Psalms 23

David representeth in his own person as in a mirror, the happiness, or blessed condition of true child of God, both temporal and spiritual under the sweet guidance, and pastoral care, and providence of his gracious God, in and through the chief shepheard of our souls, our LORD and Saviour JESUS CHRIST.

1. A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepheard, I shall want nothing.

2. He maketh me to ly down [Compare Ezek.34.15.] in grassy pastures: [Heb. Pastures of grass, or, grass-buds. Oth. In grassy folds, or, huts, i.e. such as are encompassed all about with green and grassy meadows, or pasture-grounds] he leadeth me gently [as Ex.15.13. and Psalms 31:4.] unto very still waters [Heb.waters of stillnesses, i.e. which running very still and softly, are very commodious for the heards or flocks to water them.]

3. He reviveth my soul: [Heb. He maketh to return, or, bringeth back my soul, i.e. he doth raise up, revive and chear it; even as a faithful shepheard recovereth, and re-invigoreth his sheep with fresh and pleasant waters, when they are scorched and faint through heat and thirst] he conducteth in the path [Heb. Paths] of righteousness, for his names sake.

4. Although I went likewise in a vale of the shadow of death, [i.e. In most dreadful, dark and dangerous ways and passages, which doubtless happened often unto David in his exile and wanderings. What this manner of speaking doth otherwise imply, is to be seen Job 3.on verse 5. And 10.on verse 21,22. And 24.17. Psal.44.20. and 107.10,14. Jer.2.6, &c.] I should fear no evil, for thou art with me; [See Gen.21.on v.22. and 31.on verse 3.] thy stick, and staff, [i.e. Shepherds-crook or staff. Which serveth withal for a support: thus the Prophet continueth the similitude of the Shepherd. See Levit.27.32. Ezekiel 20:37. Mich.7.14. Zach.11.7.] they comfort me.

5. Thou dressest the Table [See Prov.9.2, &c.] before my face, over against mine adversaries: [that to their grief and spight they must see and suffer it. See Psalms 112:10.] Thou makest mine heard fat, [i.e. thou dost anoint it so abundantly, that it is fat all over, and running, or trickling down] with oil, [understand odoriferous, or sweet-smelling oil, or Balm: See Ruth 3.on v.3. and Prov.21.on v.17. the meaning is; thou doest exceedingly cherish and refresh me. Compare Psalms 45:8. and 133.2. Eccles.9.8. Isa.61.3.] my cup is overflowing. [Or, running over. See Psalm 11.on verse 6.]

6. Good and kindness surely shall follow after me all the days of my life; [viz. From the LORD, according as he doth promise and shew unto his] and I shall abide in the house of the LORD [Oth. Rest, viz. In the Tabernacle of the LORD, there to serve and praise him with his people: which some do apply not only unto this life, but also to that to come; and so likewise the words following] in length of days. [i.e. for a long time, or, for ever. Compare Psalm 21.on v.5. and 93. Ver.5. Isaiah 53:10.]