Psa 23:6 | KingComments | STEP | From on, it is no longer the picture of a shepherd, but of a Host Who invites, in this case on the occasion of the appointment of a King. This is evident in , where David says: “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” The believer going through trial and discipline sees that a table has been prepared for him ( ). The table here is an altar on which the peace offering is brought. In the Old Testament, a festive meal is held with peace offerings that are brought on the occasion of the appointment of a king ( ; cf. ). The guests are the afflicted of Psalm 22 ( ). The adversaries, who were out for his destruction, see it gnashing their teeth. It is the only remark in this psalm about the believer’s enemies. They can do nothing against him, as, for example, at the coronation of Solomon ( ). After all, the Shepherd is with him. Through Him the believer overwhelmingly conquers, by which he knows that nothing can separate him from the love of Christ and the love of God ( ). The believer goes on to speak of what the LORD is doing to him. The LORD anoints his head richly with oil. Anointing with oil is a tribute to a guest ( ; cf. ). It says that the believer is valuable to the Shepherd. Also, the Shepherd gives him a cup so full that it overflows (cf. ). This speaks of the overflowing blessing that the Shepherd gives. His care is so rich and overflowing. In , the believer expresses the assurance that during all the days of his life, only goodness and lovingkindness will follow him. They will be there constantly (cf. ). It concerns life on earth. God shows His goodness in His abundant care. His goodness He shows in His promises to bless His own. David, or the believer, expresses his deep trust in God’s faithfulness. Instead of being persecuted by enemies who seek his destruction, he is “followed” by God’s goodness and lovingkindness. Here he does not follow the Shepherd, but the Shepherd follows him through life with His loving care. God’s benevolence will be our lifelong companion. The psalm concludes with the assurance that every believer pronounces with great joy: “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” This is the deepest desire of every believer. He wants to be there, where God dwells ( ). For the Christian, this is ultimately the Father’s house ( ). For the Old Testament believer, this is the realm of peace, where he may live in the atmosphere of the temple.

‏ Psalms 23:6

The LORD Is My Host

From Psa 23:5 on, it is no longer the picture of a shepherd, but of a Host Who invites, in this case on the occasion of the appointment of a King. This is evident in Psa 23:6, where David says: “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

The believer going through trial and discipline sees that a table has been prepared for him (Psa 23:5). The table here is an altar on which the peace offering is brought. In the Old Testament, a festive meal is held with peace offerings that are brought on the occasion of the appointment of a king (1Sam 11:15; cf. Isa 25:6). The guests are the afflicted of Psalm 22 (Psa 22:26).

The adversaries, who were out for his destruction, see it gnashing their teeth. It is the only remark in this psalm about the believer’s enemies. They can do nothing against him, as, for example, at the coronation of Solomon (1Kgs 1:41-53). After all, the Shepherd is with him. Through Him the believer overwhelmingly conquers, by which he knows that nothing can separate him from the love of Christ and the love of God (Rom 8:35-39).

The believer goes on to speak of what the LORD is doing to him. The LORD anoints his head richly with oil. Anointing with oil is a tribute to a guest (Lk 7:46; cf. Mt 26:7). It says that the believer is valuable to the Shepherd. Also, the Shepherd gives him a cup so full that it overflows (cf. Psa 116:13). This speaks of the overflowing blessing that the Shepherd gives. His care is so rich and overflowing.

In Psa 23:6, the believer expresses the assurance that during all the days of his life, only goodness and lovingkindness will follow him. They will be there constantly (cf. 1Cor 10:4). It concerns life on earth. God shows His goodness in His abundant care. His goodness He shows in His promises to bless His own.

David, or the believer, expresses his deep trust in God’s faithfulness. Instead of being persecuted by enemies who seek his destruction, he is “followed” by God’s goodness and lovingkindness. Here he does not follow the Shepherd, but the Shepherd follows him through life with His loving care. God’s benevolence will be our lifelong companion.

The psalm concludes with the assurance that every believer pronounces with great joy: “I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” This is the deepest desire of every believer. He wants to be there, where God dwells (Psa 26:8 ; Psa 27:4). For the Christian, this is ultimately the Father’s house (Jn 14:2). For the Old Testament believer, this is the realm of peace, where he may live in the atmosphere of the temple.