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首页 > 诗篇讲道 第23篇

诗篇讲道 第23篇

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TREASURYOFDAVID
PSALM23

C.H.Spurgeon


Thereisnoinspiredtitletothispsalm,andnoneisneeded,foritrecordsnospecialevent,andneedsnootherkeythanthatwhicheveryChristianmayfindinhisownbosom.ItisDavid'sHeavenlyPastoral;asurpassingode,whichnoneofthedaughtersofmusiccanexcel.Theclarionofwarheregivesplacetothepipeofpeace,andhewhosolatelybewailedthewoesoftheShepherdtunefullyrehearsesthejoysoftheflock.Sittingunderaspreadingtree,withhisflockaroundhim,likeBunyan'sshepherdboyintheValleyofHumiliation,wepictureDavidsingingthisunrivalledpastoralwithaheartasfullofgladnessasitcouldhold;or,ifthepsalmbetheproductofhisafteryears,wearesurethathissoulreturnedincontemplationtothelonelywaterbrookswhichrippledamongthepasturesofthewilderness,whereinearlydaysshehadbeenwonttodwell.Thisisthepearlofpsalmswhosesoftandpureradiancedelightseveryeye;apearlofwhichHeliconneednotbeashamed,thoughJordanclaimsit.Ofthisdelightfulsongitmaybeaffirmedthatitspietyanditspoetryareequal,itssweetnessanditsspiritualityareunsurpassed.Thepositionofthispsalmisworthyofnotice.Itfollowsthe
twenty-second,whichispeculiarlythePsalmoftheCross.Therearenogreenpastures,nostillwatersontheothersideofthetwenty-secondpsalm.Itisonlyafterwehaveread,"MyGod,myGod,whyhastthouforsakenme?"thatwecometo"TheLordismyShepherd."Wemustbyexperienceknowthevalueofbloodshedding,andseetheswordawakenedagainsttheShepherd,beforeweshallbeabletrulytoknowtheSweetnessofthegoodShepherd'scare.
Ithasbeensaidthatwhatthenightingaleisamongbirds,thatisthisdivineodeamongthepsalms,forithassungsweetlyintheearofmanyamournerinhisnightofweeping,andhasbiddenhimhopeforamorningofjoy.Iwillventuretocompareitalsotothelark,whichsingsasitmounts,andmountsasitsings,untilitisoutofsight,andeventhenisnotoutofhearing.Notethelastwordsofthepsalm—"Iwilldwell

inthehouseoftheLordforever;"thesearecelestialnotes,morefittedfortheeternalmansionsthanforthesedwellingplacesbelowtheclouds.Ohthatwemayenterintothespiritofthepsalmaswereadit,andthenweshallexperiencethedaysofheavenupontheearth!
EXPOSITION
Ver.1.TheLordismyshepherd.Whatcondescensionisthis,thattheinfiniteLordassumestowardshispeopletheofficeandcharacterofaShepherd!ItshouldbethesubjectofgratefuladmirationthatthegreatGodallowshimselftobecomparedtoanythingwhichwillsetforthhisgreatloveandcareforhisownpeople.Davidhadhimselfbeenakeeperofsheep,andunderstoodboththeneedsofthesheepandthemanycaresofashepherd.Hecompareshimselftoacreatureweak,defenceless,andfoolish,andhetakesGodtobehisProvider,Preserver,Director,and,indeed,hiseverything.NomanhasarighttoconsiderhimselftheLord'ssheepunlesshisnaturehasbeenrenewedforthescripturaldescriptionofunconvertedmendoesnotpicturethemassheep,butaswolvesorgoats.Asheepisanobjectofproperty,notawildanimal;itsownersetsgreatstorebyit,andfrequentlyitisboughtwithagreatprice.Itiswelltoknow,ascertainlyDaviddid,thatwebelongtotheLord.Thereisanobletoneofconfidenceaboutthissentence.Thereisno"if"nor"but",noreven"Ihopeso";buthesays,"TheLordismyshepherd."WemustcultivatethespiritofassureddependenceuponourheavenlyFather.Thesweetestwordofthewholeisthatmonosyllable,"My."Hedoesnotsay,"TheLordistheshepherdoftheworldatlarge,andleadethforththemultitudeashisflock",but"TheLordismyshepherd;"ifhebeaShepherdtonooneelse,heisaShepherdtome;hecaresforme,watchesoverme,andpreservesme.Thewordsareinthepresenttense.Whateverbethebeliever'sposition,heisevennowunderthepastoralcareofJehovah.Thenextwordsareasortofinferencefromthefirststatement—theyaresententiousandpositive—Ishallnotwant.Imightwantotherwise,butwhentheLordismyShepherdheisabletosupplymyneeds,andheiscertainlywillingtodoso,forhisheartisfulloflove,andtherefore"Ishallnotwant."Ishallnotlackfortemporalthings.Doeshenotfeedtheravens,andcausetheliliestogrow?How,then,canheleavehischildrentostarve?Ishallnotwantforspirituals,Iknowthathisgracewillbesufficientforme.Restinginhimhewillsaytome,"Asthydaysoshallthystrengthbe."ImaynotpossessallthatIwishfor,but"Ishallnotwant."Others,farwealthierandwiserthanI,maywant,but"Ishallnot.""Theyounglionsdolack,andsufferhunger:buttheythatseektheLordshallnotwantanygoodthing."Itisnotonly"Idonotwant,"but"Ishallnotwant."Comewhatmay,iffamineshoulddevastatetheland,orcalamitydestroythecity,"Ishallnotwant."Oldagewith

itsfeeblenessshallnotbringmeanylack,andevendeathwithitsgloomshallnotfindmedestitute.Ihaveallthingsandabound;notbecauseIhaveagoodstoreofmoneyinthebank,notbecauseIhaveskillandwitwithwhichtowinmybread,butbecause"TheLordismyshepherd."Thewickedalwayswant,buttherighteousnever;asinner'sheartisfarfromsatisfaction,butagraciousspiritdwellsinthepalaceofcontent.
EXPLANATORYNOTESANDQUAINTSAYINGS
WholePsalm.DavidhasleftnosweeterPsalmthantheshorttwenty-third(Ps23:1-6.Itisbutamoment'sopeningofhissoul;but,aswhenone,walkingthewinterstreetseesthedooropenedforsomeonetoenter,andtheredlightstreamsamomentforth,andtheformsofgaychildrenarerunningtogreetthecomer,andgenialmusicsounds,thoughthedoorshutsandleavesthenightblack,yetitcannotshutbackagainallthattheeyes,theear,theheart,andtheimaginationhaveseen—sointhisPsalm,thoughitisbutamoment'sopeningofthesoul,areemittedtruthsofpeaceandconsolationthatwillneverbeabsentfromtheworld.Thetwenty-thirdPsalmisthenightingaleofthePsalms.Itissmall,ofahomelyfeather,singingshylyoutofobscurity;but,oh!ithasfilledtheairofthewholeworldwithmelodiousjoy,greaterthantheheartcanconceive.BlessedbethedayonwhichthatPsalmwasborn!WhatwouldyousayofapilgrimcommissionedofGodtotravelupanddowntheearthsingingastrangemelody,which,whenoneheard,causedhimtoforgetwhateversorrowshehad?Andsothesingingangelgoesonhiswaythroughalllands,singinginthelanguageofeverynation,drivingawaytroublebythepulsesoftheairwhichhistonguemoveswithdivinepower.Beholdjustsuchanone!ThispilgrimGodhassenttospeakineverylanguageontheglobe.Ithascharmedmoregriefstorestthanallthephilosophyoftheworld.Ithasremandedtotheirdungeonmorefelonthoughts,moreblackdoubts,morethievingsorrows,thantherearesandsontheseashore.Ithascomfortedthenoblehostofthepoor.Ithassungcouragetothearmyofthedisappointed.Ithaspouredbalmandconsolationintotheheartofthesick,ofcaptivesindungeons,ofwidowsintheirpinchinggriefs,oforphansintheirloneliness.Dyingsoldiershavediedeasierasitwasreadtothem;ghastlyhospitalshavebeenilluminated;ithasvisitedtheprisoner,andbrokenhischains,and,likePeter'sangel,ledhimforthinimagination,andsunghimbacktohishomeagain.IthasmadethedyingChristianslavefreerthanhismaster,andconsoledthosewhom,dying,heleftbehindmourning,notsomuchthathewasgone,asbecausetheywereleftbehind,andcouldnotgotoo.Norisitsworkdone.Itwillgosingingtoyourchildrenandmychildren,andtotheirchildren,throughallthegenerationsoftime;norwillitfolditswingstillthelastpilgrimissafe,andtimeended;andthenitshallflybacktothebosom

ofGod,whenceitissued,andsoundon,mingledwithallthosesoundsofcelestialjoywhichmakeheavenmusicalforever.HenryWardBeecher,in"LifeThoughts."
WholePsalm.ThisPsalmmaywellbecalledDavid'sbucolicon,orpastoral,sodaintilyhathhestruckuponthewholestring,throughthewholehymn.EstPsalmishonorabilis,saithAben-ezra;itisanoblePsalm,writtenandsungbyDavid,notwhenhefledintotheforestofHareth(1Sa22:5,assomeHebrewswillhaveit;butwhenashavingovercomeallhisenemies,andsettledhiskingdom,heenjoyedgreatpeaceandquiet,andhadonefoot,asitwere,uponthebattlementsofheaven.TheJewsatthisdayuseformostparttorepeatthisPsalmaftertheyaresatdowntomeat.JohnTrapp.
WholePsalm.Augustineissaidtohavebeheld,inadream,theonehundredandnineteenthPsalmrisingbeforehimasatreeoflifeinthemidstoftheparadiseofGod.Thistwenty-thirdmaybecomparedtothefairestflowersthatgrewaroundit.Theformerhasevenbeenlikenedtothesunamidstthestars—surelythisisliketherichestoftheconstellations,eventhePleiadesthemselves!JohnStoughton,in"TheSongsofChrist'sFlock",1860.
WholePsalm.Somepioussoulsaretroubledbecausetheycannotatalltimes,oroften,use,initsjoyousimport,thelanguageofthisPsalm.SuchshouldrememberthatDavid,thoughhelivedlong,neverwrotebutonetwenty-thirdPsalm.Someofhisodesdoindeedexpressaslivelyafaithasthis,andfaithcanwalkindarkness.ButwhereelsedowefindawholePsalmexpressiveofpersonalconfidence,joy,andtriumph,frombeginningtoend?God'speoplehavetheirseasonsofdarknessandtheirtimesofrejoicing.WilliamS.Plumer.
Ver.1.TheLordismyshepherd;Ishallnotwant.Letthemsaythatwill,"Mylandsshallkeepme,Ishallhavenowant,mymerchandiseshallbemyhelp,Ishallhavenowant;"letthesoldiertrustuntohisweapons,andthehusbandmanuntohislabour;lettheartificersayuntohisart,andthetradesmanuntohistrade,andthescholaruntohisbooks,"Theseshallmaintainme,Ishallnotwant."Letussaywiththechurch,aswebothsayandsing,"TheLordismykeeper,Ishallnotwant."Hethatcantrulysayso,condemnstherest,andhethatdesiresmorethanGod,cannottrulysay,theLordishis,theLordisthisshepherd,governorandcommander,andthereforeIshallnotwant.JohnHull,B.D.,in"LecturesonLamentations",1617.

