Introduction

• Psalm 80:1-3

• Isaiah 43:15

• 2 Samuel 5:1-2

• Psalm 23:1

"lack nothing" - haser (khaw-sehre’) = This is absolute. David declared that he lacked nothing essential for covenant life with YHVH!

This sentence shapes and colors the whole song.

• Psalm 34:10

• Philippians 4:19

  
  

The Good Shepherd (King) Provides...

1. Comfort - vs 2

"Makes me lie down" - yarbiseni (yar-bi-tseh’-nee). Sheep only lie down when: free from fear, free from friction, free from pests, free from hunger.

• Psalm 23:2

• Ezekiel 34:15

• 2 Corinthians 1:3

2. Rest - vs 2-3

• "Green pastures" - surprising abundance. God provides more than expected.

• "Still (quiet) waters" - Literally waters of rest and refreshment

  • Psalm 62:1

  • Matthew 11:28-30

• "Restores my soul" - Revival, restoration

  • Psalm 19:7

  • 1 Peter 5:10

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God's rest completely restores the soul! This includes revival (return to vitality) and retrieval (bring back from wandering).

3. Guidance - vs 3

• "right paths" - Hebrew literally means "paths that lead to the right destination". In this case, David talking about paths that lead to shalom (peace, rest, refreshment, restoration) under God's care.

  • Proverbs 3:5-6

  • John 10:3-4

• "His name's sake" - God faithfully acts in line with His character.

  • Psalm 23:3

  • 2 Timothy 2:13

  • Psalm 36:5

4. Protection - vs 4

• "Rod" - (sebet: shevet was a short, heavy, club-like weapon) symbolizes protection, discipline, authority, and kingship.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3

  • John 17:15

• "Staff" - (Mish’-enet: literally something to lean on). Staffs were used for guiding, drawing close, and rescuing.

  • Isaiah 40:11

  • Ezekiel 34:12-13

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David is saying YHVH is present, close, and attentive to both his enemies and his direction (path, walk). Therefore, he is comforted. His heart is settled because YHVH protects and guides in dark valleys where enemies hide and where danger is.

5. Victory - vs 5

• "Prepare a table" - YHVH is now the "Host" in the song.

• this is an ANE picture of hospitality (protection, honor, and covenant)

• a place of threat (enemies) has been turned into a place of feasting.

• this is a  commitment of protection (Genesis 19 - Lot).

  • Colossians 2:15

  • Romans 8:31

6. Blessing - vs 5

• "Anoint my head with oil" - This is hospitality anointing (not royal or priestly anointing).

• For cleansing, healing, cooling, joy (greeting), and celebration

• For a man who lived on the run and in battle, being "anointed with oil" signified God tending to David's wounds and restoring him.

  • Psalm 103:2-5

• "My cup overflows" - Unrestrained, overflowing superabundance. In ANE banquets, an overflowing cup meant the host had no intention of ending the feast any time soon!

  • 2 Corinthians 9:8

  • Ephesians 3:20

7. Fellowship - vs 6

• "I will dwell in the house of the LORD"

• David walked with God his whole life.

  • 1 Kings 11:4

  • John 6:47

  • 1 John 5:11

  • Psalm 37:23-24

• David's fellowship with YHVH would continue forever.

  • Psalm 25:4-5

  • Psalm 16:9-11