More Psalm 23
(KJV) 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Yesterday we looked at the first part of this psalm, and today we conclude by remembering not just God’s provision, but His protection. Returning to the analogy of the one tending the sheep, the best grazing was often in the high places, but that was also where predators hid, waiting for the defenseless sheep. But just as the one shepherding the sheep would not lead them into danger without his protection, Jesus would never lead us anywhere and leave us alone. If the table is set by Jesus, our good shepherd, then we can be confident we are under His protection.
Being anointed with oil is not something with which we are familiar, but David’s contemporaries understood well the meaning. In the book, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” by Philip Keller, we see that oil was used to prevent insects from burrowing into the sheep, particularly their eyes, ears and nose. For people, pouring oil upon one’s head was a sign of respect. I referred to this practice in my devotional about Psalm 133 titled “Unity.” In that psalm, David speaks of Aaron”s anointing as a priest, and the abundance of oil running down his head and onto his robe.
In Psalm 23, being anointed with oil again refers to abundance, with David going on to say his cup is overflowing. There is an old gospel song that says “I’m drinking from the saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.” It David knew the lack he felt while running from Saul, but he also knew the abundance of feasting at God’s table.
May we know, understand and believe that if God leads us to the high places, He will protect us. If He invites us to His table, we can be secure in our safety and in His provision. And when we as intentional disciples keep our eyes on our Shepherd, then we, too, can be assured of His goodness and mercy., drinking from the saucer, cause our cup has overflowed.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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