid, be frightened; to revere, respect; to be awesome, be dreadful, be feared; to frighten, terrify, intimidate; in some contexts fear relates to terror and fright, in other contexts fear relates to honor, respect, and awe; as in “the fear of the LORD”.[SS] To fear from an apprehension of danger and a sense of our own weakness, joined therefore with trembling.[WW] To feel a painful apprehension of some impending evil; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotions of alarm or solicitude.[W] 27. NO [3808] – Not any, none.[W] 28. EVIL [7451] – Bad or (as a noun) evil (naturally or morally).[S] Bad, disagreeable, inferior in quality; by extension: evil, wicked in ethical quality; what is disagreeable to God is ethically evil; God’s actions of judgment are disagreeable to the wicked (Ezekiel 14:21), but are not ethically evil.[SS] Wicked, injurious; from its root, which indicates its nature as breaking up all that is good or desirable; injurious to all others.[B] The word indicates realities that are inherently evil, wicked or bad.[WSD] 29. THOU ART WITH ME [5978] – Along with [i.e., in company; joined with].[S] JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH = Jehovah is there.[B] It indicates the company or presence of someone. Here it describes God’s special presence with a person.[WSD] The basic conception is that of fellowship, companionship, common experiences of suffering, prosperity, etc.[TW] … sheep are timorous creatures, and so are Christ’s people; but when He the Shepherd is with them, to sympathize with them under all their afflictions, to revive and comfort them with the cordials of His love and promises of His grace, to bear them up and support them with His mighty arm of power, to teach and instruct them by every providence, and sanctify all unto them; their fears are driven away, and they pass through the dark valley, the deep waters, and fiery trials, with courage and cheerfulness: see Isaiah 41:10 and 43:1, 2.[JG] Thou = the second personal pronoun, in the singular number; the pronoun which is used in addressing persons in the solemn [i.e., religiously serious, piously grave; devout; marked by reverence to God] style.[W] With = on the side of, noting friendship or favor.[W] 30. THY ROD [7626] – A scion [i.e., a young shoot, twig or sprout of a tree], i.e., (literally) a stick (for punishing, writing, fighting, walking, etc.).[S] Rod, staff, a stick used to assist in walking, discipline and guidance, often highly individualized and used for identification; of royalty: scepter; by extension: tribe, as a major unit of national group or clan (figuratively identified with or under the authority of a leader’s staff), people, clan, family.[SS] A shepherd’s instrument used to protect the sheep. Here it is used metaphorically of the Lord’s protection of His servant as he walks in paths of righteousness.[TW] Club (of shepherd’s instrument).[COTL] Taken for those means and instruments which God makes use of in His pastoral care over His people.[C] Support.[W] Thy = a pronominal subjective signifying of Thee or belonging to Thee. It is used in the solemn [i.e., religiously serious, piously grave; devout; marked by reverence to God] and grave style.[W] 31. AND THY STAFF [4938] – Support (abstractly), i.e., (figuratively) sustenance or (concretely) a walking-stick.[S] Staff, stick; support, supply.[SS] A pole, support. The staff of the Lord, His presence and protection, comforts His people.[WSD] A stick carried in the hand for support or defense by a person walking; hence a support.[W] Thy rod and Thy staff = Thy club … crook; two things carried by the shepherd; the former for defense, the latter for help. The club for the sheep’s enemies, the crook for the sheep’s defense.[B] Two words denoting the same thing, and both designing God’s pastoral care over him.[JW] [They] are symbols of a shepherd’s office. By them he guides his sheep.[JFB] The rod was probably a weapon against predators and the staff to guide and restrain the sheep. Thy = a pronominal subjective signifying of Thee or belonging to Thee. It is used in the solemn [i.e., religiously serious, piously grave; devout; marked by reverence to God] and grave style.[W] 32. THEY COMFORT ME [5162] – Properly to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue, or (unfavorably) to avenge.[S] To relent, repent, change one’s mind; to be grieved; to comfort, console, express sympathy; to be comforted, be consoled; to console oneself; to change one’s mind; avenge oneself.[SS] To strengthen the mind when depressed or enfeebled; to console; to give new vigor to the spirits; to cheer, or relieve from depression, or trouble.[W] The “they” is in the Hebrew emphatic form. 33. THOU PREPAREST [6186] – To set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order.[S] To arrange in rows; put in order, take up (battle) positions; to be arranged, be put in order, be put in formation; to set a value.[SS] Set in order.[B] To make all things ready; to put things in suitable order.[W] A verb that describes the Lord’s preparation of a meal, a table for His children.