Bible Commentaries
Psalms 23

Verse 2

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Lie down — To repose myself at noon, as the manner was in those hot countries.

Green — Where there is both delight and plenty of provisions.

Verse 3

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Restoreth — Heb. He bringeth it back; from its errors and wandering.

For — Not for any worth in me, but for the glory of his justice, and faithfulness, and goodness.

Verse 4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thy rod and thy staff — Two words denoting the same thing, and both designing God’s pastoral care over him.

Verse 5

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

A table — Thou furnishest me with plenty of provisions and comforts.

Oil — With aromatic ointments, which were then used at great feasts; thy comforts delight my soul.

Runneth over — Thou hast given me a plentiful portions, signified by the cup, given to the guests by the master of the feast.