The Good Shepherd
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Introduction
Introduction
In Exodus we find a very interesting dialogue that happens between Moses and God…The nation of Israel has left Egypt, and they have no come to Mount Sinai in the desert or wilderness.
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
:15-
Exodus
And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Interesting dialogue
Exodus 33:
The New American Commentary: Exodus (7) The Need for and Promise of God’s Glory (33:12–23)
Why did Moses ask God to show him his glory? Had he not seen God’s glory already in the cloud that protected the Israelites as they escaped from the Egyptians?127 Had the glory of Yahweh not appeared on Sinai for all to see, and had not Moses entered inside that glory cloud repeatedly?129 The answer is that Moses had indeed seen God’s glory in the past and therefore wanted to see it again, in as full a way as God might choose to show it, in order to know that just as God’s glory had reassuringly accompanied him and the Israelites on such occasions in the past, Moses could count on it to be with them again once they finally set forth from Sinai. That would convince him that God was indeed still close, still protective, and still interested in him and the Israelites as his people. In other words, the glory of God was something Moses directly associated with the approbation of God on his leadership of the Israelites; and if he could again see it, he could again be certain that his leadership would once again be blessed by the great King of heaven. Previously, the glory of God had always been provided at God’s initiation and witnessed corporately (e.g., 16:7–10; 24:16–17), but this time Moses took the initiative to ask for a personal audience with God. That God responded favorably indicates Moses’ acceptance with God based on his faithfulness at all prior points of testing.
In v. 13 he had asked to know God’s “ways”—an important request and one that would gain him much benefit. Then he went further: he wanted an experiential sensory perception of God. Such things were rarely granted to humans, as Moses would have been well aware, but Moses understood that if God were willing to grant his request for this kind of personal familiarity, he would be all the more strongly reassured of God’s favor on the forthcoming expedition away from Sinai and on to the promised land of Canaan.
Why did Moses ask God to show him his glory?
Exodus 34:5-
Why did Moses ask God to show him his glory? Had he not seen God’s glory already in the cloud that protected the Israelites as they escaped from the Egyptians?127 Had the glory of Yahweh not appeared on Sinai for all to see, and had not Moses entered inside that glory cloud repeatedly?129 The answer is that Moses had indeed seen God’s glory in the past and therefore wanted to see it again, in as full a way as God might choose to show it, in order to know that just as God’s glory had reassuringly accompanied him and the Israelites on such occasions in the past, Moses could count on it to be with them again once they finally set forth from Sinai. That would convince him that God was indeed still close, still protective, and still interested in him and the Israelites as his people. In other words, the glory of God was something Moses directly associated with the approbation of God on his leadership of the Israelites; and if he could again see it, he could again be certain that his leadership would once again be blessed by the great King of heaven. Previously, the glory of God had always been provided at God’s initiation and witnessed corporately (e.g., 16:7–10; 24:16–17), but this time Moses took the initiative to ask for a personal audience with God. That God responded favorably indicates Moses’ acceptance with God based on his faithfulness at all prior points of testing.
This is an interesting question, because if you know anything about Moses, then you would know that he was the one person that saw and experienced the glory of God! Moses is no lightweigth - he appears with the prophet Elijah on the mount of transfiguration to Jesus.
He encountered God Jehovah, the I AM THAT I AM at the burning bush, when God called him to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt
He saw the mighty acts of God in the 10 plagues in Egypt as God delivered Israel from the might of hand of Pharoah
He saw the pillar of fire that protected them, the Israelites, from the pursuing Egyptian army
He parted, or God used him to part the Red sea so the Israelites could cross the Red sea on dry ground
He witnessed the destruction of Pharoah’s army as God drowned them in the Red sea
In the wilderness or desert, He sees the cloud that leads them by day, and the pillar of fire that leads the nation of Israel by night
He witnessed God’s glory in the provision of quayle (meat) and mannah (bread) to the nation of Israel in the desert.