[WSD] Thou = the second personal pronoun, in the singular number; the pronoun which is used in addressing persons in the solemn [i.e., religiously serious, piously grave; devout; marked by reverence to God] style.[W] 34. A TABLE [7979] – A table (as spread out); by implication a meal.[S] Thou furnishest me with plenty of provisions and comforts.[JW] Put by Figure Metonymy (of subject) for what is on it. So that I may feast while He fights. JEHOVAH-NISSI [= Jehovah my banner]. The figure of the sheep is continued: for the “table” of verse 5 answers to the “pastures” of verse 2.[B] Preparest a table = In a providential way, granting a sufficiency, and even an affluence of temporal good things; the providence of God lays and spreads a table for His people in the wilderness, and sets them down at it, and bids them welcome to it; see Psalm 78:19; and in a way of grace, the Lord makes large provisions in His house called the goodness and fatness of His house and a feast of fat things: and in the gospel dispensation, the table of the Lord, on which are set His flesh and blood for faith to feed upon; see Proverbs 9:2; and also in heaven, the joys of which are compared to a feast and the enjoyment of them to sitting at a table, and which are prepared by the Lord for His people, from the foundation of the world; and of which they have some foresight and foretaste in this world; see Luke 22:30,…[JG] An idiom for preparing a meal (Proverbs 9:2). 35. BEFORE ME [6440] – The face (literally or figuratively).[S] Face; by extension: appearance, presence; (preposition) before, in front of, in the presence of [at the disposal of]; to “show one’s face” is a sign of favor; to “turn” or “hide one’s face” is a sign of rejection.[SS] 36. IN THE PRESENCE OF [5048] – A front, i.e., part opposite; specially a counterpart or mate; usually (adverb, especially with preposition) over against or before.[S] Before, in front of, opposite of, beyond.[SS] A being in company near or before the face of another.[W] 37. MINE ENEMIES [6887] – To cramp [i.e., to confine, to restrain, to hinder from action] literally or figuratively, transitively or intransitively.[S] To be a rival-wife; to be an enemy, adversary; to bind up, wrap up, tie up; to hamper, oppress; be in distress; be bound, be confined.[SS] Those who afflict, distress, oppress.[WW] A foe; an adversary.[W] Vexer, harasser, to show hostility toward.[COTL] 38. THOU ANOINTEST [1878] – To be fat; transitively to fatten (or regard as fat); specifically to anoint; figuratively to satisfy; denominative to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices).[S] To thrive, grow fat; to anoint, give health; to remove the (fat) ashes; to prosper, be satisfied; be soaked (with fat); to be covered with fat.[SS] To make fat, i.e., poured largely the oil.[WW] Seems to signify to communicate the consolations of the Holy Spirit.[W] Thou bestowest upon me the consolations of Thy Spirit.[C] To bestow divine favor.[N] JEHOVAH-MEKADDISHKEM – Jehovah that doth sanctify you. Still referring to the sheep and the Shepherd’s care: for the figure of the sheep is carried right through the Psalm.[B] Thou = the second personal pronoun, in the singular number; the pronoun which is used in addressing persons in the solemn [i.e., religiously serious, piously grave; devout; marked by reverence to God] style.[W] Marginal note: Hebrew makest fat. 39. MY HEAD [7218] – From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head (as most easily shaken), whether literally or figuratively (in many applications, of place, time, rank, etc.).[S] Whatever is highest and supreme.[WW] The uppermost part of the human body.[W] 40. WITH OIL [8081] – Grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively richness.[S] Olive, the tree and its products: olive berry, olive oil, olive wood; olive oil was a staple of diet in biblical times, and was also used as a medicine, lamp fuel, and in religious offerings and ritual.[SS] Fatness; oil; spiced oil, ointment, with which on joyous occasions they were wont to anoint the head, hence the oil or ointment of joy or gladness.[WW] Anointing oil, the symbol of gladness.[JFB] With aromatic ointments, which were used at great feasts; Thy comforts delight my soul.[JW] …giving him an abundance of good things, not only for necessity, but for pleasure and delight; especially pouring out largely upon him the oil of gladness, the spirit of God and His graces, the anointing which teaches all things, and filling him with spiritual joy and comfort… The allusion is to the custom of the eastern countries, at feasts, to anoint the heads of guests with oil; see Ecclesiastes 9:7-8; Matthew 6:17.[JG] 41. MY CUP [3563] – To hold together; a cup (as a container); often figuratively a lot (as if a potion); also some unclean bird, probably an owl (probably from the cup-like cavity of its eye).[S] The shepherd’s cup of water for the sheep.[B] Taken for God’s blessings and favors.[C] A small vessel of capacity, used commonly to drink out of. Here good received; blessings and favors.