Nazarene Commentary 2000©
21st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures©
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21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures©
[NCMM]
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PSALMS (1-24, 26)
PSALM 23:
MY SHEPHERD
[A hymn of David]
PS23:1 My shepherd
is Yehowah. I will want for nothing.
| 183 | My shepherd: Or, HAR: shepherds me; BAS: takes care of me; LXX: tends me as a shepherd. [Compare Psalm 28:9; 78:71; 80:1] The prophets
also call Messiah a shepherd. [Isaiah 40:11; 44:28; Ezekiel 34:23, 24; Zechariah 13:7. Jesus likens himself to a shepherd. [Matthew 25:32; John 10:2, 11-13, 16] Paul, Peter, and John do also. [Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4; Revelation 2:27; 7:17; 12:5; 19:15] Christ also shepherds by means of appointed men. [John 21:16; Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2] David’s relationship to God is like a sheep to the shepherd. |
| 184 | I will want for nothing: Or, KJV: I shall not want; PBV: therefore can I lack nothing; HAR: I shall never be in need; BAS: I will not be without any good thing; TAY: I have everything I need; JPS: I lack nothing. The idea of not wanting – or wanting for nothing – indicates an end to desire, greed, or covetousness. The Messianic Shepherd teaches, “Beware of every kind of greed.” David’s words indicate no greed in his system. He is satisfied with what he has and has no egotistical desire for more. |
PS23:2 He makes me lie down
in grassy meadows.
He leads me to quiet waters.
| 185 | He makes me lie down: Or, PBV: feed me; LXX: fixed my abode; SPR: to repose; BAS: makes a resting-place for me; RHM ftn: cause me
to rest there. Sheep feed upright and so the fact this sheep lies down shows it “wants for nothing” and is well fed, pleasantly resting |
| 186 | Grassy meadows: Or, KJV: green pastures; RHM: in pastures of tender grass; LXX: verdant pasture; MOF: meadows green; BAS: green fields. We can imagine a mountain or hillside meadow or grassy field. The sheep is surrounded
by food but is so satisfied it lays down to rest and serenity. |
| 187 | Quiet waters: Or, KJV: still waters; PBV: waters of comfort; RHM: restful waters; LXX: gentle flowing water; SPR: tranquil waters; MOF: refreshing streams. There are few things more calming than the sound of gentle waters. This is true whether it is a bubbling mountain stream, the gentle lapping of a lake, or the soothing sound of surf. Many have observed these places to be excellent for meditation. |
PS23:3 He renews my soul.
For His own Name’s sake He guides me correct paths.
| 188 | Renews my soul: Or, KJV: restoreth my soul; BAS: gives new life to; HAR: renewed life; NJB: revives my soul; NEB: renews my life within me; TAY: restores my failing health. The purpose of this rest in quiet meadows is to restore or renew the soul. It would actually be harmful if sheep did nothing but graze. In a similar manner the worshipper of Yehowah must also take tie away from spiritual feeding to meditate restfully on the things learned. |
| 189 | Correct paths: Or, KJV: paths of righteousness; BAS: ways of righteousness; HAR: a virtuous course; NJB: paths of virtue; NEB: right path; KNX: sure paths. The Hebrew has more the idea of “tracks” or “ruts.” These are well-worn with generations of others who have walked the same way and have become deep ruts. One can leave these only by effort. A sheep can wander away and get lost and this was a theme of the Nazarene – the lost sheep. The disciple is not forced-marched in a rut, but is gently led by the Shepherd on the way of righteousness. |
PS23:4 Even if I walk through the valley of death’s shadow
I will fear nothing harmful,
for You are with me. Your rod
and Your staff
comfort me.
| 190 | Valley of death’s shadow: Or, KJV: valley of the shadow of death; RHM: death-shadowed; LXX: shades of death; MOF: glen of gloom;
AAT: darkest valley; NEB: dark as death. There are frightening places with great danger, but David feels the presence of his Shepherd and so has no fear. Sooner or later all living humans pass through such a valley, but even near death they have nothing to
fear. |
| 191 | I will fear nothing harmful: Or, KJV: I will fear no evil; RHM: I will fear no harm; LXX: fear no ills;
NJB: I should fear no danger. Learning to overcome fear is a struggle for some. The more one trusts and relies on the Shepherd the less fear will be present. With such lack of fear serene tranquility comes peacefully on the fearless. |
| 192 | Rod: Or, club, strength. There can be two views: God’s rod of discipline and guidance; or, a rod of protection. The Greek is BACTERIA.
This rod “comforts” David not causes him fear. It would seem the Shepherd’s rod is for the protection of the sheep. |
| 193 |
Staff: Or, crook, support. The shepherd’s crook for rescuing the sheep. |
| 194 | Comfort me: Or, courage,
encourage; NJB: soothe me. David is not frightened by Yehowah’s rod and staff, for these are for protection and guidance. |
PS23:5 Right in front of my enemies
You spread out a table
before me. You have anointed
my head with oil. My cup is completely filled.
| 195 | Right in front of my enemies: Or, KJV: in the presence of mine enemies; PBV: them that trouble me; MOF: my foes have to look on; KNX: envious my foes watch; LXX: afflict me. Nothing irritates hateful enemies more than to see the object of their resentment to be clearly blessed. |
| 196 | Spread out a table: Or, MOF: a feast; KNX: banquet. This is not just a quick snack wrapped in cloth as a shepherd might carry, but a full banquet. This irritates David’s enemies. |
| 197 | Anointed: Or, poured, greased. A hospitable host would wash the feet of a guest and then apply perfumed oil on dry skin. |
| 198 | My cup is completely filled: Or, KJV: my cup runneth over; PBV: shall be full; YLT: my cup is full; MOF: brimming over; HAR: my fortunes prosper greatly; TAY: blessings overflow. David is the optimist who always sees even a half-filled glass as half-full rather than “half-empty.” |
PS23:6 For a certainty
all the days of my life I will aspire
to goodness
and covenant-loyalty,
and so I will reside
in the house of Yehowah throughout my days. | 199 | For a certainty: Or, surely. David is confident. He does not wave in doubt or indecision. |
| 200 |
Aspire: Or, follow, pursue, accompany, follow. |
| 201 | Goodness: Or, loving-kindness, kindness. The LXX has only
“mercy.” David may mean God’s “goodness” will be present throughout his life. Or, he may refer to his own goodness. The word in English means virtue, excellence, kindness, generosity, benevolence. |
| 202 | Covenant-loyalty: Or, mercy, loving-kindness, love, loyal love, unfailing love, faithful love, steadfast love. The word refers to a bond
or contract between two persons requiring trust and faithfulness to the object of love. |
| 203 | Reside: Or, dwell,
live, my home. Some would apply this to the tabernacle, but this was not a dwelling for David. As one of the sheep of Yehowah’s flock, David’s hope is to remain within God’s household. |
| 204 | Throughout my days: Or, length of days, for ever, long years, all my days, as long as I live. [Job 12:12; Psalm 21:4] |
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Nazarene Commentary 2000©
Mark Heber Miller
©2000 All Rights Reserved
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