He repeatedly enters into the glory cloud to meet with God
Had he not seen God’s glory already in the cloud that protected the Israelites as they escaped from the Egyptians? Had the glory of Yahweh not appeared on Sinai for all to see, and had not Moses entered inside that glory cloud repeatedly?
What’s up Moses, haven’t you already seen the glory of God?
AND YET…Moses’ request is...”Now show me your glory”?
Moses had indeed seen God’s glory in the past and therefore wanted to see it again,
He wanted to see God’s glory in as full a way as God might choose to show it, because here’s what Moses wanted, I would dare say desperately needed…he needed to know…AGAIN...that just as God’s glory had reassuringly accompanied him and the Israelites in the past, Moses could count on it to be with them again once they finally set forth from Sinai.
That would convince him that God was indeed still close, still protective, and still interested in him and the Israelites as his people.
That would convince him that God was indeed still close, still protective, and still interested in him and the Israelites as his people.
In other words, the glory of God was something Moses directly associated with the approbation/favour/approval/blessing of God on his leadership of the Israelites; and if he could again see it, he could again be certain that his leadership would once again be blessed by the great King of heaven.
In v. 13 he had asked to know God’s “ways”—an important request and one that would gain him much benefit. Then he went further: he wanted an experiential sensory perception of God. Such things were rarely granted to humans, as Moses would have been well aware, but Moses understood that if God were willing to grant his request for this kind of personal familiarity, he would be all the more strongly reassured of God’s favor on the forthcoming expedition away from Sinai and on to the promised land of Canaan.
But why? Why did Moses need to be convinced of God’s covenant faithfulness…again?
Stuart, D. K. (2006). Exodus (Vol. 2, pp. 704–705). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
It becomes clear why Moses so desperately wants to see God’s glory, when we consider what happened in chapter 32...
Something happened
The people’s falling into idolatrous sin, God’s anger against them, and God’s refusal to allow Moses to make atonement, had brought a whole new situation.
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. “You shall have no other gods before Me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
Exodus 20:2-
Exodus
But something had happened. The people’s falling into idolatrous sin, God’s anger against them, and God’s refusal to allow Moses to make atonement, had brought a whole new situation. And obviously Moses felt he needed to know more. He needed to know more of what God was like if he was going to continue to lead a people who had “kept a golden calf up their sleeve.”
And now Moses is unsure…HE saw a side of GOD that He has not seen before...
Remember Israel was in bondage and captivity in Egypt for 430 years…that’s about 4 generations, and God was quiet for all of that 430 years until Moses comes along. The only gods Israel were familiar with perhaps, were the gods of Egypt:
Amun-Ra
Osiris
Horus
Anubis
Fickle gods, who needed appeasing, under whom Israel suffered oppression, hardship and bondage…
Something happened
Moses needed to know more of what God was like if he was going to continue to lead a people who had “kept a golden calf up their sleeve.”
The question Moses is asking in effect is “God - who are You, and what are You like?”
Dunnam, M., & Ogilvie, L. J. (1987). Exodus (Vol. 2, p. 343). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.
the question of the ages: Who is God, and what is God like?
Something happened
Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
Exodus 34:5-7
Something happened…and some of us here this morning perhaps are wrestling with the same question “God - who are You, and what are You like?” Because I’ve known that you are good, but I’m not so sure anymore, because somethings happened in my life, that has left me shaken and unsure like Moses…I don’t know anymore
Something happened…and some of us here this morning perhaps are wrestling with the same question “God - who are You, and what are You like?” Because I’ve known taht you are good, but I’m not so sure, because somethings happened that has left me unsure like Moses…
EXAMPLES!!!
Personal tragedy
Something had happened…and some of us here this morning perhaps are wrestling with the same question “God - who are You, and what are You like?” Because I’ve known taht you are good, but I’m not so sure, because somethings happened that has left me unsure like Moses…
Something
Global tragedy
- Locally, recent bushfires
- America, Trump presidency, the impeachment
- Divides, racial, gender
- Brexit
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepping back from their royal duties as the Sussexxes!