Ver.1.TheLordismyshepherd;Iwantnothing:thusitmaybeequallywellrendered,thoughinourversionitisinthefuturetense.J.R.Macduff,D.D.,in"TheShepherdandhisFlock",1866.
Ver.1.TheLordismyshepherd.Wemaylearningeneralfromthemetaphor,thatitisthepropertyofagracioushearttodrawsomespiritualuseorotherfromhisformercondition.Davidhimselfhavingsometimesbeenashepherd,ashimselfconfessethwhenhesaith,"hetookDavidfromthesheepfoldfromfollowingthesheep,"etc.,himselfhavingbeenashepherd,hebeholdstheLordthesametohim.WhatsoeverDavidwastohis
flock—watchfuloverthem,carefultodefendthemfromthelionandthebear,andwhatsoeverthingelsemightannoythem,carefuloftheirpasturageandwatering,etc.,thesameandmuchmorehebeholdstheLordtohimself.SoPaul:"Iwasapersecutor,andanoppressor:buttheLordhadmercyonme."ThiswemayseeingoodoldJacob:"Withthisstaff,"saithhe,"IpassedoverJordan;"andthatnowGodhadblessedhimandmultipliedhimexceedingly.Thedoctrineisplain;thereasonsare,first,becausetruegracemakesnoobjectamisstogathersomegraciousinstruction:itskillsnotwhattheobjectbe,sothattheheartbegracious;forthatneverwantsmattertoworkupon.Andsecondly,itmustneedsbeso,forsuchareguidedbyGod'sSpirit,andthereforearedirectedtoaspiritualuseofallthings.SamuelSmith's"ChiefeShepheard",1625.
Ver.1.Shepherd.MaythissweettitlepersuadeJaphettodwellinthetentsofShem:mymeaningis,thatthosewhoasyetneverknewwhatitwastobeenfoldedinthebosomofJesus,whoasyetwereneverlambsnorewesinChrist'sfold,considerthesweetnessofthisShepherd,andcomeintohim.Satandealsseeminglysweet,thathemaydrawyouintosin,butintheendhewillbereallybittertoyou.Christ,indeed,isseeminglybittertokeepyoufromsin,hedgingupyourwaywiththorns.Buthewillbereallysweetifyoucomeintohisflock,evennotwithstandingyoursins.ThoulookestintoChrist'sfold,andthouseestithedgedandfencedallabouttokeepyouinfromsin,andthiskeepstheefromentering;but,oh!letitnot.Christ,indeed,isunwillingthatanyofhisshouldwander,andiftheybeunwillingtoo,it'swell.Andiftheywanderhewillfetchthemin,itmaybewithhisshepherd'sdog(someaffliction;buthewillnotbe,aswesay,doggedhimself.No,heisandwillbesweet.Itmaybe,Satansmiles,andispleasanttoyouwhileyousin;butknow,hewillbebitterintheend.Hethatsingsserenelikenow,willdevourlionlikeatlast.Hewilltormentyouandvexyou,andbeburningandbitternesstoyou.OcomeinthereforetoJesusChrist;lethimbenowtheshepherdofthysoul.Andknowthen,hewillbesweetinendeavouringtokeeptheefromsinbeforethoucommitit;andhewillbesweetindeliveringthee

fromsinafterthouhastcommittedit.Othatthisthought—thatJesusChristissweetinhiscarriageuntoallhismembers,untoallhisflock,especiallythesinningones,mightpersuadetheheartsofsomesinnerstocomeinuntohisfold.JohnDurant,1652.
Ver.1.(firstclause.Feedethme,orismyfeeder,mypastor.Thewordcomprehendsalldutiesofagoodherd,astogetherfeeding,guiding,governing,anddefendinghisflock.HenryAinsworth.
Ver.1.TheLordismyshepherd.NowthereasonsofthisresemblanceItaketobethese:—First,onepropertyofagoodshepherdis,skilltoknowandjudgearightofhissheep,andhenceisitthatitisausualthingtosetmarkuponsheep,totheendthatiftheygoastray(asofallcreaturestheyaremostsubjecttowander,theshepherdmayseekthemupandbringthemhomeagain.ThesamethingisaffirmedofChrist,orratherindeedChristaffirmsthesamethingofhimself,"Iknowthem,andtheyfollowme."Joh10:27.Yea,doubtless,hethathathnumberedthestars,andcalleththemallbytheirnames,yea,theveryhairsofourhead,takethspecialnoticeofhisownchildren,"thesheepofhispasture",thattheymaybeprovidedforandprotectedfromalldanger.Secondly,agoodshepherdmusthaveskillinthepasturingofhissheep,andinbringingthemintosuchfruitfulground,astheymaybattleandthriveupon:agoodshepherdwillnotsufferhissheeptofeeduponrottensoil,butinwholesomepastures...Thirdly,agoodshepherd,knowingthestrayingnatureofhissheep,issomuchthemorediligenttowatchoverthem,andifatanytimetheygoastray,hebringsthembackagain.ThisistheLord'smercifuldealingtowardspoorwanderingsouls...Fourthly,agood
shepherdmusthavewilltofeedhissheepaccordingtohisskill:theLordofallothersismostwillingtoprovideforhissheep.HowearnestisChristwithPeter,to"feedhissheep,"urginghimuntoitthreeseveraltimes!Fifthly,agoodshepherdisprovidedtodefendhisflock...TheLordiseverywayprovidedforthesafetyanddefenceofhissheep,asDavidconfessethinPs23:4,Thyrodandthystafftheycomfortme.Andagain,"Itookuntometwostaves"(saiththeLord,"theoneIcalledBeauty,andtheotherIcalledBands;andIfedtheflock."Zec11:7.Sixthly,itisthepropertyofagoodshepherd,thatifanyofhissheepbeweakandfeeble,orhislambsyoung,fortheirsafetyandrecoveryhewillbeartheminhisarms.TheLordisnotwantingtousherein.Isa40:11.Andlastly,itisthepropertyofagoodshepherdtorejoicewhenthestrayedsheepisbroughthome.TheLorddoththusrejoiceattheconversionofasinner.Lu15:7.SamuelSmith.
Ver.1.TheLordismyshepherd.Inoticethatsomeoftheflockkeepneartheshepherd,andfollowwhithersoeverhegoeswithouttheleasthesitation,whileothersstrayaboutoneitherside,orloiterfarbehind;

andheoftenturnsroundandscoldstheminasharp,sterncry,orsendsastoneafterthem.Isawhimlameonejustnow.NotaltogetherunlikethegoodShepherd.IndeedIneverrideoverthesehills,clothedwithflocks,withoutmeditatinguponthisdelightfultheme.OurSavioursaysthatthegoodshepherd,whenheputtethforthhisownsheep,goethbeforethem,andtheyfollow.Joh10:4.Thisistruetotheletter.Theyaresotameandsotrainedthattheyfollowtheirkeeperwiththeutmostdocility.Heleadsthemforthfromthefold,orfromtheirhousesinthevillages,justwherehepleases.Astherearemanyflocksinsuchaplaceasthis,eachonetakesadifferentpath,anditishisbusinesstofindpastureforthem.Itisnecessary,therefore,thattheyshouldbetaughttofollow,andnottostrayawayintotheunfencedfieldsofcornwhichliesotemptinglyoneitherside.Anyonethatthuswandersissuretogetintotrouble.Theshepherdcallssharplyfromtimetotimetoremindthemofhispresence.Theyknowhisvoice,andfollowon;but,ifastrangercall,theystopshort,liftuptheirheadsinalarm,and,ifitisrepeated,theyturnandflee,becausetheyknownotthevoiceofastranger.Thisisnotthefancifulcostumeofaparable,itissimplefact.Ihavemadetheexperimentrepeatedly.Theshepherdgoesbefore,notmerelytopointouttheway,buttoseethatitispracticableandsafe.Heisarmedinordertodefendhischarge,andinthisheisverycourageous.Manyadventureswithwildbeastsoccur,notunlikethatrecountedbyDavid(1Sa17:34-36,andintheseverymountains;forthoughtherearenownolionshere,therearewolvesinabundance;andleopardsandpanthers,exceedingfierce,prowlaboutthewildwadies.Theynotinfrequentlyattacktheflockintheverypresenceoftheshepherd,andhemustbereadytodobattleatamoment'swarning.Ihavelistenedwithintenseinteresttotheirgraphicdescriptionsofdownrightanddesperatefightswiththesesavagebeasts.Andwhenthethiefandtherobbercome(andcometheydo,thefaithfulshepherdhasoftentoputhislifeinhishandtodefendhisflock.Ihaveknownmorethanonecaseinwhichhehadliterallytolayitdowninthecontest.Apoorfaithfulfellowlastspring,betweenTiberiasandTabor,insteadoffleeing,actuallyfoughtthreeBedouinrobbersuntilhewashackedtopieceswiththeirkhanjars,anddiedamongthesheephewasdefending.Somesheepalwayskeepneartheshepherd,andarehisspecialfavourites.Eachofthemhasaname,towhichitanswersjoyfully,andthekindshepherdiseverdistributingtosuch,choiceportionswhichhegathersforthatpurpose.Thesearethecontentedandhappyones.Theyareinnodangerofgettinglostorintomischief,nordowildbeastsorthievescomenearthem.Thegreatbody,however,aremereworldlings,intentupontheirmerepleasuresorselfishinterests.Theyrunfrombushtobush,searchingforvarietyordelicacies,andonlynowandthenlifttheirheadstoseewheretheshepherdis,or,ratherwherethegeneralflockis,lesttheygetsofarawayastooccasiona

