Psalm 23 is probably the most well known psalm and has most likely had more sermons preached, teachings given on it, with more books and commentaries written about it than any other in the Bible.

Comparing their explanations of the first part of this verse reveals that most commentators agree with each other on the following conclusion: David is being provided a great feast by the Lord while his enemies are watching him and are wondering how he could enjoy such a feast when they are about to kill him; and furthermore it’s David’s way of showing that he has no fear of his enemies. 

In many ways, this does agree with his walking through the valley of deaths shadow and fearing no evil. 

There is also the popular reference where tradition teaches us this is a poem with a shepherding motif. We understand that the shepherd leads his sheep to rich fields to graze and protects them from any predators, he is watching over the sheep while they eat safely and they are completely unaware of any dangers.

This seems to be describing a picture showing that the Psalmist has left the valley of the shadow of death and is now in a place of security, and without fear of attack by his enemies David is able to enjoy this great feast. Some commentators say the Psalmist is transitioning out of the shepherding motif and now is a king who is feeling secure even though a king is often surrounded by enemies and threats to his power. 

Last post we asked the question:

Why are we so quick to assume that the table represents a banquet or feast of physical food, or even having a meal? The scripture actually only says that God prepares a table. It does not say a feast, nor a banquet, just simply a table.

 

There are 2 very different things about this table prepared by our Father.

One is

to hear about what is served at the Table that God has prepared

and the other is

To eat from the table God has prepared.

All who eat have heard

however

not all who hear eat.

It remains true then that

To him who has ears to hear,

let him eat that which God has prepared.

Research shows there is a very strong cultural expression here, that exists even in this modern age in the Middle East.

First, we need to examine the word prepare. 

Because it is the Lord God who is preparing this table, it makes Him sound like a servant who is setting the table for the Psalmist.

The word prepare in Hebrew is

‘arak

which means:

to set in order or arrange. 

In the Persian language it is a term used by the military for: preparing for battle; 

and in the Phoenician language, the closest word to the Hebrew

arakat

is a merchant’s term for:

negotiating a business deal.  

Strongs #6186

ta·‘ă·rōḵ

תַּעֲרֹ֬ךְ

You prepare

V‑Qal‑Imperf‑2ms 

arak: To arrange, set in order, prepare, compare, value

Original Word: עָרַךְ
Transliteration: `arak
Pronunciation: ah-RAHK
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-rak’)
Definition: To arrange, set in order, prepare, compare, value
Meaning: to set in a, row, arrange, put in order

 Greek G3903 (paratithemi): To set before, to place beside, to present

– G5021 (tasso): To arrange, to appoint, to ordain

The Hebrew verb “arak” primarily means to arrange or set in order. It is used in various contexts, including the preparation of items, the arrangement of troops for battle, and the setting of a table. The word can also imply the act of comparing or valuing something, indicating a process of evaluation or judgment.

 In ancient Israelite culture, the concept of order and arrangement was significant, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God bringing order out of chaos. The act of arranging or setting things in order was not only practical but also symbolic of divine order and purpose. In the context of worship, for example, the careful arrangement of offerings and the setting of the table for the showbread in the Tabernacle were acts of reverence and obedience to God’s commands.

Last post we looked at the Hebrew word for table which is shulachan; most lexicons say it means a table.

 

We saw that this word comes from the root word shalach

and that it’s a word used for:

moving toward a goal or resolution.

And we have to ask, exactly what does that have to do with a table?

Another Hebrew word for table is: tavala

which is:

a board or plank of wood.

For most people that is what we imagine on hearing the word table.

However, Shulachan שחן has a meaning that is different from a wooden structure, it’s a special table, one used for:

reaching a goal or finding a solution to a problem.

Shalach in its Semitic root has the idea of :

sending forth a message.

Interesting side note on the Semitic root:

There is a Jewish phrase Shulchan Aruk. This phrase means literally, preparing the table. In scriptural thought, preparing a table with food created for the body, is synonymous with the purpose of Torah, preparing food for a holy walk. This truth is referred to many times by Yeshua’, not the least of which is in Mattityahu 4:4 (Matthew).But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. What makes the shulchan even more interesting is that its verbal root is shalach (שלח). This is the common Hebrew word meaning to send forth. The word shalach is translated in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) and eventually into the New Testament as apostole (άπόστολος), from which we get the word apostle. As defined in the Tanakh, an apostle is one that is sent forth for a purpose. The function of an apostle, based upon the background of the meaning of the word, is to prepare a table or to provide a proper setting of food to those who are hungry. The apostle’s ultimate responsibility is to provide the only true food that YHVH has given to humanity, His Torah – teachin,g instructions and directions for life..