You see sometimes we are left in doubt of God’s goodness or whether He is still good - we face life’s battles and circumstances and like with Moses something has happened in our lives and now we’re unsure, unsure as to who God is in my circumstance…unsure as to the character of God in the midst of my storm, in the midst of my struggle...
My son who’s a young adult now, attended kids church and youth, came home the other day and declared he’s an atheist
My 8 year old is being bullied at school and I found a note
My daughter wants to transition to a male, because she
A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Something happened!!!
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
If we are to walk in the favour of God, then we need to understand, not only in our heads and our minds, not a mere intellectual understanding, but in understanding in our hearts we need to have the revelation that God is Good!
Something happened!!!
Psalm 23
King David finds himself in a similar situation, where something has happened in his life…his own son Absalom is trying to usurp his kingship, is trying to kill him in order to be king and what David did was , fled to the wilderness, he went and hid himself from Absalom for fear of his own life…something happened, and David like Moses is troubled and I can imagine doubt and fear filled his heart, and it is in this place that David has this revelation of the Goodness of God…turn with me to Psalm 23
Message
Message
Psalm 23
Psalm 23
A psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Here’s the relationship
The definition of a shepherd
The Lord is my Shepherd...
The Lord is my Shepherd...
The Lord is my Shepherd...
> Unpack the nature, behaviour, habits, responsibilities of a good shepherd
The imagery used here is one where God is seen as the great shepherd taking care of His sheep - we are the sheep
For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep under His care. Today, if you hear His voice:
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
Definition of sheep
Left to themselves, sheep lack everything. They are the most helpless animals. Talk about a predators buffet!!! Come back for seconds please.
Sheep are defenseless animals that are prone to get lost, and they need almost constant care. You can’t drive sheep, as you do cattle; they must be led.
The Lord is MY shepherd - it’s personal. God is the great shepherd of all, but here David is saying He is MY shepherd!!!
They’re not independant, individualistic in their thinking and behaviour - the pack or herd rules!
Sheep are defenseless animals that are prone to get lost, and they need almost constant care. You can’t drive sheep, as you do cattle; they must be led.
Which is why you can’t drive sheep, as you do cattle, they must be led
And when he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were weary and dejected, like sheep that did not have a shepherd.
David describe himself and the people of God as lowly sheep…why? So we would learn about the Shepherd and see how tenderly He cares for us, so we see His goodness and favour towards us!
Definition of the Shepherd
But the David continues to build out this analogy, and he says THE LORD is my shepherd...
It like David is saying…
This is the great SHEPHERD who cares for his sheep and equips them for life and ministry
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
:-21
This is the great SHEPHERD who “ever lives to make intercession for us”
Therefore also he is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him, because he always lives in order to intercede on their behalf.
This great SHEPHERD is MY shepherd
In the OT God is often referred to as ‘OUR” God - but here David is saying “The Lord is MY shepherd” - it’s personal. God is the great shepherd of all, but here David is saying He is MY shepherd!!! He is also the God or the Shepherd of the individual sheep
The Lord is MY shepherd - it’s personal. God is the great shepherd of all, but here David is saying He is MY shepherd!!! He is the God or the Shepherd of the individual or the lone sheep
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf approaching and abandons the sheep and runs away—and the wolf seizes them and scatters them—because he is a hired hand and he is not concerned about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me,
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
“I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep which are not from this fold. I must bring these also, and they will hear my voice, and they will become one flock—one shepherd.
John 10:11-14
The definition of a shepherd
Unpack the nature, behaviour, habits, responsibilities of a good shepherd
Eastern shepherds in biblical times would lead their sheep out of the sheepfold, which contained the combined flocks of multiple shepherds. As each shepherd took his turn and began to sing and call his sheep, they dutifully separated from the larger flock and began to follow him to the hills for their daylight feeding
The One who never changes, who is the same yesterday, today and forever. Whose every promise is true and can be trusted to do what He said He will do! HE IS MY SHEPHERD!