remarkintheirlittlecommunity,orrebukefromtheirkeeper.Others,again,arerestlessanddiscontented,jumpingintoeverybody'sfield,climbingintobushes,andevenintoleaningtrees,whencetheyoftenfallandbreaktheirlimbs.Thesecostthegoodshepherdincessanttrouble.W.M.Thomson,D.D.,in"TheLandandtheBook."
Ver.1.Shepherd.Aswesatthesilenthillsidesarounduswereinamomentfilledwithlifeandsound.Theshepherdsledtheirflocksforthfromthegatesofthecity.Theywereinfullview,andwewatchedthemandlistenedtothemwithnolittleinterest.Thousandsofsheepandgoatswerethere,groupedindense,confusedmasses.Theshepherdsstoodtogetheruntilallcameout.Thentheyseparated,eachshepherdtakingadifferentpath,andutteringasheadvancedashrillpeculiarcall.Thesheepheardthem.Atfirstthemassesswayedandmoved,asifshakenbysomeinternalconvulsion;thenpointsstruckoutinthedirectiontakenbytheshepherds;thesebecamelongerandlongeruntiltheconfusedmasseswereresolvedintolong,livingstreams,flowingaftertheirleaders.Suchasightwasnotnewtome,stillithadlostnoneofitsinterest.ItwasperhapsoneofthemostvividillustrationswhichhumaneyescouldwitnessofthatbeautifuldiscourseofourLordrecordedbyJohn,"Andthesheepheartheshepherd'svoice:andhecallethhisownsheepbyname,andleadeththemout.Andwhenheputtethforthhisownsheep,hegoethbeforethem,andthesheepfollowhim:fortheyknowhisvoice.Andastrangerwilltheynotfollow,butwillfleefromhim:fortheyknownotthevoiceofstrangers",Joh10:3-5.Theshepherdsthemselveshadnoneofthatpeacefulandplacidaspectwhichisgenerallyassociatedwithpastorallifeandhabits.Theylookedmorelikewarriorsmarchingtothebattle-field—alonggunslungfromtheshoulder,adaggerandheavypistolsinthebelt,alightbattleaxeorironheadedclubinthehand.Suchweretheequipments;andtheirfierceflashingeyesandscowlingcountenancesshowedbuttooplainlythattheywerepreparedtousetheirweaponsatanymoment.J.L.Porter,A.M.,in"TheGiantCitiesofBashan",1867.
Ver.1.Ishallnotwant.Youmustdistinguishbetweenabsence,andbetweenindigence.Absenceiswhensomethingisnotpresent;indigenceorwant,iswhenaneedfulgoodisnotpresent.Ifamanweretowalk,andhadnotastaff,hereweresomethingabsent.Ifamanweretowalk,andhadbutoneleg,hereweresomethingwhereofhewereindigent.Itisconfessedthattherearemanygoodthingswhichareabsentfromagoodperson,butnogoodthingwhichhewantsorisindigentof.IfthegoodbeabsentandIneeditnot,thisisnowant;hethatwalkswithouthiscloak,walkswellenough,forheneedsitnot.AslongasIcanwalkcarefullyandcheerfullyinmygeneralorparticularcalling,thoughIhavenotsuchaloadofaccessoriesasothermenhave,yetIwantnothing,formylittle

isenoughandservestheturn...Ourcorruptionsarestillcraving,andtheyarealwaysinordinate,theycanfindmorewantsthanGodneedstosupply.Astheysayoffools,theycanproposemorequestionsthantwentywisemenneedtoanswer.TheyinJas4:3,didask,butreceivednot;andhegivestworeasonsforit:—1.Thisaskingwasbutalusting:"yelustandhavenot"(Ps23:4:another,theydidasktoconsumeitupontheirlusts(Ps23:3.Godwillseethathispeopleshallnotwant;butwithal,hewillneverengagehimselftothesatisfyingoftheircorruptions,thoughhedothtothesupplyoftheirconditions.Itisonethingwhatthesickmanwants,anotherwhathisdiseasewants.Yourignorance,yourdiscontents,yourpride,yourunthankfulhearts,maymakeyoutobelievethatyoudwellinabarrenland,farfrommercies(asmelancholymakesapersontoimaginethatheisdrowning,orkilling,etc.;whereasifGoddidopenyoureyesashedidHagar's,youmightseefountainsandstreams,merciesandblessingssufficient;thoughnotmany,yetenough,thoughnotsorich,yetproper,andeverywayconvenientforyourgoodandcomfort;andthusyouhavethegenuinesense,sofarasIcanjudgeofDavid'sassertion,Ishallnotwant.
ObadiahSedgwick.
Ver.1.Ishallnotwant.Onlyhethatcanwantdoesnotwant;andhethatcannot,does.Youtellmethatagodlymanwantstheseandthesethings,whichthewickedmanhath;butItellyouhecannomorebesaidto"want"themthanabutchermaybesaidtowantHomer,orsuchanotherthing,becausehisdispositionissuch,thathemakesnouseofthosethingswhichyouusuallymean.Itisbutonlynecessarythingsthathecaresfor,andthosearenotmany.Butonethingisnecessary,andthathehathchosen,namely,thebetterpart.Andthereforeifhehavenothingatallofallotherthings,hedoesnotwant,neitheristhereanythingwantingwhichmightmakehimrichenough,orbyabsencewhereof,hisrichesshouldbesaidtobedeficient.Abodyisnotmaimedunlessithavelostaprincipalpart:onlyprivativedefectsdiscommendathing,andnotthosethatarenegative.Whenwesay,thereisnothingwantingtosuchandsuchacreatureorthingthatamanhathmade,wemeanthatithathallthatbelongsnecessarilytoit.Wespeaknotofsuchthingsasmaybeaddedforcomplimentsorornamentsorthelike,suchasarethosethingsusuallywhereinwickedmenexcelthegodly.Evensoitiswhenwesaythatagodlymanwantethnothing.Forthoughinregardofunnecessarygoodshebe"ashavingnothing",yetinregardofothersheisasifhepossessedallthings.HewantsnothingthatisnecessaryeitherforhisglorifyingofGod(beingabletodothatbestinandbyhisafflictions,orforGod'sglorifyingofhim,andmakinghimhappy,havingGodhimselfforhisportionandsupply

ofhiswants,whoisabundantlysufficientatalltimes,forallpersons,inallconditions.ZacharyBogan.
NotecontinuedonSeePsalmson"Job42:9".
Psalms23:2(PSALMS
EXPOSITION
Ver.2.Hemakethmetoliedowningreenpastures:heleadethmebesidethestillwaters.TheChristianlifehastwoelementsinit,the
contemplativeandtheactive,andbothofthesearerichlyprovidedfor.First,thecontemplative.
Hemakethmetoliedowningreenpastures.Whatarethese"greenpastures"buttheScripturesoftruth—alwaysfresh,alwaysrich,andnever
exhausted?Thereisnofearofbitingthebaregroundwherethegrassislongenoughfortheflocktoliedowninit.Sweetandfullarethedoctrinesofthegospel;fitfoodforsouls,astendergrassisnaturalnutrimentforsheep.Whenbyfaithweareenabledtofindrestinthepromises,wearelikethesheepthatliedowninthemidstofthepasture;wefindatthesamemomentbothprovenderandpeace,restandrefreshment,serenityandsatisfaction.Butobserve:"Hemakethmetoliedown."ItistheLordwhograciouslyenablesustoperceivethepreciousnessofhistruth,andtofeeduponit.Howgratefuloughtwetobeforthepowertoappropriatethepromises!Therearesomedistractedsoulswhowouldgiveworldsiftheycouldbutdothis.Theyknowtheblessednessofit,buttheycannotsaythatthisblessednessistheirs.Theyknowthe"greenpastures",buttheyarenotmadeto"liedown"inthem.Thosebelieverswhohaveforyearsenjoyeda"fullassuranceoffaith"shouldgreatlyblesstheirgraciousGod.
ThesecondpartofavigorousChristian'slifeconsistsingraciousactivity.Wenotonlythink,butweact.Wearenotalwayslyingdowntofeed,butarejourneyingonwardtowardperfection;henceweread,heleadethmebesidethestillwaters.Whatarethese"stillwaters"buttheinfluencesandgracesofhisblessedSpirit?HisSpiritattendsusinvariousoperations,likewaters—intheplural—tocleanse,torefresh,tofertilise,tocherish.Theyare"stillwaters",fortheHolyGhostlovespeace,andsoundsnotrumpetofostentationinhisoperations.Hemayflowintooursoul,butnotintoourneighbour's,andthereforeourneighbourmaynotperceivethedivinepresence;andthoughtheblessedSpiritmay

bepouringhisfloodsintooneheart,yethethatsittethnexttothefavouredonemayknownothingofit.
"InsacredsilenceofthemindMyheaven,andtheremyGodIfind."Stillwatersrundeep.Nothingmorenoisythananemptydrum.ThatsilenceisgoldenindeedinwhichtheHolySpiritmeetswiththesoulsofhissaints.Nottoragingwavesofstrife,buttopeacefulstreamsofholylovedoestheSpiritofGodconductthechosensheep.Heisadove,notaneagle;thedew,notthehurricane.OurLordleadsusbesidethese"stillwaters;"wecouldnotgothereofourselves,weneedhisguidance,thereforeitissaid,"heleadethme."Hedoesnotdriveus.Mosesdrivesusbythelaw,butJesusleadsusbyhisexample,andthegentledrawingofhislove.
EXPLANATORYNOTESANDQUAINTSAYINGS
Ver.1-4.SeePsalmson"Ps23:1"forfurtherinformation.
Ver.2.Hemakethmetoliedowningreenpastures,etc.Notonlyhehathgreenpasturestoleadmeinto,whichshowshisability,butheleadsmeintothem,whichshowshisgoodness.Heleadsmenotintopasturesthatarewitheredanddry,thatwoulddistastemebeforeItastethem;butheleadsmeinto"greenpastures",aswelltopleasemyeyewiththeverdureasmystomachwiththeherbage;andinvitingme,asitwere,toeatbysettingoutthemeatinthebestcolour.Ameatthoughneversogood,yetifitlooknothandsomely,itdullstheappetite;butwhenbesidesthegoodness,ithathalsoagoodlook,thisgivestheappetiteanotheredge,andmakesajoybeforeenjoying.Butyetthegoodnessisnotaltogetherinthegreenness.Alas!greenisbutacolour,andcoloursarebutdeceitfulthings;theymightbegreenleaves,ortheymightbegreenflagsorrushes;andwhatgoodweretomeinsuchagreenness?No,mysoul;thegoodnessisinbeing"greenpastures",fornowtheyperformasmuchastheypromise;andasinbeinggreentheywereacomforttomeassoonasIsawthem,soinbeinggreen"pastures"theyarearefreshingtomenowassoonasItastethem.Astheyarepleasanttolookon,sotheyarewholesometofeedon:astheyaresweettobetasted,sotheyareeasytobedigested;thatIamnow,Ithink,inakindofparadiseandseemnottowantanything,unlessperhapsalittlewaterwithwhichnowandthentowashmymouth,atmosttotakesometimesasip:forthoughsheepbenotgreatdrinkers,andthoughtheirpasturesbeinggreen,andfullofsap,makedrinkthelessneedful;yetsomedrinktheymusthavebesides.AndnowseethegreatgoodnessofthisShepherd,andwhatjustcausethereistodependuponhisprovidence;forheletsnothissheepwantthisneither,but"heleadeththembesidesstillwaters",notwatersthatroarandmakeanoise,enoughtofrightafearfulsheep,butwaters"still"

