“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over” (Psalm 23:5, NKJV).

Throughout our lives, we will inevitably bump into some enemies. How do you deal with them? Have you ever lain awake at night, tossing and turning, dreaming up ways to take revenge on those who are trying to hurt you or destroy your work? It can be hard for Christians to know how to handle enemies.

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What types of enemies have you had in your life? How have you responded to those who have tried to hurt you or those you care for? How well did you follow Christ’s words to us in Matthew 5:44, or Paul’s in Romans 12:18-21?

In Psalm 23:5, David shows us an interesting way of dealing with enemies. He obscures their presence by looking instead at what God is doing in his behalf. And God is there preparing a banquet for him.

In David’s culture, when an honored guest came for a feast, the host would anoint his head with oil as the guest was about to enter the banqueting hall. The oil was a mixture of olive oil and perfume. Then the guest would be seated in front of far more food than one could ever eat.

How could the three items (table, oil, cup) in Psalm 23:5 help to remind us about how God provides, even when we are in the valley?

As Paul reminds us, “our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12, NRSV). Our enemies include those we see and those we don’t. Whether we like it or not, we are surrounded. Yet, when we are with the Shepherd, not one enemy, visible or invisible, can steal what He has provided for us.

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

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We begin this quarter by examining one of the most beloved chapters in the Bible, the 23rd Psalms. Can Psalm 23:4-6 exist without verses 1-3? Join us to find out the answer as we discuss this inspirational chapter about David’s confidence in God.

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“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV).

It would be nice if the paths of righteousness wound their way only along the grass-covered banks of cool streams. But that is not the way David paints it. Also along these paths is the valley of the shadow of death — not a place that we are eager to visit!

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At certain times of the year, the wadis and ravines found in Israel are prone to flash floods that could come unexpectedly and prove overwhelming. These places are also characteristically narrow, with steep sides that block out the light. Hence, “the shadow of death” is an image for “very deep shadow” or “deep darkness.”

Think about the times you have been in your own “valley of the shadow of death.” What has it been like? Did you have fear, even though you knew that the Shepherd was there? Which Bible verses were most precious to you at that time, and why?

How do you think the sheep ended up in the valley? Do you think the sheep went there on their own, or did the Shepherd lead the sheep that way Himself? Justify your answer.

Elisabeth Elliot writes, “A lamb who found himself in the valley of the shadow of death might conclude that he had been falsely led. It was needful for him to traverse that darkness in order to learn not to fear. The shepherd is still with him.” — Quest for Love (Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Books, 1996), p. 218.

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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“He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3, NRSV).

Imagine the “paths of righteousness” (Psalm 23:3) stretching out before you, way out into the distance. You cannot see the end, but you know that at the end of the journey is home, God’s house. As you focus a little closer to you, do you see where the paths lead? You can see some places clearly, but other parts are totally obstructed by large or dangerous obstacles. Sometimes the path disappears over a ridge.

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Some parts of the path are easy to walk along; others are difficult. It was just like this as Israel traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land, and it is described the same way in this psalm.

Identify from the locations that David sees the sheep passing through when following the paths of righteousness as they make their way to the house of the Lord.

But why are these paths called “paths of righteousness” or “right paths” (NIV, NRSV)? Here are four important reasons. First, they are the right paths because they lead to the right destination — the Shepherd’s home. Second, they are the right paths because they keep us in harmony with the right person — the Shepherd Himself. Third, they are the right paths because they train us to be the right people — like the Shepherd. Fourth, they are the right paths because they give us the right witness — as we become the right people, we give glory to the Lord. They are “right” or “righteous” paths, whether the going is easy or hard.

It is important to realize that when God leads us, it is not simply a question of His delivering a parcel to the destination. It is much more than guidance and protection. Like the many examples all through the Bible in which God is leading His people (whether it is leading Abraham by His promises or leading Israel by the pillar of fire and cloud), when God is guiding, it is always about His training His people in righteousness.

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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Key Thought: Psalm 23 talks about a path. The path takes us through the highs and lows in our lives. Do we know and trust the Shepherd as we move along this path.
July 2, 2022

1. Have a volunteer read Psalm 23:1-3.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. How can trials alter our paths so that our lives change to better reflect the character of Christ?
3. Personal Application: What does it mean to you to know that there is Someone this caring for you? Share your thoughts..
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t know if God cares for me that much. I’ve seen so much pain, sorrow, and disappointment in my life that I have a hard time recognizing His presence, direction, or protection.’” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Psalm 23:4.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. How do God’s rod and staff provide comfort in times of trouble?
3. Personal Application: Have you ever faced a valley of the shadow of death? Did you have any fear, even knowing God is there? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “How can I not help being fearful when I am facing death – whether by war, or assault, or cancer, or accident, or old age? Isn’t it natural to fear death?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Psalm 23:5.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What does it mean to anoint us with oil and have a full cup in the face of our enemies?
3. Personal Application: What types of enemies have you had in your life? How have you responded to those who have tried to hurt you or those you love? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “I haven’t chosen very good paths in my life. But now that I have chosen to become a Christian and follow Jesus, I find that path to be very difficult because of my past. How do I not do what is normal and seek revenge and react in kind when threatened? That’s what I was taught to do.” How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Psalm 23:6..

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. What two things did David say here that he is certain of?
3. Personal Application: What evidence from your life or from the Bible could you share with someone who questions the certainty of God’s care? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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