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the grassland and go after the one that was lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he returns to his home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost!’
With God as our shepherd we lack nothing! He is Jehovah-Jireh, The Lord will provide. When we follow our Shepherd, we will have everything we need, because in biblical times the job of the shepherd was to guard their sheep, lead them, provide food and water for them, take care of them when they were weary, bruised, cut or sick, rescue them when they strayed, know their names, assist in delivering the lambs, and in every way simply love them.
With God as our shepherd we lack nothing! He is Jehovah-Jireh, The Lord will provide. When we follow our Shepherd, we will have everything we need, because in biblical times the job of the shepherd was to guard their sheep, lead them, provide food and water for them, take care of them when they were weary, bruised, cut or sick, rescue them when they strayed, know their names, assist in delivering the lambs, and in every way simply love them.
With God as our shepherd we lack nothing!
Eastern shepherds guard their sheep, led them, provided food and water for them, took care of them when they were weary, bruised, cut or sick, rescued them when they strayed, knew their names, assisted in delivering the lambs, and in every way simply loved them.
Won’t lack food
Won’t lack food
“He leads me to lie down in green pastures...”
To lie down speaks of rest - it has to do with finding rest in the Word of God. The ‘green pastures’ represent food to the sheep. The lying down represents leisure or time. By the grace of the Lord, then, his people spend time meditating on the food which he has prepared for them, which is the Word of God.
Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear. Because of the social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.”
1. Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear.
Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear. Because of the social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.”
2. Because of the social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind.
3. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax.
4. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger.”
Fear. Friction. Flies. Famine
Ps 23:1
The other picture is that of an early morning with the Bedouins when the shepherds began to lead their sheep out of the sheepfold, which contained the combined flocks of four shepherds. As each shepherd took his turn and began to sing and call his sheep, they dutifully separated from the larger flock and began to follow him to the hills for their daylight feeding (cf. 10:3–4). Such contemporary pictures of the intimate relationship between shepherd and sheep can provide us with the framework of thinking about the great shepherd texts of the Bible:
We can go further and say that the Lord provides a green pasture for his sheep every time the Word of God is truly preached. This challenges all who know the Lord to prize biblical preaching heartily. And it soundly rebukes all those ‘preachers’ who lead their people away from the green grass the Lord has provided in his Word to the brown, withered grass of human wisdom.
The sheepfold was a place of security, not a place for intruders. Such a sheepfold would likely have been either a circular or square enclosure, probably constructed like a high stone fence or wall and perhaps topped with vines. The entrance would have been the only break in the wall, and once the sheep were safely inside at night, the watchman/guard (either a servant or a shepherd, usually an assistant) would lie down across the opening and serve both as the protector for the sheep and as a gate to the sheepfold.
All God’s people have been given rest from the guilt of sin and the fear of condemnation through the redeeming work of Christ. They are God’s people by virtue of that. But they still need rest from hunger, from annoying parasites and from conflict. We find these as we look to the green pastures in the Word of God. We are either grazing in those pastures or we are straying from our shepherd.
Borchert, G. L. (1996). (Vol. 25A, p. 330). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Left to themselves, sheep lack everything. They are the most helpless animals.
When the sheep returned to the fold at night after a day of grazing, the shepherd stood in the doorway of the pen and inspected each one as it entered. If a sheep were scratched or wounded by thorns, the shepherd anointed it with oil to facilitate healing; if the sheep were thirsty, he gave them water.
The sheepfold was a place of security, not a place for intruders. Such a sheepfold would likely have been either a circular or square enclosure, probably constructed like a high stone fence or wall and perhaps topped with vines. The entrance would have been the only break in the wall, and once the sheep were safely inside at night, the watchman/guard (either a servant or a shepherd, usually an assistant) would lie down across the opening and serve both as the protector for the sheep and as a gate to the sheepfold.