andquiet;thatthoughtheydrinkbutlittle,yettheymaydrinkthatlittlewithoutfear.AndmayInotjustlysaynow,TheLordismyShepherd;Ishallnotwant?Andyetperhapstherewillbewantforallthis;forisitenoughthatheleadthemintogreenpasturesandbesidestillwaters?Mayhenotleadthemin,andpresentlytakethemoutagainbeforetheirbelliesbehalffull;andsoinsteadofmakingthemhappy,makethemmoremiserable?settheminalongingwiththesight,andthenfrustratethemoftheirexpectation?No,mysoul;themeasureofthisShepherd'sgoodnessismorethanso.Henotonlyleadeththemintogreenpastures,but"hemakesthemtoliedown"inthem—heleadsthemnotintopostovertheirmeatasiftheyweretoeatapassover,andtotakeitintransita,asdogsdrinkNylus;but,"hemakesthemtoliedowningreenpastures",thattheymayeattheirfillandfeedatleisure;andwhentheyhavedone,"liedown"andtaketheirease,thattheirafterreckoningmaybeaspleasingastheirrepast.SirRichardBaker.
Ver.2.Heleadethme.Ourguidingmustbemildandgentle,elseitisnotduxisti,buttraxisti—drawinganddriving,andnoleading.Lenispiritunonduramanu—ratherbyaninwardsweetinfluencetobeled,thanbyandoutwardextremeviolencetobeforcedforward...Touchingwhatkindofcattle,toverygoodpurpose,Jacob,askilfulshepherd,answerethEsau(whowouldhavehadJacobandhisflockshavekeptcompanywithhiminhishuntingpace,Nay,notso,sir,saidJacob,itisatendercattlethatisundermyhands,andmustbesoftlydriven,astheymayendure:ifone"shouldoverdrivethembutoneday",theywouldalldieorbelaidupformanydaysafter.Ge33:13.LancelotAndrewes.
Ver.2.Heleadethme,etc.Inordinarycircumstancestheshepherddoesnotfeedhisflock,exceptbyleadingandguidingthemwheretheymaygatherforthemselves;buttherearetimeswhenitisotherwise.Lateinautumn,whenthepasturesaredriedup,andinwinter,inplacescoveredwithsnow,hemustfurnishthemfoodortheydie.InthevastoakwoodsalongtheeasternsidesofLebanon,betweenBaalbekandthecedars,therearetheregatheredinnumerableflocks,andtheshepherdsarealldaylonginthebushytrees,cuttingdownthebranches,uponwhosegreenleavesandtendertwigsthesheepandgoatsareentirelysupported.Thesameistrueinallmountaindistricts,andlargeforestsarepreservedonpurpose.W.M.Thomson.
Ver.2.Liedown—leadeth.SittingMaryandstirringMarthaareemblemsofcontemplationandaction,andastheydwellinonehouse,somusttheseinoneheart.NathanaelHardy.
Ver.2.ThisshortbuttouchingepitaphisfrequentlyseeninthecatacombsatRome,"InChristo,inpace"—(InChrist,inpeace.Realisethe

constantpresenceoftheShepherdofpeace."HEmakethmetoliedown!""HEleadethme."J.R.Macduff,D.D.
Ver.2.(lastclause.Easilyleads,orcomfortablyguidesme:itnotesasoftandgentleleading,withsustainingofinfirmity.H.Ainsworth.Ver.2.Greenpastures.Herearemanypastures,andeverypasturerichsothatitcanneverbeeatenbare;herearemanystreams,andeverystreamsodeepandwidethatitcanneverbedrawndry.ThesheephavebeeneatinginthesepastureseversinceChristhadachurchonearth,andyettheyareasfullofgrassasever.ThesheephavebeendrinkingatthesestreamseversinceAdam,andyettheyarebrimfulltothisveryday,andtheywillsocontinuetillthesheepareabovetheuseoftheminheaven!RalphRobinson,1656.
Ver.2.Greenpastures...besidethestillwaters.Fromthetopofthemound(ofArbanontheKhabourtheeyerangedoveralevelcountrybrightwithflowers,andspottedwithblacktents,andinnumerableflocksofsheepandcamels.DuringourstayatArban,thecolourofthesegreatplainswasundergoingacontinualchange.Afterbeingforsomedaysofagoldenyellow,anewfamilyofflowerswouldspringup,anditwouldturnalmostinanighttoabrightscarlet,whichwouldagainassuddenlygivewaytothedeepestblue.Thenthemeadowswouldbemottledwithvarioushues,orwouldputontheemeraldgreenofthemostluxuriantofpastures.TheglowingdescriptionsIhadsofrequentlyreceivedfromtheBedouinsofthebeautyandfertilityofthebanksoftheKhabourweremorethanrealised.TheArabsboastthatitsmeadowsbearthreedistinctcropsofgrassduringtheyear,andthewanderingtribeslookuponitswoodedbanksandconstantgreenswardasaparadiseduringthesummermonths,wheremancanenjoyacoolshade,andbeastcanfindfreshandtenderherbs,whilstallaroundisyellow,parched,andsapless.AustinH.Layard,1853.Ver.2.Withguidancetogreenpastures,thepsalmisthas,withgoodreason,associatedguardianshipbesidestillwaters:foraswecanonly
appropriatethewordthroughtheSpirit,soweshallordinarilyreceivetheSpiritthroughtheWord;notindeedonlybyhearingit,notonlybyreadingit,notonlybyreflectinguponit.TheSpiritofGod,whoisamostfreeagent,andwhoishimselfthesourceofliberty,willcomeintotheheartofthebelieverwhenhewill,andhowhewill,andashewill.Buttheeffectofhiscomingwilleverbetherealisationofsomepromise,therecognitionofsomeprinciple,theattainmentofsomegrace,theunderstandingofsomemystery,whichisalreadyintheword,andwhichweshallthusfind,withadeeperimpression,andwithafullerdevelopment,broughthomewithpowertotheheart.ThomasDale,M.A.,in"TheGoodShepherd",1847.

Ver.2.Stillwaters;whichareopposedtogreatrivers,whichbothaffrightthesheepwiththeirnoise,andexposethemtothedangerofbeingcarriedawaybytheirswiftandviolentstreams,whilsttheyaredrinkingatthem.MatthewPoole.
Ver.2.Stillwaters;Hebrew,"Watersofrests",exquibusdiliguntovesbibere,saithKimchi,suchassheeplovetodrinkof,becausevoidofdanger,andyieldingarefreshingair.Popishclergymenarecalledthe"inhabitantsofthesea",Re12:12,becausetheysetabroachgross,troubled,brackish,andsourishdoctrine,whichratherbringbarrennesstotheirhearers,andgnawtheentrailsthanquenchtheirthirst,orcooltheirheat.Thedoctrineofthegospel,likethewatersofSiloe(Isa8:8,rungently,buttastepleasantly.JohnTrapp.
HINTSTOTHEVILLAGEPREACHER
Ver.2.(firstclause.Believingrest.
1.ComesfromGod—Hemaketh.2.Isdeepandprofound—liedown.
3.Hassolidsustenance—ingreenpastures.4.Issubjectforconstantpraise.
Ver.2.Thecontemplativeandtheactiveelementprovidedfor.Ver.2.ThefreshnessandrichnessofHolyScripture.
Ver.2.(secondclause.Onward.TheLeader,theway,thecomfortsoftheroad,andthetravellerinit.
Psalms23:3(PSALMS
EXPOSITION
Ver.3.Herestorethmysoul.Whenthesoulgrowssorrowfulherevivesit;whenitissinfulhesanctifiesit;whenitisweakhestrengthensit."He"doesit.Hisministerscouldnotdoitifhedidnot.HisWordwouldnotavailbyitself."Herestorethmysoul."Areanyofuslowingrace?Dowefeelthatourspiritualityisatitslowestebb?Hewhoturnstheebbintothefloodcansoonrestoreoursoul.Praytohim,then,fortheblessing—"Restorethoume,thouShepherdofmysoul!"

Heleadethmeinthepathsofrighteousnessforhisname'ssake.TheChristiandelightstobeobedient,butitistheobedienceoflove,towhichheisconstrainedbytheexampleofhisMaster."Heleadethme."TheChristianisnotobedienttosomecommandmentsandneglectfulofothers;hedoesnotpickandchoose,butyieldstoall.Observe,thatthepluralisused—"thepathsofrighteousness."WhateverGodmaygiveustodowewoulddoit,ledbyhislove.SomeChristiansoverlooktheblessingofsanctification,andyettoathoroughlyrenewedheartthisisoneofthesweetestgiftsofthecovenant.Ifwecouldbesavedfromwrath,andyetremainunregenerate,impenitentsinners,weshouldnotbesavedaswedesire,forwemainlyandchieflypanttobesavedfromsinandledinthewayofholiness.Allthisisdoneoutofpurefreegrace;"forhisname'ssake."ItistothehonourofourgreatShepherdthatweshouldbeaholypeople,walkinginthenarrowwayofrighteousness.IfwebesoledandguidedwemustnotfailtoadoreourheavenlyShepherd'scare.
EXPLANATORYNOTESANDQUAINTSAYINGS
Ver.1-4.SeePsalmson"Ps23:1"forfurtherinformation.
Ver.3.Herestorethmysoul,etc.Thesubjectsexperimentallytreatedinthisverseare,first,thebeliever'sliabilitytofall,ordeviateevenwithinthefoldofthechurch,elsewhereforeshouldheneedtobe"restored?"Next,thepromptitudeoftheGoodShepherdtointerposeforhisrescue."Herestorethmysoul."ThenChrist'ssubsequentcaretoleadhiminthepathsofrighteousness;andlastly,thereasonassignedwhereforehewilldothis—resolvingallintothespontaneousness,thesupremacy,theomnipotenceofgrace.Hewilldoallforhisownname'ssake.ThomasDale.
Ver.3.Herestorethmysoul.Thesamehandwhichfirstrescuedusfromruin,reclaimsusfromalloursubsequentaberrations.Chastisementitselfisblendedwithtenderness;andthevoicewhichspeaksreproof,saying,"Theyhavepervertedtheirway,andtheyhaveforsakentheLordtheirGod,"uttersthekindestinvitation,"Return,yebackslidingchildren,andIwillhealyourbackslidings."Noristhevoiceunheard,andthecallunansweredorunfelt."Behold,wecomeuntothee;forthouarttheLordourGod."Jer3:22."Whenthousaidst,Seekmyface;myheartsaiduntothee,Thyface,Lord,willIseek."J.Thornton's"ShepherdofIsrael",1826.
Ver.3.Herestorethmysoul.Herestoresittoitsoriginalpurity,thatwasnowgrownfoulandblackwithsin;foralso,whatgoodwereittohave"green"pasturesandablacksoul!He"restores"ittoitsnaturaltemperinaffections,thatwasgrowndistemperedwithviolenceofpassions;for

