Psalm 23:5 Part 5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5 (ESV)
There are plenty of plot twists in life and this verse addresses a particularly painful one—the presence of enemies! The Bible does not flinch about the possibility that we can make enemies who are grimly determined to threaten us—make our lives miserable—and even want to end us! But, wonder of wonders, even in this dark circumstance, our Good Shepherd is preparing an even brighter hope.
Our Good Shepherd is preparing a feast—a token of His care and power—to give us a respite from our dangerous combat zones. While we enjoy His hospitality, He puts us on display in front of our enemies so they can see us but they cannot harm us or disturb us in any way. We are honored guests at His banquet table with more than enough refreshment—all the days of our lives.
Our Good Shepherd is dispensing oil—a demonstration of His watchful attentiveness—to meet our physical needs. The ancient shepherds used oil to protect their sheep from insects burrowing into their ears and killing them. Oil was poured on the sheep’s head to make the wool slippery, causing the insects to fall off before they could reach the ears. In the same way, we are tenderly cherished with more than enough protection—all the days of our lives.
Our Good Shepherd is supplying good gifts—a reminder of His infinite resources—to enjoy an abundant life. The cup in the Bible is an image symbolizing love, refreshment and fellowship. What gives our cup significance is not the cup itself but rather the contents. The cup symbolizes the Good Shepherd’s boundless mercy and grace. He fills our cups to overflowing with more than enough provision—all the days of our lives.
What draws us back when we are tempted to forget our Good Shepherd? We remember how grateful we are for His lavish gifts. We remind ourselves we are sons and daughters of God with reserved seats at a banquet table where love is served in infinite supply.