 

And once more we ask the question, what does that have to do with a table? 

In its root form, it means: to send out or to reach out,

and is used for

forming a diplomatic commission.

In other words ‘arak and shulchan,

preparing a table is:

to prepare a table for negotiations.

To have this table set before his enemies, would suggest that Adonai is preparing negotiations for the Psalmist with his enemies.

In almost every culture today, tables have multiple uses. They are made from either wood or some other strong material that has at least 3 legs, usually 4 for stability. Most have accompanying chairs for the purpose of sitting down beside them to eat, write, or a myriad of other uses. 

In the ancient Middle East tables were less popular. Historical information records that the people of the ancient Middle East, as today for many nomadic people, they never ate at a table. Even the wealthy and kings did not normally eat at a table. Instead they simply sat or reclined on the ground and shared food from a common plate. Tables were not a common item and were used only occasionally.

This idea of some kind of a banquet or food feast probably comes from the phrase:

YHVH is setting a table before his enemies.  It’s very doubtful that a shepherd would set up a table to eat, somewhere out in the wilderness surrounded by his sheep. Sometimes we read verses and don’t even stop to consider what the real meaning is telling us.

The mention of the shepherd in this psalm says that Adonai anoints his head with oil. There is historical evidence that shepherds did use a type of plant oil, maybe that of Oley to rub in the wounds of sheep that might have been injured, e.g. from thorns; and to keep insects away from their heads. Again if we read this with the picture that: Our Heavenly Father prepares a meal for us to eat in front of our enemies, who are just waiting to harm or kill us and if they do. Then He rubs some healing oil over our wounds to heal and restore us; at face value Psalm 23 does convey this message, however, as we are learning, in YHWH’s Word there is always more! Any archaeological study of that era will reveal that a table as we think of one, is quite out of place in this Psalm; and our Heavenly Father is much more proactive against our enemies.

However, this suggestion of a feast may be where commentators get their idea of anointing his head with oil from.  In those days when a king gave a banquet or feast for invited guests each guest would bring oil with them, most likely frankincense, into the banqueting hall and it was poured over his head.  Frankincense was considered the oil of kings. This was done for several reasons. One being that it would also create a euphoric feeling as it filled the air and it also helped to cover body odors from those who did not wash as frequently as people do today.

The phrase ‘a feast before one’s enemies’, is a reference to an ancient Middle Eastern tradition.  Attempts to reconcile issues between rivals or enemies were often resolved by sharing a meal together and specifically this would involve a table where all the food and drinks were placed for all to see. Professional tasters would sample both the food and the drinks to make certain non of it was poisoned, ruling out ulterior motives. They would all eat from a common plate, so they needed a table so they could eat from both sides, if the food was poisoned they would all be affected. This would build trust between them and help greatly in the process of resolving their issues peacefully.

In fact, that is where the idea of a toast originated. It is said that the two parties raised their cups of wine together then drink from each other’s cup just to be sure the other didn’t sneak poison into the other’s drink.  If they were really serious about coming to an agreement, they would tap their cups and drink from their own cup to show their complete trust in the good faith of the other party. This has become a familiar sight at all kinds of celebrations today.

With this in mind we have a greater understanding that David was declaring that the Lord God was working on his behalf by doing the right thing toward his enemies in trying prevent physical war and to forge a peaceful solution to their differences. It is not strange today when we hear on the news today that conflicts in the Middle East are often discussed around a table which includes a meal. 

A table was used when there was business to conduct and you needed something solid to write on, or you had to be in a good sitting position able to look your adversary in the eyes. 

The Hebrew word most often translated as enemy is ‘oyebh, meaning perhaps literally, “one who hates”.

Another word for enemy in Hebrew is tsar/tsarar which means: 

to be restricted, narrow or to bind up.

Strongs 6862

tsar: Adversary, enemy, distress, trouble

Original Word: צַר
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: tsar
Pronunciation: tsar
Phonetic Spelling: (tsar)
Definition: Adversary, enemy, distress, trouble
Meaning: narrow, a tight place, a pebble, an opponent

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb צָרַר (tsarar), meaning “to bind” or “to be narrow.”