Won’t lack refreshment
Left to themselves, sheep lack everything. They are the most helpless animals.
> Unpack the nature, behaviour, habits of sheep
“I lack nothing”
“I lack nothing”
When the sheep returned to the fold at night after a day of grazing, the shepherd stood in the doorway of the pen and inspected each one as it entered. If a sheep were scratched or wounded by thorns, the shepherd anointed it with oil to facilitate healing; if the sheep were thirsty, he gave them water.
“He leads me beside quiet waters...”
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
David says “I lack nothing”, when we follow the leading of the Good Shepherd…Jehova Jireh our provider, then we will have no lack for He is able to supply all my needs according to His riches in glory
I don’t
Boice, J. M. (2005). : An Expositional Commentary (p. 208). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.> Unpack the nature, behaviour, habits of sheep
Eastern shepherds guarded their sheep, led them, provided food and water for them, took care of them when they were weary, bruised, cut or sick, rescued them when they strayed, knew their names, assisted in delivering the lambs, and in every way simply loved them.
” Eastern shepherds guarded their sheep, led them, provided food and water for them, took care of them when they were weary, bruised, cut or sick, rescued them when they strayed, knew their names, assisted in delivering the lambs, and in every way simply loved them.
Wiersbe, W. W. (2004). Be worshipful (1st ed., p. 95). Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications Ministries.
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Phi 4:19
“He makes me lie down in green pastures...”
“He makes me lie down in green pastures...”
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
“He makes me lie down in green pastures...”
The “green pastures” are the rich and verdant pastures, where the sheep need not move from place to place to be satisfied.
The “green pastures” are the rich and verdant pastures, where the sheep need not move from place to place to be satisfied (cf. ; ). The “green pastures” were a seasonal phenomenon. The fields, even parts of the desert, would green during the winter and spring. But in summer and fall the sheep would be led to many places in search of food. God’s care is not seasonal but constant and abundant. The sheep have time to rest, as the shepherd makes them to “lie down.”
The “green pastures” were a seasonal phenomenon. The fields, even parts of the desert, would green during the winter and spring. But in summer and fall the sheep would be led to many places in search of food. God’s care is not seasonal but constant and abundant. The sheep have time to rest, as the shepherd makes them to “lie down.”
This also has to do with finding rest in the Word of God. The ‘green pastures’ represent food to the sheep. The lying down represents leisure or time. By the grace of the Lord, then, his people spend time meditating on the food which he has prepared for them, which is the Word of God.
This has to do with finding rest in the Word of God. The ‘green pastures’ represent food to the sheep. The lying down represents leisure or time. By the grace of the Lord, then, his people spend time meditating on the food which he has prepared for them, which is the Word of God.
Ellsworth, R. (2006). Opening up Psalms (p. 45). Leominster: Day One Publications.
This has to do with finding rest in the Word of God. The ‘green pastures’ represent food to the sheep. The lying down represents leisure or time. By the grace of the Lord, then, his people spend time meditating on the food which he has prepared for them, which is the Word of God.
Ellsworth, R. (2006). Opening up Psalms (p. 45). Leominster: Day One Publications.
The “green pastures” are the rich and verdant pastures, where the sheep need not move from place to place to be satisfied (cf. ; ). The “green pastures” were a seasonal phenomenon. The fields, even parts of the desert, would green during the winter and spring. But in summer and fall the sheep would be led to many places in search of food. God’s care is not seasonal but constant and abundant. The sheep have time to rest, as the shepherd makes them to “lie down.”
“He leads me beside quiet waters...”
“He leads me beside quiet waters...”
Ellsworth, R. (2006). Opening up Psalms (p. 45). Leominster: Day One Publications.“He leads me beside quiet waters...”
