The Shepherd: Verse 5

Introduction

Psalm 23 NASB 95

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

There is a shift, a scene change so to speak. The psalm moves from an outdoor setting to an indoor, from the field to the table, from a sheep to a banquet guest

With the shift, there is a growing dynamic of relationship. Not just a follower, but an invited guest, treated by the host.

Hosting was a major consideration during ANE times, and the treatment of guests is emphasized in both OT and NT.

Prepare a table

Banquets and feasts were fundamental in ancient Israel. The host would bring out the best from “field and farm” to treat the honored guest

In ANE and Jewish history, feasts and celebrations would sometimes last for days (weddings in particular)

Usually reserved for friends and family, and important members of society or government

Anoint my head with oil

Foot washing, while not mentioned here, was a common kindness extended to guests and travelers. The journeys on foot through ancient world left travelers dusty and, well, ripe.

Oil is ubiquitous in Scripture. It is used for consecrating kings and priests, lighting candles, medicinal purposes, fragrances, embalming, hygiene, moisturizing, and even currency. Also symbolic of the Holy Spirit.

To understand the reference, we must consider the setting: indoor, banquet guest

Invited to sit at the table

My cup overflows

Common practice for the host to offer his guest a cup of wine or beverage in order to refresh them from the dusty journey

The idea is not merely that refreshing is offered, but that it is done so in abunance

Conclusion

We are not merely under the Lord’s care and protection, we are guests at his table. He desires to refresh and commune with us.