PSALM XXIII _The Lord is the Pastor of his people; therefore it may be_ _inferred that they shall not want_, 1. _How he guides, feeds, and protects them_, 2, 3. _Even in the greatest dangers they may be confident of his_ _support_, 4. _His abundant provision for them_, 5. _The confidence they... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 23:2. _HE MAKETH ME TO LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES_] בנאות דשא _binoth deshe_, not _green pastures_, but _cottages of turf_ or _sods,_ such as the shepherds had in open champaign countries; places in which themselves could repose safely; and _pens_ thus constructed where the flock might... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 23:3. _HE RESTORETH MY SOUL_] Brings back my life from destruction; and converts my soul from sin, that it may not eternally perish. Or, after it has _backslidden_ from him, heals its backslidings, and restores it to his favour. See the old paraphrase on this clause in the preceding not... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 23:4. _YEA, THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF_ _DEATH_] The reference is still to the _shepherd_. Though I, as one of the _flock_, should walk through the most dismal valley, in the dead of the night, exposed to pitfalls, precipices, devouring beasts, c., I should fear... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 23:5. _THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME_] Here the _second_ _allegory_ begins. A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the _bounty_ to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by _enemies_, I sit down to this table with c... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 23:6. _GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL FOLLOW ME_] As I pass on through the vale of life, thy goodness and mercy shall follow my every step; as I proceed, so shall they. There seems to be an allusion here to the waters of the rock smitten by the rod of Moses, which followed the Israelites all... [ Continue Reading ]