Sheep will not lie down when they are hungry, nor will they drink from fast-flowing streams. Sometimes the shepherd will temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep can quench their thirst. You can read verse 2 “beside the stilled water.” In heaven, our Shepherd will lead us to fountains of living water
The “green pastures” are the rich and verdant pastures, where the sheep need not move from place to place to be satisfied (cf. ; ). The “green pastures” were a seasonal phenomenon. The fields, even parts of the desert, would green during the winter and spring. But in summer and fall the sheep would be led to many places in search of food. God’s care is not seasonal but constant and abundant. The sheep have time to rest, as the shepherd makes them to “lie down.”
Sheep will not lie down when they are hungry, nor will they drink from fast-flowing streams. Sometimes the shepherd will temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep can quench their thirst.
I won’t lack refreshment
Faithful Guide
Sheep will not lie down when they are hungry, nor will they drink from fast-flowing streams. Sometimes the shepherd will temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep can quench their thirst. You can read verse 2 “beside the stilled water.”
“He refreshes my soul...”
“He refreshes my soul...”
As the Good shepherd provides his sheep with rest, green pastures, and quiet waters, so the Lord takes care of his people in a most plentiful way. He thereby renews them so that they feel that life in the presence of God is good and worth living. He “restores,” i.e., he gives the enjoyment of life, to his own (v. 3; cf. 19:7; ).
This is because “he restores my soul” (v. 3). In Hebrew idiom the words “restores my soul” can mean “brings me to repentance” (or conversion). But since the word translated “soul” is actually “life,” and since the metaphor here is that of shepherding, the words probably mean “the Lord restores me to physical health (or salvation).”
As the good shepherd provides his sheep with rest, verdant pastures, and quiet waters, so the Lord takes care of his people in a most plentiful way. He thereby renews them so that they feel that life in the presence of God is good and worth living. He “restores,” i.e., he gives the enjoyment of life, to his own (v. 3; cf. 19:7; ). The word “soul” is not here the spiritual dimension of man but denotes the same as “me” repeated twice in v. 2, i.e., “he restores me.”
This is because “he restores my soul” (v. 3). In Hebrew idiom the words “restores my soul” can mean “brings me to repentance” (or conversion). But since the word translated “soul” is actually “life,” and since the metaphor here is that of shepherding, the words probably mean “the Lord restores me to physical health (or salvation).”
Sometimes shepherds have to deal with a situation known as a “cast (or cast down) sheep.”
What happens is this. “A heavy, fat or long-fleeced sheep will lie down comfortably in some little hollow or depression in the ground. It may roll on its side slightly to stretch out or relax. Suddenly the center of gravity in the body shifts so that it turns on its back far enough that the feet no longer touch the ground. It may feel a sense of panic and start to paw frantically. Frequently this only makes things worse. It rolls over even further. Now it is quite impossible for it to regain its feet.” In this position gases build up in the body, cutting off circulation to the legs, and often it is only a matter of a few hours before the sheep dies. The only one who can restore the sheep to health is the shepherd.
Sometimes we are like cast sheep. We are spiritually on our backs, quite helpless. But Jesus comes to us when we are in this condition, as he did to Peter after Peter had denied him even with oaths and cursing (, ), and he restores us. Jesus restored Peter. He gets us up on our feet and going again.
We do not lack forgiveness, renewal and restoration.
Faithful Guide
Faithful Guide
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psa 23:
This is because the Lord “guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (v. 3).
Gracious Host
“He guides me along the paths of righteousness...
“He guides me along the paths of righteousness...
This is because the Lord “guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (v. 3).
“He guides me along the right paths...”
“He guides me along the right paths...”
Sheep are foolish creatures.
In fact, they are probably the most stupid animals on earth. One aspect of their stupidity is seen in the fact that they so easily wander away. They can have a good shepherd who can have brought them to the best grazing lands near an abundant supply of water, and they will still wander away to where the fields are barren and the water undrinkable.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
They are creatures of habit. They may be brought to good grazing land by their shepherd, but, having found it, they may keep on grazing until every blade of grass and every root is eaten; the fields are ruined, and they themselves are impoverished. No other class of livestock requires more careful handling than do sheep.
