I. THE SHEPHERD'S ABUNDANT PROVISION (1-3). "Jehovah." Pastures and Waters. My Supplies.
II. THE SHEPHERD'S ABLE PROTECTION (4). "Thou." Rod and Staff. From Death. My Safeguards. Ill. THE SHEPHERD'S ABLE PROTECTION (5). "Thou." Table and Cup. From Enemies. My Society. IV. THE SHEPHERD'S ABUNDANT PROVISION (6). "Jehovah." Goodness and Loving-kindness. My Servants. SUPERSCRIPT.-A psalm of David. PRIMARY AssocIATION.-This "Pearl of Psalms," the simplest and sweetest song ever sung, was written by David the shepherd-king, but at what period of his life is not known. PROPHETIC ANTICIPATION.-The voice of Messiah, as the truly dependent Man in His daily life down here, is heard expressing His satisfaction in Jehovah. In this He identifies Himself with Israel's godly remnant. In another view, this psalm,_ coming as it does between xxii and xxiv., i.e. the Cross and the Glory, may be the subject of Christ's meditation in Hades (Paradise), c£ Luke xxiii. 43, in which case several expressions gain point. PERSONAL APPLICATION.-The sheep are safe and satisfied. Little need be said here as so much has been written about this· precious ·portion of God's Word. There is no doubt that multitudes of saints have lived by it and in the faith of.it multitudes have died. We cannot fail to note the intense individuality of the psalm, also that, while the Shepherd's gracious provision is detailed, the emphasis is upon the Giver rather than upon the gifts; the Person is greater than the provision. Our Lord takes up the beautiful figure and applies it to Himself, John x. Guardianship and guidance are assured us until home is reached. The unfailing Presence preserves from unknown perils. The world is a scene darkened by the sentence of death-the stamp of death is upon everything, but for the believer the sting has Rone even from death itself, only the "shadow" remains. On the 'other side" is everlasting sunshine. There may be gloom all around, but upward is ever the blue sky. At the end of the way is an eternal welcome. God is no niggardly supplier; He provides for the joys of life as well as for its necessities, civ. 15. Peace and plenty are our portion-do we enjoy them? Our Shepherd knows the way for He Himself has trodden it alone. Right paths may lead through perilous regions,
All my resources are in Him: (i) Rest, (2); (ii) Refreshment, (2); (iii) Restoration, (3); (iv) Regulation, (3); (v) Rescue, (4); (vi) Reassurance, (4); (vii) Reception, (4); (viii) Rejoicing, (5); (ix) Retainers, (6); (x) Residence, (6). VERSE NOTES r. Jehovah is often referred to as the Shepherd of Israel and Israel as His flock, especially in this Book of Psalms, e.g. lxxx. r. 2. Br. "pastures of tender grass"; rest in the noontide heat here pictured. The sheep is a ruminant (hence "clean" according to the Law); it does not simply swallow its food. While the sheep is lying down at rest, the gathered food is regurgitated and deliberately and thoroughly masticated ready for assimilation. So should the believer enjoy the s9ul-satisfying treasures of God's Word ministered by His Spirit. (b) "still waters," re£ to wells and cisterns upon which shepherds depend, rather than upon the streams, which often fail in time of need.; ''leadeth," Hebrew word suggests gentle guidance ( c£ Isa. xl. II), the shepherd graciously accommodating his pace to the strength of the sheep. In Eastern lands the flock is never driven; see Gen. xxxiii. r4. Water is a daily necessity, especially in a hot--and dry climate. 3. "He restoreth ... ," i.e. rescues my life from forbidden and fatal places. There are private fields, gardens and vineyards, upon which if a sheep stray, its life is forfeit to the owner of the land; •Ĥpaths of righteousness," or right paths; "for His Name's sake," i.e. to prove Himself what He has declared Himself to be. Jehovah ever cherishes and upholds His good na.IJ].e-herĥas Shepherd. He desires to be fully known by us, so that we may fully trust Him and delight ourselves in Him. 4. "valley ... ," i.e. a deep ravine in which lurk wild beasts, natural enemies of the flock; "shadow of death"= a Heb. idiom for intense darkness; "rod," for counting and controlling the sheepĦ Lev. xxvii. 32; Jer. xxxiii. r3; "staff," used to, defend the sheep from its enemies, I Sam. xvii. 37, 40. 5. "table," to find a good and safe feeding-place for the sheep often calls for the highest skill and heroism on the part of the shepherd. He must study the nature cf the grass, note the presence or absence of poisonous plants and reptiles, search out the lairs of predatory animals, stopping up their dens with stones; and if necessary, attacking and destroying the animals themselves. At the close of the day the shepherd stands at the door of the fold "rodding the sheep," i.e. con trolling them with his rod, and not only counting them as they pass in, but closely examining the condition of each sheep. Using olive oµ. and cedar tar, he anoints wounds, scratches and bruises, and refreshes the worn and weary by making them drink out of a large two-handled cup, brimming with water from cisterns provided for the purpose. "Oil" typifies the refreshing and restoring ministry of the Spirit of God;" cup" speaks of actual enjoyment of His abundant provision. It runs over; no element is lacking to make the joy complete. 6. Br. "Only ( = nothing but) goodness and loving-kindness . . .," here is assurance that the Shepherd's care will be unremitting day by day; "dwell," for
REC ORD OF TH DIVINE REDEEMER not only long life, but intimate fellowship is indicated; "for ever," c£ margin; also x:xi. 4. Thus the song ends with the sheep settled and safe in t4e sheepfold. The encl is seen to be a glorious beginning. For many of the "Verse Notes., one is indebted to the well-known book, "The Song of the Syrian Guest."
This book has 150 chapters