[W] 42. RUNNETH OVER [7310] – Satisfaction [i.e., repose of mind or contentment with present possession or enjoyment].[S] Place of abundance, overflowing.[SS] Abundant drink, abundance.[WW] Thou hast given me plentiful portions, signified by the cup, given to the guests by the master of the feast.[JW] A feminine noun referring to abundance; a state of overflowing. It refers to an overabundance of something. It is used figuratively of the cup of life and blessing from the Lord.[WSD] A literal translation is, “You have anointed my head with unguent, filled my cup to saturation”.[TW] My cup runneth over; denoting and affluence of temporal good things, and especially of spiritual ones, which was David’s case. Such who are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ, to whom the grace of the Lord has been exceeding abundant, and the Lord Himself is the portion of their cup, their cup may be said to run over indeed.[JG] Note: Consider Ephesians 3:20. 43. SURELY [389] – A particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only.[S] But, surely, only, however.[SS] Surely (affirmative emphasis), but (restrictive emphasis). The sense is either an emphatic affirmative [as here] or an emphatic restrictive (Genesis 7:23, 9:4, 18:32, etc.).[TW] Certainly; undoubtedly.[W] 44. GOODNESS [2896] – Good, pleasant, delightful, glad, joyful, precious, correct, righteous.[TW] Kindness; favor shown; acts of benevolence, compassion or mercy.[W] Welfare, benefit, good things, bounty.[COTL] 45. AND MERCY [2617] – Kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subjectively) beauty.[S] Unfailing love, loyal love, devotion, kindness, often based on prior relationship, especially a covenant relationship; disgrace.[SS] Grace, favor.[WW] Lovingkindness [i.e., tender regard, favor] or grace.[B] Benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency.[W] Goodness, kindness, faithfulness.[COTL] 46. SHALL FOLLOW ME [7291] – To run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by).[S] To purse, chase, persecute; to be pursued, be hounded; to be chased.[SS] Follow after or closely. In Hebrew present put for the future.[B] Goodness and mercy shall follow me = only goodness and mercy shall pursue me.[TW] 47. ALL [3605] – Properly the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in the plural sense).[S] All, everyone, everything, totality of a mass or collective; every, any, a particular of a totality.[SS] The whole; the entire thing; the aggregate amount.[W] 48. THE DAYS OF, FOR EVER [(753) + 3117] – A day (as the warm hours) whether literally (from sunrise to sunset, or from sunset to the next) or figuratively (a space of time defined by an associated term) [often used adverbially].[3117] Length (for ever only).[753][S] Day (24 hours), daytime (in contrast to night); by extension: an indefinite period of time, an era with a certain characteristics, such as “the day of the Lord” and the prophetic “on that day”; storm, wind; breath.[3117] Length (spatial and temporal) (for ever only).[753][SS] A day; it is frequently put for time in general, or for a long time; a whole period under consideration, as, “in the day” signifieth in the time when; “in that day”, at that time.[WW] All the days of my life = … the mercies of God are new every morning, they continue all the day long; temporal goodness abides as long as life lasts, and ends with it; and spiritual blessings are for ever, they are the gifts of God, which are without repentance.[JG] For ever = evermore. Hebrew “to length of days”.[B] Marginal note (for ever): Hebrew to length of days. 49. MY LIFE [2416] – Alive; hence raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literal or figurative.[S] Life, state of living (in contrast to death), lifetime; “as I live” is a formula for an oath, implying death should follow if what is sworn is not true; family, kin; band, army; animal, beast, livestock, living creature; living, alive, with an implication that life has movement and vigor, “living meat” is “raw meat”; “living water” is “fresh, running water”.[SS] Alive, living, lively; vigorous, having vital energy, life.[WW] Life is the ability to exercise all one’s vital power to the fullest; death is the opposite.[TW] A power to move and do the actions of life.[C] 50. AND I WILL DWELL [3427] – Properly to sit down (specifically as judge, in ambush, in quiet); by implication to dwell, to remain; causative to settle, to marry.[S] To live, inhabit, dwell, stay; to be settled, be inhabited; to set up; to cause to settle; make dwell, to cause to sit; by extension: to marry, with a focus that spouses live together.[SS] To sit down, to seat oneself; to remain, abide, tarry; to dwell, to dwell in, to inhabit; to dwell (together), as a family in concord.[WW] 51. IN THE HOUSE OF [1004] – A house (in the greatest variety of applications, especially family, etc.).[S] House, home; of royalty: palace; of deity: temple; a specific part of a house: room; place; by extension: household, family, clan, tribe; woven garment.[SS]
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