PSALM 23 THE ARGUMENT The matter of this Psalm gives us some general discovery of the time of its writing; which was when David was delivered out of his distresses, and quietly settled in his kingdom. A Psalm of David. David deseribeth his own happiness, PSALMS 23:1, both in temporal, PSALMS 23:2, a... [ Continue Reading ]
TO LIE DOWN; to rest and repose myself at noon, as the manner was in those hot countries. See SONG OF SOLOMON 1:7 ISAIAH 13:20 EZEKIEL 34:15. IN GREEN PASTURES; where there is both delight and plenty of provisions. HE LEADETH ME, lest I should wander and perish. Heb. _he leadeth me sweetly and gentl... [ Continue Reading ]
HE RESTORETH, Heb. _he bringeth it back_; either, 1. From its errors or wandering; or, 2. Into the body, out of which it was even departing and fainting away. He reviveth or comforteth me. Compare RUTH 4:15 1 SAMUEL 30:12 LAMENTATIONS 1:11. IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS; in straight, and plain, and... [ Continue Reading ]
THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH; through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, JOB 24:17 PSALMS 44:19, PSALMS 107:10,14 JER 2:6. I WILL FEAR NO EVIL; I will not give way to my fears, but confidently rely upon God. THY ROD AND THY STAFF; two words... [ Continue Reading ]
Thou furnishest me with plenty and variety of provisions and comforts, MINE ENEMIES seeing, and envying, and fretting at it, but not being able to hinder it. WITH OIL; or, _ointment_, as the Syriac and Arabic interpreters render it; with aromatical ointments, which were then used at great feasts, PS... [ Continue Reading ]
GOODNESS AND MERCY, i.e. God's favour, and the blessed and comfortable effects and benefits of it. SHALL FOLLOW ME; by which emphatical expression he signifies God's admirable freeness and readiness to do good to his people, and his preventing them with blessings. ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE; which he j... [ Continue Reading ]