alas!whatgoodwereittohave"still"watersandturbulentspirits!He"restores"itindeedtolife,thatwasgrownbeforeinamannerquitedead;andwhocould"restoremysoul"tolife,butheonlythatistheGoodShepherdandgavehislifeforhissheep?SirRichardBaker.
Ver.3.Heshallconvertmysoul;turnmenotonlyfromsinandignorance,butfromeveryfalseconfidence,andeverydeceitfulrefuge.Heshallbringmeforthinpathsofrighteousness;inthosepathsofimputedrighteousnesswhicharealwaysadornedwiththetreesofholiness,arealwayswateredwiththefountainsofconsolation,andalwaysterminateineverlastingrest.Some,perhaps,mayask,whyIgivethissensetothepassage?Whymayitnotsignifythepathsofduty,andthewayofourownobedience?Becausesucheffectsareherementionedasneverhaveresulted,andnevercanresult,fromanydutiesofourown.Thesearenotgreenpastures,butaparchedandblastedheath.Thesearenotstillwaters,butatroubledanddisorderlystream.Neithercanthesespeakpeaceoradministercomfortwhenwepassthroughthevalleyandshadowofdeath.Toyieldtheseblessings,istheexaltedofficeofChrist,andthesoleprerogativeofhisobedience.JamesHervey.
Ver.3.Herestorethmysoul:Hebrew."Hebringethitback;"either,1.Fromitserrorsorwandering;or,2.Intothebody,outofwhichitwasevendepartingandfaintingaway.Herevivesorcomfortsme.MatthewPoole.
Ver.3.Pathsofrighteousness.Alas!OLord,these"pathsof
righteousness",havealongtimesolittlebeenfrequented,thattheprintsofapatharealmostcleanwornout;thatitisahardmatternow,buttofindwherethepathslie,andifwecanfindthem,yettheyaresonarrowandsofullofruts,thatwithoutspecialassistanceitisanimpossiblethingnottofallorgoastray.Evensoangels,andthosenomeanones,werenotabletogorightinthese"pathsofrighteousness",butforwantofleading,wentawayandperished.O,therefore,thoutheGreatShepherdofmysoul,asthouartpleasedofthygracetoleadmeintothem,sovouchsafewiththygracetoleadmeinthem;forthoughinthemselvestheybe"pathsofrighteousness",yettometheywillbebutpathsoferrorifthouvouchsafenot,aswelltoleadmeinthem,asintothem.SirRichardBaker.
Ver.3.Paths.Inthewildernessandinthedeserttherearenoraisedpaths,thepathsbeingmerelytracks;andsometimestherearesixoreightpathsrunningunevenlyalongsideeachother.NodoubtthisiswhatisfigurativelyreferredtoinPs23:3,"Heleadethmeinthepathsofrighteousness",allleadingtoonepoint.JohnGadsby.

Ver.3.Forhisname'ssake.Seeinghehathtakenuponhimthenameofa"GoodShepherd",hewilldischargehispart,whateverhissheepbe.Itisnottheirbeingbadsheepthatcanmakehimleavebeinga"GoodShepherd",buthewillbe"good",andmaintainthecreditof"hisname"inspiteofalltheirbadness;andthoughnobenefitcometothemofit,yetthereshallgloryaccruetohimbyit,and"hisname"shallneverthelessbemagnifiedandextolled.SirRichardBaker.
HINTSTOTHEVILLAGEPREACHER
Ver.3.Graciousrestoration,holyguidance,anddivinemotives.
Psalms23:4(PSALMS
EXPOSITION
Ver.4.Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil:forthouartwithme;thyrodandthystafftheycomfortme.Thisunspeakablydelightfulversehasbeensungonmanyadyingbed,andhashelpedtomakethedarkvalleybrighttimesoutofmind.Everywordinithasawealthofmeaning.
Yea,thoughIwalk,asifthebelieverdidnotquickenhispacewhenhecametodie,butstillcalmlywalkedwithGod.Towalkindicatesthesteadyadvanceofasoulwhichknowsitsroad,knowsitsend,resolvestofollowthepath,feelsquitesafe,andisthereforeperfectlycalmandcomposed.Thedyingsaintisnotinaflurry,hedoesnotrunasthoughhewerealarmed,norstandstillasthoughhewouldgonofurther,heisnotconfoundednorashamed,andthereforekeepstohisoldpace.Observethatitisnotwalkinginthevalley,but
throughthevalley.Wegothroughthedarktunnelofdeathandemergeintothelightofimmortality.Wedonotdie,wedobutsleeptowakeinglory.Deathisnotthehousebuttheporch,notthegoalbutthepassagetoit.Thedyingarticleiscalledavalley.Thestormbreaksonthemountain,butthevalleyistheplaceofquietude,andthusfulloftenthelastdaysoftheChristianarethemostpeacefulofhiswholecareer;themountainisbleakandbare,butthevalleyisrichwithgoldensheaves,andmanyasainthasreapedmorejoyandknowledgewhenhecametodiethanheeverknewwhilehelived.And,then,itisnot"thevalleyofdeath,"butthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,fordeathinitssubstancehasbeenremoved,andonlytheshadowofitremains.Someonehassaidthatwhen

thereisashadowtheremustbelightsomewhere,andsothereis.Deathstandsbythesideofthehighwayinwhichwehavetotravel,andthelightofheavenshininguponhimthrowsashadowacrossourpath;letusthenrejoicethatthereisalightbeyond.Nobodyisafraidofashadow,forashadowcannotstopaman'spathwayevenforamoment.Theshadowofadogcannotbite;theshadowofaswordcannotkill;theshadowofdeathcannotdestroyus.Letusnot,therefore,beafraid.
Iwillfearnoevil.Hedoesnotsaythereshallnotbeanyevil;hehadgotbeyondeventhathighassurance,andknewthatJesushadputallevilaway;but"Iwillfearnoevil;"asifevenhisfears,thoseshadowsofevil,weregoneforever.Theworstevilsoflifearethosewhichdonotexistexceptinourimagination.Ifwehadnotroublesbutrealtroubles,weshouldnothaveatenthpartofourpresentsorrows.Wefeelathousanddeathsinfearingone,butthepsalmistwascuredofthediseaseoffearing."Iwillfearnoevil",noteventheEvilOnehimself;Iwillnotdreadthelastenemy,Iwilllookuponhimasaconqueredfoe,anenemytobedestroyed,
Forthouartwithme.ThisisthejoyoftheChristian!"Thouartwithme."Thelittlechildoutatseainthestormisnotfrightenedlikealltheotherpassengersonboardthevessel,itsleepsinitsmother'sbosom;itisenoughforitthatitsmotheriswithit;anditshouldbeenoughforthebelievertoknowthatChristiswithhim."Thouartwithme;Ihave,inhavingthee,allthatIcancrave:Ihaveperfectcomfortandabsolutesecurity,forthouartwithme."
Thyrodandthystaff,bywhichyougovernandruleyourflock,theensignsofyoursovereigntyandofyourgraciouscare—
theycomfortme.Iwillbelievethatthoureigneststill.TherodofJesseshallstillbeovermeasthesovereignsuccourofmysoul.
Manypersonsprofesstoreceivemuchcomfortfromthehopethattheyshallnotdie.Certainlytherewillbesomewhowillbe"aliveandremain"atthecomingoftheLord,butistheresoverymuchofadvantageinsuchanescapefromdeathastomakeittheobjectofChristiandesire?Awisemanmightpreferofthetwotodie,forthosewhoshallnotdie,butwho"shallbecaughtuptogetherwiththeLordintheair,"willbelosersratherthangainers.TheywilllosethatactualfellowshipwithChristinthetombwhichdyingsaintswillhave,andweareexpresslytoldthattheyshallhavenopreferencebeyondthosewhoareasleep.LetusbeofPaul'smindwhenhesaidthat"Todieisgain",andthinkof"departingtobewithChrist,whichisfarbetter."Thistwenty-thirdpsalmisnot

wornout,anditisassweetinabeliever'searnowasitwasinDavid'stime,letnoveltyhunterssaywhattheywill.
EXPLANATORYNOTESANDQUAINTSAYINGS
Ver.1-4.SeePsalmson"Ps23:1"forfurtherinformation.
Ver.4.Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil.To"fearnoevil",then,"inthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath",isablessedprivilegeopentoeverytruebeliever!Fordeathshallbetohimnodeathatall,butaverydeliverancefromdeath,fromallpains,cares,andsorrows,miseriesandwretchednessofthisworld,andtheveryentryintorest,andabeginningofeverlastingjoy:atastingofheavenlypleasures,sogreat,thatneithertongueisabletoexpress,neithereyestosee,noreartohearthem,no,noranyearthlyman'shearttoconceivethem...AndtocomfortallChristianpersonsherein,holyScripturecalleththisbodilydeathasleep,whereinman'ssensesbe,asitwere,takenfromhimforaseason,andyet,whenhewaketh,heismorefreshthanwhenhewenttobed!...Thusisthisbodilydeathadoororenteringintolife,andthereforenotsomuchdreadful,ifitberightlyconsidered,asitiscomfortable;notamischief,butaremedyforallmischief;noenemy,butafriend;notacrueltyrant,butagentleguide;leadingusnottomortality,buttoimmortality!nottosorrowandpain,buttojoyandpleasure,andthattoendureforever!HomilyagainsttheFearofDeath,1547.
Ver.4.Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil.ThoughIwerecalledtosuchasightasEzekiel'svision,avalleyfullofdeadmen'sbones;thoughthekingofterrorsshouldrideinawfulpompthroughthestreets,slayingheapsuponheaps,andthousandsshouldfallatmyside,andtenthousandsatmyrighthand,Iwillfearnoevil.Thoughheshouldlevelhisfatalarrowsatthelittlecircleofmyassociates,andputloverandfriendfarfromme,andmineacquaintanceintodarkness,Iwillfearnoevil.Yea,thoughImyselfshouldfeelhisarrowstickingfastinme,thepoisondrinkingupmyspirits;thoughIshouldinconsequenceofthatfatalseizure,sickenandlanguish,andhaveallthesymptomsofapproachingdissolution,stillIwillfearnoevil.Nature,indeed,maystartbackandtremble,butItrustthathewhoknowsthefleshtobeweak,willpityandpardonthesestruggles.HoweverImaybeafraidoftheagoniesofdying,Iwillfearnoevilindeath.Thevenomofhisstingistakenaway.Thepointofhisarrowisblunted,sothatitcanpiercenodeeperthanthebody.Mysoulininvulnerable.Icansmileattheshakingofhisspear;lookunmovedontheravageswhichtheunrelentingdestroyerismakingonmytabernacle;andlongforthehappy

