Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
My ladies and I are reading "Quiet Confidence for a Woman's Heart" by Elizabeth George. This is a study of Psalm 23. In Chapter 9 Elizabeth George looks at Psalm 23:5 “You prepared a table before me … You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”
David was pursued by his enemies for quite some time. At times his life was at risk. In Psalm 23:5, he writes of finding a table that has been prepared for him.
“The setting shifts to show the psalmist as an honored guest enjoying the warm hospitality so characteristic of the Middle East, where Psalm 23 was written.” We move from the sheep/shepherd relationship to the human relationship. The author says “we are invited to focus on the promise of God’s protection and the blessing of his friendship.”
Psalm 23:5 says You prepared a table. Thus we know that the Lord was the host and server. We also know that the table was prepared ahead of time, before David – the guest – arrived. I like what the author said about this “… we’re not unexpected guests, but anticipated ones. …Preparations have been carefully made in advance.”
“He prepares in advance, sets His banqueting table, and waits for us weary travelers to lift the tent flap and come in so He can minister to us… This, precious one, is our God, the One who prepares a table in the wilderness for us when we can’t go on, when we’re completely worn out.”
Not only is the table prepared, but David goes on to say “you anoint my head with oil.” When I read this, I thought of the story in Mark 14:
Mark 14:3 (KJV) And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.
We know that this oil was very costly. The oil used here in Psalm 23:5 is also an act of luxury. “It’s also a symbol of festivity (the oil of joy replaces mourning Isa. 61:3). And it’s a sign of happiness because ointment and perfume rejoice the heart (Prov. 27:9).”
Next David adds “my cup runs over.” “The magnitude of God’s provision includes a well-filled cup…. Filled to overflowing – that’s how God fills our cups! We’ll be filled, saturated, completely satisfied.”
“Our Lord’s provision for us represents His thoughtfulness and generosity … The sustenance, the oil, and the brimming cup do their job well and revive us.”
Take comfort today knowing that the Lord has prepared a table for you, not just any table but one that has a full spred of food on it. Take comfort that He anoints your head with oil, a costly oil, a symbol of festivity. And take comfort that your cup runs over, that you are completely satisfied.
Let’s pray. Father, we thank You that You are the great I AM. We thank You that You prepare a table for us, that You anoint our head with a costly oil, and that our cup runs over signifying that we are completely satisfied in You. We rejoice that we are Your friend! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings,
Beautiful post!Thanks so much for stopping by Life Lessons! You're such an encouragement! God bless you this week as you 'drink' from His word!
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