Bible Study: When God, our Shepherd, Blesses the Believer
Psalm 23 Amplified Classic [AMPC]
A Psalm of David
1 “The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. [Ezekiel 34:11-31; Luke 19:10]
2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. [Revelation 7:17; Isaiah 25:8; Ezekiel 34:22-25 {Psalm 172:2; Isaiah 11:6-9; John 14:27; John 16:33}; Ezekiel 37:24-25 {Isaiah 60:21; Joel 3:20; Amos 9:15}; John 10:14-18; Revelation 21:4]
3 He refreshes and restores my life [my self]; He leads me in the paths of righteousness [Psalm 16:11; Psalm 17:5; Psalm 25:4; Psalm 25:10; Psalm 27:11; Psalm 77:19; Psalm 97:11; Psalm 119:15, 35, 105] [uprightness and right standing with Him — not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.
4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and your staff [to guide], they comfort me. [Exodus 14:19; Exodus 23:20-24; Exodus 33:14]
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. [Exodus 12:33-39; Ezra 1:1-11] You anoint my head with *oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
6 Surely [or, only] goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.” [Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Matthew 5:1-12]
*AMPC Footnote: Psalm 23:5
“It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate, but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body to protect it from excessive perspiration. When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted a delightfully refreshing and invigorating sensation. Athletes anointed their bodies as a matter of course before running a race. As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed, invigorated, and better fitted for action so the Lord would anoint His “sheep” with the Holy Spirit, Whom oil symbolizes, to fit them to engage more freely in His service and run in the way He directs — in heavenly fellowship with Him.”
Encouragement:
When God blesses the believer, we stand before God victorious against the enemy of our souls. Additionally, we come out of every trial of our faith with physical and spiritual blessings, and the provision and empowerment to prosper in order to bless everyone in our sphere of influence. [Philippians 4:19]
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