I tend to think of Psalm 23 as the “Shepherd” Psalm but actuality it has two parts: The Lord as Shepherd (vv 1-4) who cares for each of his sheep and The Lord as Host (vv 5-6) of a lavish banquet. Both metaphors express the comfort a believer finds in God during times of great difficulty.
The Psalm opens and closes with reference to the LORD (vs.. 1, 6). He is the one who cares for me during crisis times. Enjoyment of his presence (“in the house of Lord”) is life’s richest experience.
The second metaphor, the Lord as Host, pictures the Psalmist (i.e. Psalm 23, we found ourselves in his place) invited to be the honored guest at a great banquet. When he arrives, his “head is anointed” with expensive, perfumed oil. Anointing of one’s and face in that day and age triggered memories of other festive, joyful occasions. Similar associations are present in Psalm 104:15,
“wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart”
The metaphor locates this banquet “in the presence of my enemies” – a “sign that all those who have threatened the psalmist have now been proved to be wrong”. The believer can enjoy the banquet in peace, knowing he has nothing to fear from those enemies.
In spite of all that might have marred his life, the psalmist is declaring that in the presence of God he experiences a richly satisfying and joy-filled life (Davidson, The Vitality of Worship.)
At this point (vs.. 6), the psalmist points us to the future. Now and again, as believers, we experience an overflowing joy in God’s presence. Fear and worry are taken away and worship comes alive. God is present and we are filled with joy. This, the Psalm tells us, is what we have to look forward to.
Yes, difficulties lie ahead. God will lead us through the dark valleys of life as a caring shepherd. Surely good and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.
But God is more than just a Good Shepherd. Up ahead, beyond all the “days of my life” lies something even greater. I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever!
That joy we experience, from time to time, in God presence, will be unbroken. We will see him “face to face.” How can we help but echo John’s words in Revelation 22:20, Amen, Come, Lord Jesus!
