This psalm is asserted in the title to have been composed by David, and there is nothing in its contents contrary to this supposition, as there is nothing in it that would lead us necessarily to ascribe it to him. The contents of the psalm indeed correspond with the facts of his history, and with th... [ Continue Reading ]
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - Compare Genesis 49:24, “From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel;” Psalms 80:1, “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel.” See also the notes at John 10:1. The comparison of the care which God extends over his people to that of a shepherd for his flock is one that would natu... [ Continue Reading ]
HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES - Margin, “Pastures of tender grass.” The Hebrew word rendered “pastures” means usually “dwellings,” or “habitations.” It is applied here properly to “pastures,” as places where flocks and herds lie down for repose. The word rendered in the margin “tender g... [ Continue Reading ]
HE LEADETH ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS - Margin, “waters of quietness.” Not stagnant waters, but waters not tempestuous and stormy; waters so calm, gentle, and still, as to suggest the idea of repose, and such as prompt to repose. As applied to the people of God, this denotes the calmness - the peace... [ Continue Reading ]
YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH - The meaning of this in the connection in which it occurs is this: “God will lead and guide me in the path of righteousness, even though that path lies through the darkest and most gloomy vale - through deep and dismal shades - in regions... [ Continue Reading ]
THOU PREPAREST A TABLE - The image is now changed, though expressing the general idea which is indicated in the first verse of the psalm, “I shall not want.” The evidence or proof of this in the previous verses is, that God was a shepherd, and would provide for him as a shepherd does for his flock;... [ Continue Reading ]
SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME - God will bestow them upon me. This is the “result” of what is stated in the previous verses. The effect of God’s merciful dealings with him had been to lead his mind to the assurance that God would always be his shepherd and friend; that He would never lea... [ Continue Reading ]