periodwhenheshallhavemadeabreachwideenoughformyheavenaspiringspirittoflyawayandbeatrest.SamuelLavington.
Ver.4.Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil."Iwanttotalktoyouaboutheaven",saidadyingparent(1toamemberofhisfamily."Wemaynotbesparedtoeachotherlong.Maywemeetaroundthethroneofglory,onefamilyinheaven!"Overpoweredatthethought,hisbeloveddaughterexclaimed,"Surelyyoudonotthinkthereisanydanger?"Calmlyandbeautifullyhereplied,"Danger,mydarling!Oh,donotusethatword!TherecanbenodangertotheChristian,whatevermayhappen!Allisright!Alliswell!Godislove!Alliswell!Everlastinglywell!Everlastinglywell!"JohnStevenson.(1ThelateRev.HughStowell,RectorofBallaugh,IsleofMan.
Ver.4.ThoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil.Whatnotfearthen?Why,whatfriendisitthatkeepsupyourspirits,thatbearsyoucompanyinthatblackanddismalregion?HewillsoontellyouGodwaswithhim,andinthoseslipperywaysheleaneduponhisstaff,andthesewerethecordialsthatkepthisheartfromfainting.Ichallengeallthegallantsintheworld,outofalltheirmerry,jovialclubs,tofindsuchacompanyofmerry,cheerfulcreaturesasthefriendsofGodare.ItisnotthecompanyofGod,butthewantofit,thatmakessad.Alas!youknownotwhattheircomfortsbe,andstrangersintermeddlenotwiththeirjoy.Youthinktheycannotbemerrywhentheircountenanceissograve;buttheyaresureyoucannotbetrulymerrywhenyousmilewithacurseuponyoursouls.Theyknowthathespokethatsentencewhichcouldnotbemistaken,"Eveninlaughtertheheartissorrowful;andtheendofthatmirthisheaviness."Pr14:13.Thencallyourroaring,andyoursinging,andlaughter,mirth;buttheSpiritofGodcallsitmadness.Ec2:2.Whenacarnalman'sheartisreadytodiewithinhim,and,withNabal,tobecomelikeastone,howcheerfullythencanthoselookthathaveGodfortheirfriend!Whichofthevaliantonesoftheworldcanoutfacedeath,lookjoyfullyintoeternity?Whichofthemcanhugafaggot,embracetheflames?Thisthesaintcando,andmoretoo;forhecanlookinfinitejusticeinthefacewithacheerfulheart;hecanhearofhellwithjoyandthankfulness;hecanthinkofthedayofjudgmentwithgreatdelightandcomfort.Iagainchallengealltheworldtoproduceoneoutofalltheirmerrycompanies,onethatcandoallthis.Come,musterupallyourjovialbladestogether;callforyourharpsandviols;addwhatyouwilltomaketheconcertcomplete;bringinyourrichestwines;come,layyourheadstogether,andstudywhatmaystilladdtoyourcomfort.Well,itisdone?Now,comeaway,sinner,thisnightthysoulmustappearbeforeGod.Wellnow,whatsayyou,man?What!dothyourcouragefailyou?Nowcallforyourmerrycompanions,andletthem

cheerthyheart.Nowcallforacup,awhore;neverbedaunted,man.Shalloneofthycouragequail,thatcouldmakeamockatthethreateningsoftheAlmightyGod?What,soboonandjollybutnow,andnowdowninthemouth!Here'sasuddenchangeindeed!Wherearethymerrycompanions,Isayagain?Allfled?Wherearethydarlingpleasures?Haveallforsakenthee?Whyshouldestthoubedejected;there'sapoormaninragsthat'ssmiling?What!artthouquitebereftofallcomfort?What'sthematter?There'saquestionwithallmyheart,toaskamanthatmustappearbeforeGodtomorrowmorning.Well,then,itseemsyourheartmisgivesyou.Whatthendidyoumeanoftalkofjoysandpleasures?Aretheyallcometothis?Why,therestandsonethatnowhathhisheartasfullofcomfortaseveritcanhold,andtheverythoughtsofeternity,whichdosodauntyoursoul,raisehis!Andwouldyouknowthereason?HeknowsheisgoingtohisFriend;nay,hisFriendbearshimcompanythroughthatdirtylane.BeholdhowgoodandhowpleasantathingitisforGodandthesoultodwelltogetherinunity!ThisitistohaveGodforafriend."Ohblessedisthesoulthatisinsuchacase;yea,blessedisthesoulwhoseGodistheLord."Ps144:15.JamesJaneway.
Ver.4.ThoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath.Anydarknessisevil,butdarknessandtheshadowofdeathistheutmostofevils.Davidputtheworstofhiscaseandthebestofhisfaithwhenhesaid,ThoughIwalkinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil;thatis,inthegreatestevilIwillfearnoevil...Again,tobeundertheshadowofathing,istobeunderthepowerofathing...Thustobeundertheshadowofdeath,istobesounderthepowerorreachofdeath,thatdeathmaytakeamanandseizeuponhimwhenitpleaseth."ThoughIwalkinthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath",thatis,thoughIbesoneardeath,thatitseemstoothersdeathmaycatchmeeverymoment,thoughIbeundersomanyappearancesandprobabilitiesofextremedanger,thatthereappearsanimpossibility,insense,toescapedeath,"yetIwillnotfear."JosephCaryl.
Ver.4.Valleyoftheshadowofdeath.Avalleyisalowplace,withmountainsoneitherside.Enemiesmaybepostedonthosemountainstoshoottheirarrowsatthetraveller,aseverwasthecaseintheEast;buthemustpassthroughit.Thepsalmist,however,saidhewouldfearnoevil,noteventhefierydartsofSatan,fortheLordwaswithhim.Thefigureisnotprimarily,asissometimessupposed,ourdyingmoments,thoughitwillbeautifullybearthatexplanation;butitisthevalleybesetwithenemies,postedonthehills.Davidwasnotonlyprotectedinthatvalley,buteveninthepresenceofthoseenemies,histablewasbountifullyspread(Ps23:5.TheBedouin,atthepresentdayoftenpostthemselvesonthehillstoharasstravellers,astheypassalongthevalleys.JohnGadsby.

Ver.4.Iwillfearnoevil.Ithathbeenanancientproverb,whenamanhaddonesomegreatmatter,hewassaidtohave"pluckedalionbythebeard;"whenalionisdead,eventolittlechildrenithathbeenaneasymatter.Asboys,whentheyseeabear,alion,orawolfdeadinthestreets,theywillpullofftheirhair,insultoverthem,anddealwiththemastheyplease;theywilltrampleupontheirbodies,anddothatuntothembeingdead,whichtheydurstnotintheleastmeasureventureuponwhilsttheyarealive.Suchathingisdeath,afuriousbeast,arampinglion,adevouringwolf,thehelluogenerishumani(eaterupofmankind,yetChristhathlaidhimathislength,hathbeenthedeathofdeath,sothatGod'schildrentriumphoverhim,suchasthoserefinedonesintheoreofthechurch,thosemartyrsoftheprimitivetimes,whocheerfullyofferedthemselvestothefire,andtothesword,andtoalltheviolenceofthishungrybeast;andhaveplayeduponhim,scornedandderidedhim,bythefaiththattheyhadinthelifeofChrist,whohathsubduedhimtohimself.1Corinthians15.MartinDay,1660.
Ver.4.Thouartwithme.Doyouknowthesweetness,thesecurity,thestrengthof"Thouartwithme"?Whenanticipatingthesolemnhourofdeath,whenthesoulisreadytohaltandask,Howshallitthenbe?canyouturninsoulaffectiontoyourGodandsay,"Thereisnothingindeathtoharmme,whilethyloveislefttome"?Canyousay,"Odeath,whereisthysting"?Itissaid,whenabeehasleftitsstinginanyone,ithasnomorepowertohurt.DeathhasleftitsstinginthehumanityofChrist,andhasnomorepowertoharmhischild.Christ'svictoryoverthegraveishispeople's."AtthatmomentIamwithyou,"whispersChrist;"thesamearmyouhaveprovedstrongandfaithfulallthewayupthroughthewilderness,whichhasneverfailed,thoughyouhavebeenoftenforcedtoleanonitallyourweakness.""Onthisarm,"answersthebeliever,"Ifeelathome;withsoulconfidence,IreposeonmyBeloved;forhehassupportedthroughsomanydifficulties,fromthecontemplationofwhichIshuddered.Hehascarriedoversomanydepths,thatIknowhisarmtobethearmoflove."Howcanthatbedark,inwhichGod'schildistohavetheaccomplishmentofthelongingdesireofhislife?Howcanitbedarktocomeincontactwiththelightoflife?Itishisrod,hisstaff;thereforetheycomfort.Provehim—provehimnow,believer!itisyourprivilegetodoso.Itwillbeprecioustohimtosupportyourweakness;provethatwhenweak,thenareyoustrong;thatyoumaybesecure,hisstrengthshallbeperfectedinyourperfectweakness.Omnipotentlovemustfailbeforeoneofhissheepcanperish;for,saysChrist,"noneshallpluckmysheepoutofmyhand.""IandmyFatherareone;"thereforewemayboldlysay,"Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil:forthouartwithme."ViscountessPowerscourt.

