The names of Jesus in the book of Revelation – Part 32
In the Bible lies the book of Revelation
“Shepherd” cont’
Instrument of support (as in Exo 21:19; Judg 6:21; 2 King 4:29; Zec 8:4).
The “staff” (a long slender stick with a hook on one end) is used to draw a sheep close to the shepherd, guide it in the right way or rescue it from trouble.
God’s rod and staff reassure us of His love and guidance in our lives (Ps 71:21; Ps 86:17). for you … comfort me.
The very centre of the psalm. Reassure me (as in 71:21; 86:17; Ruth 2:13; Isa 12:1; 40:1; 49:13).
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.” (Ps 23:5)
“prepare a table” (v5).
God is pictured as caring for my needs in the midst of’ the forces of evil that attempt to destroy my life and soul (see Rom 8:31-39).
(1) Confronted daily by Satan and surrounded by an ungodly society, I am furnished with sufficient grace to live and rejoice in God’s presence (see 2 Cor 12:9-10).
I may eat at the Lord’s Table in faith, thanksgiving and hope, fully at peace and protected by the shed blood and broken body of this Good Shepherd (see 1 Cor 11:23).
(2) “Anoint my head with oil” refers to God’s special favour and lavish blessing through the anointing of His Holy Spirit upon my body, mind and spirit (see Eph 5:18).
In ancient Near Eastern culture, at a banquet, it was customary to anoint a person with fragrant oil as a lotion.
Hosts were also expected to protect their guests at all costs.
God offers the protection of a host, even when enemies surround us.
In the final scene of this psalm, we see that believers will dwell with God.
God, the perfect Shepherd and Host, promises to guide and protect us through life to bring us into His House forever.
“My cup runs over,” (v5) Heb wahyah is not a verb, but a noun meaning “an abundant drink.”
On the road to Bethlehem is a well with a stone coping around it.
Next to it is a “shepherd” cup”—a large stone hollowed out so it holds 30 or 40 gallons of water for the sheep.
In this psalm, David was talking about a shepherd’s cup (cf. John 4:14).
“Cup” (Ps 16:5) is a metaphor referring to what the host offers his guests to drink.
To the godly, the Lord offers a cup of blessing (23:5) or salvation (116:13); He makes the wicked drink from a cup of wrath (see Jer 25:15; Rev 14:10; 16:10)
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” (Ps 23:6)
“goodness and mercy (v6)” “Mercy” means God’s faithful love and kindness.
Both frequently refer to covenant benefits. goodness and mercy represents unfailing love (6:4) The Hebrew for this phrase denotes a strong sense of goodwill, especially such as can be relied on in times of need.
Appeal to God’s (unfailing) love (sometimes) rendered “kindness” or mercy” is frequently in the OT, since it summarises all that the Lord covenanted to show to Israel (see Dt 7:9,12), as well as to David and his dynasty (see 89:24, 28, 33, 49; 25a 7:15; Isa 55:3).
With the Shepherd accompanying me through life’s pilgrimage, I will receive constant grace, help, kindness and support.
No matter what happens, I can trust the Good Shepherd to work in all things together for my good (Rom 8:28; Jas 5:11).
Email: mercyolumide2004@yahoo.co.uk www.thebiblicalwomanhood.com Mobile: +234 803 344 6614; +234 808 123 7987
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