G2346 (θλίβω, thlibō): Meaning “to press” or “to afflict,” often used in the context of tribulation or distress.

The Hebrew word “tsar” primarily denotes an adversary or enemy, often used to describe someone who causes distress or trouble. It can also refer to the state of being in distress or experiencing hardship. The term is frequently used in the context of conflict, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, and is often associated with the trials faced by individuals or the nation of Israel.

In the Akkadian it is the word fararu which means:

a foe or adversary. It’s an adversary that is binding you or restricting you from accomplishing your purpose. 

How do people respond when someone stands their way of accomplishing a task or goal?  They usually apply some force, intimidation, or conflict to get this adversary out of the way. 

How does this relate to us and our personal lives?

Here is a great lesson in Psalm 23.  Up to now, our Heavenly Father’s only intervention was to create a sense of peace for the Psalmist. The Psalm begins with the statement that God provides everything for him so that he has no lack and wants nothing.  His soul is restored, and he is led to green pastures and still waters. He carries a rod and staff which comfort him and now He prepares a negotiating table with him before his enemies.

Psalm 23 covers all our needs!

 

Surely this is one of the greatest achievements in life, when we can have peaceful relationships with others. Our bodies needs rest, our souls need restoration and healing, but until the mind finds understanding and relief, none of this can happen.

When someone slights us, treats us badly by disrespecting us and seems bent on making our lives miserable. We instinctively call out to our Heavenly Father asking Him to remove this person from our lives; and we probably think of many ways that this adversary can be taken away. However, our Heavenly Father has the real solution by setting up a table, negotiations with our enemies.  

We can glean from this that our Heavenly Father has set a table for us in the presence of our enemies, He desires for us to peacefully resolve the differences we have with one another, to talk them out, and if possible be friends and not enemies. 

It is a sad fact that in congregations and assemblies of believers conflicts do exist, some people never work through their issues and end up holding grudges, and not talking to each other. Serious differences sometimes cause a congregation to split, key people will leave with hearts of bitterness toward fellow believers. Our Heavenly Father is ready to prepare a table and help settle the differences; and many times it is not a fixed in an instant, solutions are preceded by prayer and communication.

Strife, contention and division are some of the enemy’s greatest weapons and are used to create disunity and disharmony.

James 3:16  For where there are envying and strife, there are contention and every evil work. (evil = out of harmony with the Fathers will).

Our Heavenly Father is ready to heal those wounds but there must be honest communication between the parties before the healing can begin and this requires His wisdom. James continues in verse 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits without partiality, and without hypocrisy.¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace/shalom.

A final note in that it is God who prepares the table. He is the One who brings the two parties together. He is the mediator, the arbitrator, the impartial judge who brings both parties together to come to an amicable agreement.  

In most disputes, both parties have good and understandable points of view that have caused the conflicting opinions. Our Heavenly Father wants us to talk it out, and to try to understand the other’s point of view. Once we do, it’s much easier to forgive and reconcile. After studying these verses, rather than the picture of our Father setting up the table so the Psalmist can peacefully eat his meal in defiance against his enemy.  Let’s try and view it from the meaning that He is setting up a table to negotiate and reconcile with his enemy. This may be a more realistic view of these verses, let the reader decide!

Shalom, shalom mishpachah/family

and cheverim/friends!

It’s all about Life and Relationship,

NOT Religion.

You are greatly loved and precious in His sight.

NOT SURE?

YOU CAN BE..

SAY THE FOLLOWING FROM YOUR HEART RIGHT NOW…

Heavenly Father I come to you in the Name of Jesus/Yeshua asking for forgiveness of my sins for which I am truly sorry. I repent of them all and turn away from my past.

I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that Jesus/Yeshua is your Son and that He died on the cross at calvary to pay the price for my sin, so that I might be forgiven and have eternal life in the kingdom of Heaven. Father I believe that Jesus/Yeshua rose from the dead and I ask you to come into my life right now and be my personal Savior and Lord and I will worship you all the days of my life. Because your word is truth I say that I am now forgiven and born again and by faith I am washed clean with the blood of Jesus/Yeshua. Thank you that you have accepted me into your family in Jesus’/Yeshua’s name. Amen.