The Shepherd and Friend
Just wanted to share a few notes from Derek Kidner's commentary on Psalm 23 today. I hope they encourage you and give you a little more insight into this famous Psalm.
"Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. Its peace is not escape; its contentment is not complacency; there is a readiness to face deep darkness and imminent attack, and the climax reveals a love which homes towards no material goal but to the Lord Himself." (p.109)
Regarding Psalm 23:5,
"Thou [You], at this point of danger, replaces the more distant 'He,' in a person-to-person address; for the Shepherd is no longer ahead, to lead, but alongside to escort. In times of need, the companionship is good; and He is armed. The rod (a cudgel worn at the belt) and staff (to walk with, and to round up the flock) were the shepherd's weapon and implement: the former for defense (1 Samuel 17:35), the latter for control- since discipline is security. Setting aside this metaphor, only the Lord can lead a man through death; all other guides turn back, and the traveller must go on alone." (p.111)
Regarding verses 5-6,
"So to be God's guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. It is to live with Him. There is a suggestion of pilgrimage in the picture of progress that ends at the house of the Lord; but it is also a journey home..." (p.112)
Praise the Lord for his lovingkindness that endures forever! May our only goal be the Shepherd himself.
Quotes above were taken from, Psalms 1-72, An Introduction and Commentary, Derek Kidner, Intervarsity Press, 1973.
"Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. Its peace is not escape; its contentment is not complacency; there is a readiness to face deep darkness and imminent attack, and the climax reveals a love which homes towards no material goal but to the Lord Himself." (p.109)
Regarding Psalm 23:5,
"Thou [You], at this point of danger, replaces the more distant 'He,' in a person-to-person address; for the Shepherd is no longer ahead, to lead, but alongside to escort. In times of need, the companionship is good; and He is armed. The rod (a cudgel worn at the belt) and staff (to walk with, and to round up the flock) were the shepherd's weapon and implement: the former for defense (1 Samuel 17:35), the latter for control- since discipline is security. Setting aside this metaphor, only the Lord can lead a man through death; all other guides turn back, and the traveller must go on alone." (p.111)
Regarding verses 5-6,
"So to be God's guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. It is to live with Him. There is a suggestion of pilgrimage in the picture of progress that ends at the house of the Lord; but it is also a journey home..." (p.112)
Praise the Lord for his lovingkindness that endures forever! May our only goal be the Shepherd himself.
Quotes above were taken from, Psalms 1-72, An Introduction and Commentary, Derek Kidner, Intervarsity Press, 1973.
Comments
Post a Comment