Psalm 23:5

Be Worshipful In the Fold—Certainty (v. 5)

Some students believe there is a change of metaphor here, from the shepherd and his sheep to the host and his guest, but this is not necessarily the case. “Table” doesn’t necessarily refer to a piece of furniture used by humans, for the word simply means “something spread out.” Flat places in the hilly country were called “tables” and sometimes the shepherd stopped the flock at these “tables” and allowed them to eat and rest as they headed for the fold (see 78:19). After each difficult day’s work, the aim of the shepherd was to bring the flock safely back to the fold where the weary sheep could safely rest for the night. Sometimes at the fold, the shepherd would spread out food in a trough, because sheep lie down and rest after they have eaten. As they slept, they would be protected by a stone wall that surrounded them, and the shepherd himself would sleep across the opening and be the door (John 10:7–9). During the night, thieves and dangerous animals might approach the fold, but there was no way they could reach the sheep. The Lord doesn’t always remove the dangers from our lives, but He does help us to overcome them and not be paralyzed by fear. This is what it means to be “more than conquerors” and have peace in the midst of danger (Rom. 8:31–39).

The shepherd would examine the sheep as they entered the fold to be sure none of them was bruised, injured, or sick from eating a poisonous plant. To the hurts, he applied the soothing oil, and for the thirsty, he had his large two-handled cup filled with water. He would also apply the oil to the heads and horns of the sheep to help keep the flies and other insects away. The sheep knew they were safe and they could sleep without fear.

Psalm 23:5 KJV 1900

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Psalm

Some believe there is a change of metaphor here, from the shepherd and his sheep to the host and his guest, but this is not necessarily the case.

“Table” doesn’t necessarily refer to a piece of furniture used by humans, for the word simply means “something spread out.”

Flat places in the hilly country were called “tables” and sometimes the shepherd stopped the flock at these “tables” and allowed them to eat and rest as they headed for the fold .

After each difficult day’s work, the aim of the shepherd was to bring the flock safely back to the fold where the weary sheep could safely rest for the night.

Sometimes at the fold, the shepherd would spread out food in a trough, because sheep lie down and rest after they have eaten.

As they slept, they would be protected by a stone wall that surrounded them, and the shepherd himself would sleep across the opening and be the door ().

During the night, thieves and dangerous animals might approach the fold, but there was no way they could reach the sheep.

The Lord doesn’t always remove the dangers from our lives, but He does help us to overcome them and not be paralyzed by fear.

This is what it means to be “more than conquerors” and have peace in the midst of danger ().

The shepherd would examine the sheep as they entered the fold to be sure none of them was bruised, injured, or sick from eating a poisonous plant.

To the hurts, he applied the soothing oil, and for the thirsty, he had his large two-handled cup filled with water.

He would also apply the oil to the heads and horns of the sheep to help keep the flies and other insects away.

The sheep knew they were safe and they could sleep without fear.

There was a level of trust that was developed

Similarly, we need to step out in faith and see the Lord provide and protect.

When we do so we see His hand of provision and protection

He also applies to our lives what we need most…in the same sense that the sheep oil on their heads and horns for multiple purposes…the Lord brings into our lives what we need most

The shepherd would have the large cup of water to bring into the sheepfold to provide for his sheep.

The picture here is that the sheep at the end of a long day (and the shepherd) had more than enough water to meet their needs.

It doesn’t say they had steak and potatoes and a huge spread of the most extravagant items.

It does say that what was needed most was not only provided but provided to the extent that there was not wanting…no wondering if there was enough

Whatever we NEED, the Lord WILL provide.

He not only provides but notice that it is provided and prepared

He doesn’t just give us the ingredients…he gives us the meal, prepared and ready to be eaten and enjoyed…to fullness

There does however need to be a level of trusting him to provide our needs…and trust that what he doesn’t supply is not a need.

When he doesn’t provide, thank Him for His greater wisdom and humbly accept what He HAS given

He not only provides but notice that it is provided and prepared

He doesn’t just give us the ingredients…he gives us the meal, prepared and ready to be eaten and enjoyed…to fullness

Psalm 34:8 KJV 1900

O taste and see that the Lord is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

In we read that we need to taste and see that the Lord is good. What do we taste?

What He has provided and prepared for us

We just need to step up to the table

We need to have the faith to trust Him and pull up a chair and enjoy His provision