Psalm 23:2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. Here we have the ample supply of grace afforded to the believer in the new covenant, to meet all his spiritual wants. I. THE IDEA OF REST AND SECURITY. "Lie down." The pasture is indicative of perfect repose. The life of man is a constant striving after rest and satisfaction. True rest can be found in God alone. II. THE IDEA OF ABUNDANT PROVISION. It is not one piece of pasture ground that is spoken of, but pastures. There is no scant supply. And what diversity there is in God's spiritual provision for His people! Grace for all times and every time "Still waters." These words convey, under another figure and symbol, a description of the same calm and hallowed repose, secured to the believer, which the Psalmist had in his mind in the preceding clause. This is an inland river, a quiet, gentle stream. Here, too, as in the former figure, we have the abundance of God's mercies set forth; not only varied pastures, but varied waters. We have streams of peace, of purity, of pardon, of sanctification, — all exceeding great and precious. Conclude with the reflection suggested by both clauses, that religion is happiness. (J. R. Macduff, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.WEB: He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. |
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