Therefore, a shepherd who will move them from field to field yet always keep them near an abundant supply of water is essential for their welfare.
The word translated “lead” in verse 2 means “to lead gently.” You cannot drive sheep. The sheep hear the shepherd’s voice and follow him, just as we listen to Christ in His Word and obey Him. If a sheep goes astray, the shepherd leaves the flock in charge of his helpers and goes to find the lost animal
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the grassland and go after the one that was lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
So he told them this parable, saying, “What man of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the grassland and go after the one that was lost until he finds it?
The word “paths” in verse 3 means “well-worn paths, ruts.” When sheep start to explore an exciting new path, it will lead them into trouble.
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.
Heb
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley...”
through the darkest valley...”
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley...”
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley...”
The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
In the dark valley, He is not before us but beside us, leading the way and calming our fears.
Gracious Host
Gracious Host
Sheep are foolish creatures. In fact, they are probably the most stupid animals on earth. One aspect of their stupidity is seen in the fact that they so easily wander away. They can have a good shepherd who can have brought them to the best grazing lands near an abundant supply of water, and they will still wander away to where the fields are barren and the water undrinkable. They are creatures of habit. They may be brought to good grazing land by their shepherd, but, having found it, they may keep on grazing until every blade of grass and every root is eaten; the fields are ruined, and they themselves are impoverished. No other class of livestock requires more careful handling than do sheep. Therefore, a shepherd who will move them from field to field yet always keep them near an abundant supply of water is essential for their welfare.
In the dark valley, He is not before us but beside us, leading the way and calming our fears. The “vale of deep darkness” represents any difficult experience of life that makes us afraid, and that includes death. Sheep lack good vision and are easily frightened in new circumstances, especially where it’s dark; and the presence of the shepherd calms them. The rod was a heavy cudgel with which the shepherd could stun or kill an attacking beast, and the staff was the shepherd’s crook, which he used to assist the individual sheep. At evening, he would have the sheep pass under the crook one by one so he could count them and examine them (). It gave the flock peace knowing that the shepherd was there and was equipped for any emergency. He is “Immanuel … God with us”
The “valley of deep darkness” represents any difficult experience of life that makes us afraid, and that includes death.
This imagery is consistent with the shepherd metaphor because the shepherd leads the flock through ravines and wadis where the steep and narrow slopes keep out the light. The darkness of the wadis represents the uncertainty of life. The “straight paths” at times need to go through the wadis, but God is still present.
This imagery is consistent with the shepherd metaphor because the shepherd leads the flock through ravines and wadis where the steep and narrow slopes keep out the light. The darkness of the wadis represents the uncertainty of life. The “straight paths” at times need to go through the wadis, but God is still present.
Sheep lack good vision and are easily frightened in new circumstances, especially where it’s dark; and the presence of the shepherd calms them.
Sheep lack good vision and are easily frightened in new circumstances, especially where it’s dark; and the presence of the shepherd calms them.
he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The rod was a heavy cudgel with which the shepherd could stun or kill an attacking beast, and the staff was the shepherd’s crook, which he used to assist the individual sheep.
