Psalm 23:4-5 NIV

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6

The good Shepherd and his flock. This is one of the sweetest of all the psalms. That it was written by him who was raised from having care of a flock to be the king on Israel's throne, there is no reason for doubting, spite of all that destructive critics may say. No amount of Hebrew scholarship can possibly let any one into the deep meaning of this psalm. No attainments in English literature will ever initiate any student into the mysteries of a mother's love, and no attainments in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6

The good Shepherd. Dr. Arnold said that "amongst Christians, all looking upon the Scriptures as their rule of faith and life, there are particular passages which will most suit the wants of particular minds, and appear to them therefore full of an extraordinary measure of comfort and of wisdom." This is true. Most people have their favourite passages of Scripture. But it may be said of this psalm that it holds a peculiar position. It has for more than three thousand years been one of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6

The power of reflection. The psalmist looks back over his life, and sings with grateful heart of God's love and care. We may use the psalm as bringing before us some of the changes and contrasts of life. I. YOUTH AND AGE . This psalm breathes the air of youth. It is the echo of the shepherd-life among the hills of Judah. But the psalmist was now old. Still, he cleaves to God. Happy are they who have sought God early, and whose days from youth to age are linked together by natural... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. A sudden transition and contrast, such as David loved. The quiet paths of righteousness and peace remind the poet of the exact opposite—the dark and dismal way through the valley of the shadow of death. Even when so situated, he does not, he will not, fear. I will fear no evil , he says. And why? For thou art with me . The same Protector, the same gracious and merciful God, will be still with him—leading him, guiding his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Another transition. The danger of death is past. David reverts to the thought of the tranquil, happy, joyous time which God has vouchsafed to grant him. He has "adversaries,'' indeed, but they are powerless to effect anything against hint They have to look on with ill-concealed annoyance at his prosperity, to see his table amply spread; his condition such as men generally envy; his wealth typified by abundant oil— thou ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:5

A table prepared. First we may apply this saying to our daily bread. Every "table" needs preparation. There is the material food, which may have come from far; and there are the kind hands that have made it ready. But besides this, there is love of God. We recognize that God has to do with our "daily bread." It is a matter between him and us. "Thou" and "me." How greatly is every blessing enhanced, when it is taken as from the hand of God! Then circumstances may give a special... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:5-6

Fulness of joy. The psalmist has hitherto spoken of the care of the good Shepherd in removing the miseries, pains, and sufferings which this life brings—of the rest, refreshing, and protection he had received. Now he rises higher into the rich fulness of joy he receives, and the good things of God's house. Four principal ideas here. I. THAT THERE IS AN ABUNDANT PROVISION FOR EVERY WANT . ( Psalms 23:5 .) For all outward and inward want. A feast or banquet is... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - The meaning of this in the connection in which it occurs is this: “God will lead and guide me in the path of righteousness, even though that path lies through the darkest and most gloomy vale - through deep and dismal shades - in regions where there is no light, as if death had cast his dark and baleful shadow there. It is still a right path; it is a path of safety; and it will conduct me to bright regions beyond. In that dark and... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 23:5

Thou preparest a table - The image is now changed, though expressing the general idea which is indicated in the first verse of the psalm, “I shall not want.” The evidence or proof of this in the previous verses is, that God was a shepherd, and would provide for him as a shepherd does for his flock; the evidence here is that God had provided a table, or a feast, for him in the very presence of his enemies, and had filled his cup with joy. The word “table” here is synonymous with “feast;” and the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 23:4

Psalms 23:4. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, Job 24:17; Psalms 44:19; Jeremiah 2:6; that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself: or rather, though I am under the arrests of death, and have received the sentence of death within myself, and have every reason to look upon myself as a dying... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:5-6

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 23:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 23:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 23:4

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