Ver.4.Thyrod.Ofthevirgapastoralistherearethreeuses:—1.Numerareoves—toreckonuporcountthesheep;andinthissensetheyaresaid"topassundertherod"(Le27:32,theshepherdtellsthemonebyone.AndevensoarethepeopleofGodcalledtherodofhisinheritance(Jer10:16,suchashetakesspecialnoticeoraccountof.Andtakethewordsinthissense—Thyroddothcomfortme—itholdswell;q.d."ThoughIaminsucheminentdangersbyreasonofevilmen,yetthisismycomfort—Iamnotneglectedofthee;thoudostnotsuffermetoperish;thoutakestnoticeofme;thoudosttakeandmakeanaccountofme;thyspecialcarelooksafterme."2.Provocareoves:whenthesheeparenegligentandremissinfollowingordriving,thewshepherddoth,withhisrod,putthemon,quickentheirpace.AndinthissensealsoDavidsaithwell,"Thyroddothcomfortme;"foritisaworkwhichdothbreedmuchjoyandcomfortintheheartsofGod'speople,whenGoddothputthemoutofalazy,cold,formalwalking,anddoth,somewayorother,causethemtomendtheirpace,togrowmoreactiveandferventinhisserviceandworship.3.Revocareoves:thesheepsometimesarepetulante
divagantes,idlyandinconsideratelystrayingfromtheflock,grazingalone,andwanderingafterotherpastures,notconsideringthedangerswhichattendthembysuchaseparationandwandering;and,therefore,theshepherddothwithhisrodstrikeandfetchtheminagain,andsopreservethem.InthissensealsoDavidmightwellsay,"Thyroddothcomfortme;"foritisagreatcomfortthattheLordwillnotleavehissheeptothewaysofdiscomfort,butbringsthemofffromsinfulerringsandwanderings,whichalwaysdoexposethemtotheirgreatestdangersandtroubles.SothatthewordsdointimateasingularpartofGod'sgubernationorcarefulprovidenceofhisflock.ObadiahSedgwick.
Ver.4.Rodandstaff.Theshepherdinvariablycarriesastafforrodwithhimwhenhegoesforthtofeedhisflock.Itisoftenbentorhookedatoneend,whichgaverisetotheshepherd'scrookinthehandoftheChristianbishop.Withthisstaffherulesandguidestheflocktotheirgreenpastures,anddefendsthemfromtheirenemies.Withitalsohecorrectsthemwhendisobedient,andbringsthembackwhenwandering.Thisstaffisassociatedasinseparablywiththeshepherdasthegoadiswiththeploughman.W.M.Thomson.
Ver.4.Thepsalmistwilltrust,eventhoughallbeunknown.WefindhimdoingthisinPs23:4:Yea,thoughIwalkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,Iwillfearnoevil.Here,surely,thereistrustthemostcomplete.Wedreadtheunknownfaraboveanythingthatwecansee;alittlenoiseinthedarkwillterrify,whenevengreatdangerswhicharevisibledonotaffright:theunknown,withitsmysteryanduncertainty,oftenfillstheheartwithanxiety,ifnotwithforebodingandgloom.Here,the

psalmisttakesthehighestformoftheunknown,theaspectwhichismostterribletoman,andsays,thateveninthemidstifithewilltrust.Whatcouldbesowhollybeyondthereachofhumanexperienceorspeculation,orevenimagination,as"thevalleyoftheshadowofdeath",withallthatbelongedtoit?butthepsalmistmakesnoreservationagainstit;hewilltrustwherehecannotsee.Howoftenareweterrifiedattheunknown;evenasthediscipleswere,"whofearedastheyenteredthecloud;"howoftenistheuncertaintyofthefutureahardertrialtoourfaiththanthepressureofsomepresentill!ManydearchildrenofGodcantrusthiminallknownevils;butwhythosefearsandforebodings,andsinkingsofheart,iftheytrusthimequallyfortheunknown?Howmuch,alas!dowefallshortofthetruecharacterofthechildrenofGod,inthismatteroftheunknown!AchildpracticallyactsuponthedeclarationofChristthat"sufficientuntothedayistheevilthereof,"we,inthisrespectfarlesswisethanhe,peopletheunknownwithphantomsandspeculations,andtoooftenforgetoursimpletrustinGod.PhilipBennetPower.
Ver.4.Forthouartwithme;thyrodandthystaffcomfortme.Thoushaltprepareatablebeforeme,againstthemthattroubleme.Thouhastanointedmyheadwithoil,andmycupshallbefull.Seeingthouartwithme,atwhosepowerandwillalltroublesgoandcome,Idoubtnotbuttohavethevictoryandupperhandofthem,howmanyanddangeroussoevertheyare;forthyrodchastenethmewhenIgoastray,andthystaffstayethmewhenIshouldfall—twothingsmostnecessaryforme,goodLord;theonetocallmefrommyfaultanderror,andtheothertokeepmeinthytruthandverity.WhatcanbemoreblessedthantobesustainedandkeptfromfallingbythestaffandstrengthoftheMostHigh?Andwhatcanbemoreprofitablethantobebeatenwithhismercifulrodwhenwegoastray?Forhechastenethasmanyasheloveth,andbeatethasmanyashereceivethintohisholyprofession.Notwithstanding,whilewearehereinthislife,hefeedsuswiththesweetpasturesofthewholesomeherbsofhisholyword,untilwecometoeternallife;andwhenweputoffthesebodies,andcomeintoheaven,andknowtheblessedfruitionandrichesofhiskingdom,thenshallwenotonlybehissheep,butalsotheguestsofhiseverlastingbanquet;which,Lord,thousettestbeforeallthemthatlovetheeinthisworld,anddostsoanointandmakegladourmindswiththineHolySpirit,thatnoadversitiesnortroublescanmakeussorry.Inthissixthpart,theprophetdeclarestheoldsayingamongstwisemen,"Itisnolessmasterytokeepthethingthatiswon,thanitwastowinit."KingDavidperceivesrightwellthesame;and,therefore,asbeforeinthePsalmhesaid,theLordturnedhissoul,andledhimintothepleasantpastures,wherevirtueandjusticereigned,forhisname'ssake,andnotforanyrighteousnessofhisown;sosaithhenow,thatbeingbroughtintothepasturesoftruth,andintothefavouroftheAlmighty,andaccounted

andtakenforoneofhissheep,itisonlyGodthatkeepsandmaintainshim,inthesamestate,condition,andgrace.Forhecouldnotpassthroughthetroublesandshadowofdeath,asheandallGod'selectpeoplemustdo,butonlybytheassistanceofGod,and,therefore,hesaith,hepassesthroughallperilbecausehewaswithhim.JohnHooper(martyr,1495-1555.
Ver.4.Bytheway,InotethatDavidamidsthisgreenpastures,wherehewantednothing,andinhisgreatesteaseandhighestexcellency,recordsthevalleyofmiseryandshadeofdeathwhichmightensue,ifGodsowould;andtherewithalreckonethofhissafestharbourandfirmrepose,eveninGodalone.Andthisistruewisdomindeed,infairweathertoprovideforatempest;inhealthtothinkofsickness;inprosperity,peace,andquietness,toforecasttheworst,andwiththewiseemmet,insummertolayupforthewinterfollowing.Thestateofmanisfulloftrouble,theconditionofthegodlymanmore.Sinnersmustbecorrected,andsonschastised,thereisnoquestion.Thearkwasframedforthewaters,theshipforthesea;andhappyisthemarinerthatknowethwheretocastanchor;but,oh!blessedisthemanthatcantakearightsanctuary,andknowethwhereupontorely,andinwhomtotrustinthedayofhisneed.Iwillnotfear,forthouartwithme.InthisPsalm,Itakeit,israthervouchednotwhattheprophetalwaysperformed,butwhatindutymustbeperformed,andwhatDavid'spurposewastoendeavouruntoforthetimetocome.ForaftersomanypledgesofGod'sinfinitegoodness,andbytheguidanceofhisrodandstayofhissheephook,Godwilling,hewouldnotfear,andthisisthegroundworkofhisaffiance.PeterinthegospelbyourSaviour,inconsiderationofinfirmitythroughfeardenyinghisMaster,iswilledafterhisconversionbythatfavourableaspectofourSaviour,toconfirmhisbrethren,andtotraintheminconstancy;forverilyGodrequirethsettledminds,resolutemen,andconfirmedbrethren.Souponoccasionspast,Davidfoundittruethatheshouldnothavebeenheretoforeatanytime,andthereforeprofesses,thatforthetimetocomehewouldbenomarigoldservantoftheLord,toopenwiththesunandshutwiththedew—toservehimincalmertimesonly,andataneed,toshootneckoutofcollar,fearfullyandfaithlesslytoslipasideorshrinkaway.Goodpeople,inallheartlessimperfections,mark,Iprayyou,thattheywhofeareverymistthatariseth,orcloudthatappeareth—whoarelikethemulberrytree,thatnevershootethforthorshowethitselftillallhardweatherbepast—who,likebystandersandlookerson,neutersandinternimists—who,likeMetiusSuffetius,darenotventureupon,norenterinto,nor
endeavouranygoodactionofgreatestdutytoGod,prince,orcountry,tillallbesureinoneside—areutterlyreprovedbythisensample.JohnPrime,1588.

NotecontinuedonSeePsalmson"Job42:14"
Psalms23:5(PSALMS
EXPOSITION
Ver.5.Thoupreparestatablebeforemeinthepresenceofmineenemies.Thegoodmanhashisenemies.HewouldnotbelikehisLordifhehadnot.IfwewerewithoutenemieswemightfearthatwewerenotthefriendsofGod,forthefriendshipoftheworldisenmitytoGod.Yetseethequietudeofthegodlymaninspiteof,andinthesightof,hisenemies.Howrefreshingishiscalmbravery!
Thoupreparestatablebeforeme.Whenasoldierisinthepresenceofhisenemies,ifheeatsatallhesnatchesahastymeal,andawayhehastenstothefight.Butobserve:"Thoupreparestatable,"justasaservantdoeswhensheunfoldsthedamaskclothanddisplaystheornamentsofthefeastonanordinarypeacefuloccasion.Nothingishurried,thereisnoconfusion,nodisturbance,theenemyisatthedoor,andyetGodpreparesatable,andtheChristiansitsdownandeatsasifeverythingwereinperfectpeace.Oh!thepeacewhichJehovahgivestohispeople,eveninthemidstofthemosttryingcircumstances!"Letearthbeallinarmsabroad,Theydwellinperfectpeace."
Thouanointestmyheadwithoil.Mayweliveinthedailyenjoymentofthisblessing,receivingafreshanointingforeveryday'sduties.EveryChristianisapriest,buthecannotexecutethepriestlyofficewithoutunction,andhencewemustgodaybydaytoGodtheHolyGhost,thatwemayhaveourheadsanointedwithoil.Apriestwithoutoilmissesthechiefqualificationforhisoffice,andtheChristianpriestlackshischieffitnessforservicewhenheisdevoidofnewgracefromonhigh.Mycuprunnethover.Hehadnotonlyenough,acupfull,butmorethanenough,acupwhichoverflowed.Apoormanmaysaythisaswellasthoseinhighercircumstances."What,allthis,andJesusChristtoo?"saidapoorcottagerasshebrokeapieceofbreadandfilledaglasswithcoldwater.Whereasamanmaybeeversowealthy,butifhebediscontentedhiscupcannotrunover;itiscrackedandleaks.Contentisthe
philosopher'sstonewhichturnsallittouchesintogold;happyishewho

