RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-05-13	Why David Said, 'Surely Goodness and Mercy Shall Follow Me' (Ps.23:6)
		Psa 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psa 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psa 23:3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Psa 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psa 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. Psalm 23 portrays the close relationship David enjoys with His God. It begins with a metaphor of a shepherd leading his lamb (v.1-2). The meaning is that the Lord cares for and guides believers. In the closing verses (v.5-6), the imagery intensifies as David is welcomed into the Lord's house as a permanent guest. David is comforted knowing that his standing with the Lord is not like a visitor who is entertained once, and then must leave. David rejoices in that he has been given a perpetual place setting at the Lord's table. Anointing a person's head with oil was an ancient custom of respect and hospitality shown to guests (v.5). David sees himself as an honored guest of the Lord, who (1) invites him to dinner, (2) favorably anoints him, and (3) pours out an abundance of blessings that overflows his cup. Goodness and mercy are depicted as attendants in the Lord's household who accompany David for the rest of his life. Both goodness and mercy go with David through life's struggles. David is giving human-like qualities to abstract blessings (goodness and mercy) from the Lord. David's good and merciful Shepherd is the same God who passed in front of Moses (Ex.34:6). Exo 34:6 And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth. As believers, we can trust that the Lord's overflowing blessings will remain with us no matter what the circumstances we face (Ps.27:13). If we dwell in the house of the Lord continually, we are under His constant protection (Ps.27:4-5). Psa 27:4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. Psa 27:5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. God is the perfect Shepherd and Host. As our Shepherd, He provides personal care, guidance, and protection. As our eternal Host, He welcomes us to feast at His rich table of abundant and overflowing blessings. We can say along with David, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life!” Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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