Meditating on "God our abundant Giver."

A Bible Study on Psalm 23:4

I'm grateful to you for following my blog and reading what I write. In the last edition, we explored the phrase 'God is our Protector and Comforter.' (If you haven't read it, I encourage you to do so now.)

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In this edition, we will look at Psalm 23:5-6.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.
(Psalm 23:5-6)

In these last two verses, David has changed the metaphor from a shepherd tending the sheep to a generous host. But that is not the only thing that he has changed. Notice that in the first four verses, he was talking about God (i.e. in 3rd person), whereas in verses 5-6, he is talking to God. Interesting, right?

The generous host prepares the table for David. In other words, the host is preparing food for him. Our modern minds would appreciate the gesture. We might see such an action as quite welcoming and hospitable. However, there is more than meets the eye.

In the ancient near east, when a person invites you to their home and anoints the head with oil, it means more than just hospitability; It meant that that person would protect you. “in the presence of my enemies.” Such a gesture meant that the host and the guest had a strong relationship.

With that background in your mind, read this: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3)

Oil was used not just for the purpose of cooking but also as a gesture of welcome. And in this Psalm, oil is not the only thing that is overflowing. David also talks about the overflowing of his cup. Notice how the cup is not just full but overflowing. This signifies the abundant blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon him. These blessings are not something that God will bestow upon David in some distant future; rather, they are already bestowed upon him.

You see, David was aware of the plethora of blessings that he was already blessed with. The question is, are we? Are we aware of the abundant blessings that the Lord has generously showered upon us right now? How many can we count? How many can we remember? How many are we thankful for?

Coming to the last verse, the goodness and love of the Lord would surely follow David. It is his assurance and not an assumption. The word ‘Following’ here does not mean walking behind someone, but a rigorous pursuit behind them. What this means is that the Lord’s good and loving presence will not leave David until the end of his life.

For David, his past experience with God dictated how he viewed his future with God. It is because God was good to him in the past, God will be good to him in the future. I believe you and I should start trusting God (more), especially in light of all the good things that the Lord has done historically and in our lives.

Summary:

Here’s a helpful concise summary of David packing each verse with an attribute of God.

1. God is our Shepherd.

2. God is our Leader.

3. God is our Restorer.

4. God is our Protector and Comforter.

5. God is a Gracious Giver.

6. God is Good and full of Love.

I hope this Bible Study series on Psalm 23 help you. I pray that the Lord will help you see the deep riches that His entire Word possesses.

On which Bible passage do you want me to share such Bible Studies next? Let me know.

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