hasfoundit.Contentismorethanakingdom,itisanotherwordforhappiness.
EXPLANATORYNOTESANDQUAINTSAYINGS
Ver.4-5.SeePsalmson"Ps23:4"forfurtherinformation.
Ver.5.Thoupreparestatablebeforemeinthepresenceofmineenemies.Goddothnotatalldependuponwickedmeninthebenedictionofhisservant;theyconcurnotwithhim,neitherpermodumprincipii,forhealoneisthecause;norpermodumauxilii,forhewithoutthemcanblesshisall:theirmaliciousrenitencyofspirit,orattemptagainstGod'sblessingofhispeople,istooimpotenttofrustrateGod'sintentionandpleasure.Aneffectualimpedimentmustnotonlyhavecontrarietyinit,but
superiority:adropofwatercannotputoutthefire,forthoughithathacontrarynature,yetithathnotgreaterpower.Nowthemaliceandcontrivancesofevilmenaretooshortandweakforthedivineintentionofblessing,whichisaccompaniedwithanalmightyarm.Evilmenarebutmen,andGodisaGod;andbeingbutmen,theycandonomorethanmen.TheLordwillclearittoalltheworld,thatherulestheearth,andthat"hiscounselshallstand;"andwhereheblesseth,thatmanshallbeblessed;andwhomhecurseth,thatmanshallbecursed;thatthecreaturescandoneithergoodnotevil;thathispeoplearethegenerationofhiscareandlove,thoughlivinginthemidstofdeadlyenemies.CondensedfromObadiahSedgwick.
Ver.5.Inthepresenceofmineenemies:theyseeingandenvyingandfrettingatit,butnotbeingabletohinderit.MatthewPoole.Ver.5.Thouanointestmyheadwithoil;mycuprunnethover.IntheEastthepeoplefrequentlyanointtheirvisitorswithsomeveryfragrantperfume;andgivethemacuporglassofsomechoicewine,whichtheyarecarefultofilltillitrunsover.Thefirstwasdesignedtoshowtheirloveandrespect;thelattertoimplythatwhiletheyremainedthere,theyshouldhaveanabundanceofeverything.Tosomethingofthiskindthepsalmistprobablyalludesinthispassage.SamuelBurder.
Ver.5.Thouanointestmyheadwithoil.Anointingtheheadwithoilisagreatrefreshment.Therearethreequalitiesofoil—laevor,nitor,odor,asmoothnesstothetouch,brightnesstothesight,fragrancytothesmell,andso,gratifyingthesenses,itmustneedscausedelighttothoseanointedwithit.TothisSolomonalludeswhenpersuadingtoacheerfullife,hesaith,"Letthyheadlacknoointment."HowfullydoththisrepresenttheSpirit'sunctionwhichalonerejoicesandexhilarates

thesoul!Itiscalledthe"oilofgladness",andthe"joyoftheHolyGhost."NathanaelHardy.
Ver.5.Thouanointestmyheadwithoil.Itisanactofgreatrespecttopourperfumedoilontheheadofadistinguishedguest;thewomaninthegospelthusmanifestedherrespectfortheSaviourbypouring
"preciousointment"onhishead.AnEnglishladywentonboardanArabianshipwhichtouchedatTrincomalee,forthepurposeofseeingtheequipmentofthevessel,andtomakesomelittlepurchases.Aftershehadbeenseatedsometimeinthecabin,anArabianfemalecameandpouredperfumedoilonherhead.JosephRoberts.
Ver.5.Thouanointestmyheadwithoil.IntheEastnoentertainmentcouldbewithoutthis,anditserved,aselsewhereabathdoes,for(bodilyrefreshment.Here,however,itisnaturallytobeunderstoodofthespiritualoilofgladness.T.C.Barth.
Ver.5.Thouanointestmyheadwithoil.Thouhastnotconfinedthybountymerelytothenecessariesoflife,butthouhastsuppliedmealsowithitsluxuries.In"AplainExplanationofDifficultPassagesinthe
Psalms",
1831.
Ver.5.Thouanointestmyheadwithoil.TheunguentsofEgyptmaypreserveourbodiesfromcorruption,ensuringthemalongdurationinthedrearyshadesofthesepulchre,but,OLord,thepreciousperfumedoilofthygracewhichthoudostmysteriouslypouruponoursouls,purifiesthem,adornsthem,strengthensthem,sowsinthemthegermsofimmortality,andthusitnotonlysecuresthemfromatransitorycorruption,butupliftsthemfromthishouseofbondageintoeternalblessednessinthybosom.JeanBaptisteMassillon,1663-1742.
Ver.5.Mycuprunnethover.Hehadnotonlyafulnessofabundance,butofredundance.Thosethathavethishappinessmustcarrytheircupupright,andseethatitoverflowsintotheirpoorbrethren'semptiervessels.JohnTrapp.
Ver.5.Mycuprunnethover.WhereforedoththeLordmakeyoucuprunover,butthatothermen'slipsmighttastetheliquor?Theshowersthatfalluponthehighestmountains,shouldglideintothelowestvalleys."Give,anditshallbegivenyou",isamaximlittlebelieved.Lu6:38.WilliamSecker.

Ver.5.Mycuprunnethover.OrasitisintheVulgate:Andmyinebriatingchalice,howexcellentitis!Withthiscupwerethemartyrsinebriated,when,goingforthtotheirpassion,theyrecognisednotthosethatbelongedtothem;nottheirweepingwife,nottheirchildren,nottheirrelations;whiletheygavethanksandsaid,"Iwilltakethecupofsalvation!"Augustine.
HINTSTOTHEVILLAGEPREACHER
Ver.5.Thewarriorfeasted,thepriestanointed,theguestsatisfied.Ver.5.(lastclause.ThemeansandusesofthecontinualanointingsoftheHolySpirit.
Ver.5.Providentialsuperaboundings,andwhatisourdutyconcerningthem.
Psalms23:6(PSALMS
EXPOSITION
Ver.6.Surelygoodnessandmercyshallfollowmeallthedaysofmylife.Thisisafactasindisputableasitisencouraging,andthereforeaheavenlyverily,or"surely"issetasasealuponit.Thissentencemayberead,"onlygoodnessandmercy,"forthereshallbeunmingledmercyinourhistory.Thesetwinguardianangelswillalwaysbewithmeatmybackandmybeck.Justaswhengreatprincesgoabroadtheymustnotgounattended,soitiswiththebeliever.Goodnessandmercyfollowhimalways—
allthedaysofhislife—theblackdaysaswellasthebrightdays,thedaysoffastingaswellasthedaysoffeasting,thedrearydaysofwinteraswellasthebrightdaysofsummer.Goodnesssuppliesourneeds,andmercyblotsoutoursins.
AndIwilldwellinthehouseoftheLordforever."Aservantabidethnotinthehouseforever,butthesonabidethever."WhileIamhereIwillbeachildathomewithmyGod;thewholeworldshallbehishousetome;andwhenIascendintotheupperchamber,Ishallnotchangemycompany,norevenchangethehouse;IshallonlygotodwellintheupperstoreyofthehouseoftheLordforever.MayGodgrantusgracetodwellinthesereneatmosphereofthismostblessedPsalm!

EXPLANATORYNOTESANDQUAINTSAYINGS
Ver.4,6.SeePsalmson"Ps23:4"forfurtherinformation.
Ver.6.IwilldwellinthehouseoftheLordforever.Awickedman,itmaybe,willturnintoGod'shouse,andsayaprayer,etc.,buttheprophetwould(andsoallgodlymenmustdwellthereforever;hissoulliethalwaysatthethroneofgrace,beggingforgrace.Awickedmanpraysasthecockcrows;thecockcrowsandceases,andcrowsagain,andceasesagain,andthinksnotofcrowingtillhecrowsagain:soawickedmanpraysandceases,praysandceasesagain;hismindisneverbusiedtothinkwhetherhisprayersspeedorno;hethinksitisgoodreligionforhimtopray,andthereforehetakesforgrantedthathisprayersspeed,thoughinverydeedGodneverhearshisprayers,nornomorerespectsthemthanherespectsthelowingofoxen,orthegruntingofhogs.WilliamFenner,B.D.(1600-1640,in"TheSacrificeoftheFaithful."
Ver.6.IwilldwellinthehouseoftheLordforever.Thisshouldbeatoncethecrownofallourhopesforthefuture,andtheonegreatlessontaughtusbyallthevicissitudesoflife.Thesorrowsandthejoys,thejourneyingandtherest,thetemporaryreposeandthefrequentstruggles,alltheseshouldmakeussurethatthereisanendwhichwillinterpretthemall,towhichtheyallpoint,forwhichtheyallprepare.Wegetthetableinthewildernesshere.Itisaswhenthesonofsomegreatkingcomesbackfromforeignsoiltohisfather'sdominions,andiswelcomedateverystageinhisjourneytothecapitalwithpompoffestivalandmessengersfromthethrone,untilatlastheentershispalacehome,wherethetravelstainedrobeislaidaside,andhesitsdownwithhisfatherathistable.AlexanderMaclaren,1863.
Ver.6.MarkDavid'sresolutepersuasion,andconsiderhowhecameuntoit,namely,byexperienceofGod'sfavouratsundrytimes,andaftersundrymanners.Forbeforehesetdownthisresolution,henumberedupdiversbenefitsreceivedoftheLord;thathefedhimingreenpastures,andledhimbytherefreshingwatersofGod'sword;thatherestoreshimandleadshiminthepathsofrighteousness;thathestrengthenedhimingreatdangers,evenofdeath,andpreservethhim;thatindespiteofhisenemies,heenricheshimwithmanybenefits.BymeansofallthemerciesofGodbestowedonhim,hecametobepersuadedofthecontinuanceofthefavourofGodtowardshim.WilliamPerkins.
HINTSTOTHEVILLAGEPREACHER
Ver.6.(firstclause.Theblessednessofcontent.

Ver.6.Ontheroadandathome,orheavenlyattendantsandheavenlymansions.


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