![]() David existentially felt God’s goodness and love ( chesed). He prepares a table (a most natural result of living in a shame and honor culture that cared deeply about hospitality) and shows the common courtesies of anointing the guest’s head with oil (though David may have been thinking of Samuel anointing him as king) and making sure his cup is always full (another common ancient Near East custom). The shepherd of the psalm also is a host. The rod and staff are the shepherd’s tools to guide the sheep in those paths. This shepherd led his sheep out of scary places. The darkest valley (i.e., valley of death) was a frightening valley west of Jerusalem. Taking the right paths to the next feeding ground mattered in Israel. ![]() This shepherd ensured his sheep could safely drink and not be washed away in strong currents. Rushing waters from vicious rivers or flooded wadis could endanger the sheep. When the shepherd found such a pasture, he ensured that his sheep would enjoy the rest and nourishment they needed. Green pastures are hard to come by in Israel. Interpreting the imagery of those verbs demonstrated how the shepherd nourishes, restores, leads, honors, protects, and inspires confidence. The verbs ( makes, leads, refreshes, guides, prepares, and anoints, along with the implied verb, protects) underline the thoroughness of the shepherd to provide. The shepherd made sure his sheep lacked nothing. Finally, the psalm underlines David’s confidence about gaining victory over his enemies and experiencing enjoyment in the presence of God. Second, the psalm is used in all circumstances (including funerals). First, it pictures God as a shepherd (an image familiar to King David). At least three things make this psalm so familiar and popular. ![]() That is what this most famous of all psalms celebrates. And beyond that, we have a good God who acts as a shepherd and a gracious host. Thanksgiving week is a good time to affirm that many of us lack nothing. ![]() But King David also challenged Israel to be like Joshua-without naming him-and he did so in two very familiar Psalms (23 and 27).Ī Heart That Is Strong and Courageous Lacks Nothing As he took the baton of leadership from Moses, God reminded him more than once to be strong and courageous in leading Israel (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, and 18). When we think about being strong and courageous, our minds of course drift to Joshua, the faithful spy and successor of Moses. Send an email to to receive PDFs of the lesson material each month. Supplemental Text: Joshua 1:9 Hebrews 11:6, 32-36Īim: Wait in faith on the Lord be of good courage, and he will strengthen your heart.ĭownload a PDF of this week’s lesson material (the Study by Mark Scott, Application by David Faust, and Discovery Questions by Michael C. ![]()
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