”Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.“

Psalm‬ ‭23‬:‭5‬ ‭

Explanation

Psalm 23 is well known and regularly quoted for a reason. It is among the most beautiful passages in the Bible for its poetry and imagery. We see a beautiful picture in today’s text. I see four terms that summarize this beautiful verse.

Provision- “Thou prepares a table before me…”

This is not about carpentry. This is about dining. This is the imagery of a feast. The shepherd is providing food for his sheep.

Protection- “…in the presence of mine enemies.”

Sheep can graze in peace even when there are the possibility of predators because the good shepherd will protect them. This is the analogy David is making. David is saying that He is blessed by God and that God is providing even when there are those who would do him wrong.

Refreshment- “…Thou anoints my head with oil”

Shepherds would anoint the heads of their sheep to sooth the scratches and wounds. David was anointed as king, which is an interesting thought when you consider this text. Priests were anointed with oil as they were consecrated for their work. Kings were anointed with oil before they were made king. 

Abundance- “…my cup runneth over.”

His cup isn’t almost full. His cup isn’t full. His cup is overflowing. He has more than he needs. 

Application

I am not the source of anything good that I have.

I am not the one that deserves thanks.

My satisfaction and ultimate fulfillment is not in the created but in the Creator who gives and gives and gives.

I love the lines of that old hymn by Annie Johnson Flint that point to the loving provision of our Heavenly Father:

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase
To added affliction He addeth His mercy
To multiplied trials His multiplied peace

When we have exhausted our store of endurance
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun

His love has no limit, 
His grace has no measure
His pow’r has no boundary known unto men
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again

Annie Johnson Flint

Response

Lord God, Thank you for your provision. Thank you for your protection. Thank you for refreshing. Thank you for abundance. I do not deserve it. I love you. Amen.