Boice, J. M. (2005). : An Expositional Commentary (p. 210). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.Gracious Host
At evening, he would have the sheep pass under the crook one by one so he could count them and examine them. It gave the flock peace knowing that the shepherd was there and was equipped for any emergency. He is “Immanuel … God with us”
Protection: Jesus is not a hireling who runs away at the sight of danger; he is a true, good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep ()
Jesus is not a hireling who runs away at the sight of danger; he is a true Shepherd who lay down his life for his sheep ()
Gracious Host
Gracious Host
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
For the music director; with the flutes. A psalm of David. Hear my words, O Yahweh. Give heed to my sighing. Listen to the sound of my pleading, my king and my God, for to you I pray. O Yahweh, in the morning you will hear my voice. In the morning I will set forth my case to you and I will watch. For you are not a God who desires wickedness. Evil cannot dwell with you. The boastful do not stand before your eyes. You hate all evildoers. You destroy speakers of lies. A man of bloodshed and deceit Yahweh abhors. But as for me, through the abundance of your steadfast love I will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in awe of you. O Yahweh, lead me in your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight before me your way. For there is not anything reliable in his mouth; their inner part is destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit. Treat them as guilty, O God; let them fall because of their plans. Because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. But let all who take shelter in you rejoice. Let them ever sing for joy, because you spread protection over them; And let those who love your name exult in you. For you bless the righteous. O Yahweh, like a shield you surround him with good favor. For the music director; with stringed instruments, on the Sheminith. A psalm of David. O Yahweh, do not rebuke me in your anger, and do not discipline me in your wrath. Be gracious to me, O Yahweh, because I am feeble. Heal me, O Yahweh, for my bones are terrified. My soul is also very terrified. But you, O Yahweh, how long? Turn, O Yahweh; deliver my life. Save me for the sake of your steadfast love. For there is no remembrance of you in death. In Sheol, who will give thanks to you? I am weary with my groaning; I flood my bed every night. With my tears I drench my couch. My eye wastes away because of vexation; it grows old because of all my oppressors. Depart from me, all workers of evil, for Yahweh has heard the sound of my weeping. Yahweh has heard my plea; Yahweh has accepted my prayer. All my enemies shall be ashamed and shall be very terrified. They shall turn back; they shall suddenly be ashamed.
Psalm 23:3-5
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf approaching and abandons the sheep and runs away—and the wolf seizes them and scatters them—because he is a hired hand and he is not concerned about the sheep. “I am the good shepherd, and I know my own, and my own know me,
Although God spoke long ago in many parts and in many ways to the fathers by the prophets,
He said these things, and after this he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I can awaken him.” So the disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well.” (Now Jesus had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was speaking about real sleep.) So Jesus then said to them plainly, “Lazarus has died,
Some commentators think this represents a change in the psalm’s basic image, passing now from that of a shepherd guiding his sheep to that of a householder welcoming a guest to his table. This may be, particularly since the poem ends with the psalmist dwelling “in the house of the Lord forever.”
Exodus 33:
But this could also be seen as the shepherd’s preparation of the high tablelands or mesas where the sheep graze in summer. A good shepherd will prepare these before the sheep arrive, removing physical hazards, destroying poisonous plants, and driving predators away.
Some commentators think this represents a change in the psalm’s basic image, passing now from that of a shepherd guiding his sheep to that of a householder welcoming a guest to his table. This may be, particularly since the poem ends with the psalmist dwelling “in the house of the Lord forever.” But on the other hand, Keller may be right when he sees this as the shepherd’s preparation of the high tablelands or mesas where the sheep graze in summer. A good shepherd will prepare these before the sheep arrive, removing physical hazards, destroying poisonous plants, and driving predators away. Keller also has a chapter in which he describes how ancient shepherds used a mixture of olive oil, sulfur, and spices to protect their sheep from insects and promote the healing of infectious skin diseases.
This may be, particularly since the poem ends with the psalmist dwelling “in the house of the Lord forever.” But on the other hand, Keller may be right when he sees this as the shepherd’s preparation of the high tablelands or mesas where the sheep graze in summer. A good shepherd will prepare these before the sheep arrive, removing physical hazards, destroying poisonous plants, and driving predators away. Keller also has a chapter in which he describes how ancient shepherds used a mixture of olive oil, sulfur, and spices to protect their sheep from insects and promote the healing of infectious skin diseases.
Then the Lord came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the Lord. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”
Ancient shepherds used a mixture of olive oil, sulfur, and spices to protect their sheep from insects and promote the healing of infectious skin diseases.
lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they prostitute themselves after their gods, and they sacrifice to their gods, and they invite you, and you eat their sacrifice, and you take from their daughters for your sons, and their daughters prostitute themselves after their gods, and they cause your sons to prostitute themselves after their gods. You will not make gods of cast metal for yourself.