Thursday, March 26, 2009

Reflection, Psalms 23:5

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

DRL said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
March 26, 2009 at 6:13 PM
DRL said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
March 26, 2009 at 6:14 PM
DRL said...

Now David has changed form being a sheep of the flock, to a guest of a King.
"Thou preparest a table".
First, it implies the present tense of "being prepared". It is as David is watching the table being prepared for him.
Second, the word used for table is used for that of a King's table, or God's table, something sacred.
"Before me".
This is a "face to face" meeting, meant to be personal.
"in the presence of mine enemy".
This is a comforting statement. Verb, "to bind, tie up, or shut up". So, as David sits before his enemies (meant to be physical or spiritual, but because it is in the presence of GOD, more often thought of to be spiritual), he can be a peace, with no fear.
"Thou anoints my head with oil".
Sorry, this might take a little bit of time.
"Messiah" is the English translation of the Hebrew word"mashiach", and the Greek translation is "Kristos" where we get the word "Christ". These all mean "The anointed one". When someone was make king, he was anointed with oil.
In this context though, it was a custom held for special guests. So when David sat at the table, and was anointed by GOD, he was held in the highest honor.
Remember even Jesus said to a Pharisee named Simon, who chastised him for allowing a prostitute to kiss his feet, wipe his feet clean with her tears and hair, then anoint his feet and hair with oil. But the Pharisee did not wash his feet, or anoint his hair. (Luke 7:36-50)
The other thing to remember is that the table is the most intimate (excluding marriage) time shared with friends and family. The meal was eaten with fingers, dipped into the sauce with bread and the meat taken by hand. The tables were also in a U shape and the host and Guests sat on the ground or pillows, reclined on the left elbow, against the person to their left. This the person to the right of the host was the most honored person at the table. Remember that John reclined on Jesus breast at the last supper. (John 21:20)
My cup runneth over".
This is also from the custom of the time. If a host wanted a guest to leave, he would fill his cup half full. When the wine was gone, it was time to go. However, if the host filled the cup to overflow, he wanted the guest to stay, and would keep filling the cup to overflow as it got low. This was once again a symbol of comfort. Knowing that David would be in the House of the LORD forever.

March 26, 2009 at 6:16 PM
DRL said...

sorry, the first one I didn't spell check the whole one, the second deleted is me explaining it. I just pushed the back button and re posted it.

March 26, 2009 at 6:19 PM

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