The Good Shepherd Prepares a Table

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want…Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies…”-Psalm 23:1a, 5a (KJV)

We need to recall that the sheep is speaking in the 23^rd Psalm. Metaphorically, the sheep represents the believer, the one who follows and is directed by the Good Shepherd. Jesus Christ said, “I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.” (John 10:11)

The sheep speaks in appreciation of the tableland of good grazing the shepherd has arranged in upland pastures. “Enemies” such as wild animals—cougars, bears, wolves, coyotes—hovered near and would attack, malign and even kill the sheep. But the shepherd, ever watchful, keeps the sheep safe from predators so they can eat at the “table prepared for them.”

The shepherd scouted out the summer grazing spots before he led his sheep there. When he found a pasture, he would take salt to place at strategic “salt licks” within the pasture. The salt helped them to seek water, another necessity for good health.

Growing up on a farm, I had first-hand experience of what it takes to keep cattle and sheep in good pastureland. My father, when I was young, kept flocks of sheep for the wool needed for the family’s winter clothing. The sheep and cows grazed in separate pastures. But in each, my father attended to providing “salt licks” for the animals. He also attempted to replenish the nutrients in the soil, and allowed some of the pastures to lie fallow so that the grass could be restored after close grazing. But even with good grazing in the pastures, the sheep and cattle enjoyed the additional food fed them when they were taken to the barns and stables for shelter.

Those sheep that wandered from the shepherd’s care would not have the good grazing found on the tablelands. They would also be out of range of the shepherd’s eye and might not receive protection when they were attacked, and would also be without proper nurture.

Spiritual application of this verse from Psalm 23 means that Christians fail to gather at “the table spread before them” when they neglect daily Bible study, prayer, the holy Spirit’s leadership, and the assembling of themselves together for worship. Because we do not partake of these spiritual feasts “at the Lord’s table,” (as it were), we are subject to the predator, Satan, who “as a roaring lion walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8b. KJV).

The good, contented, nourished sheep fed and fared well and were at the same time protected. And so are we, when we follow our Lord’s provision for us through knowing and obeying His Word and following Him faithfully and obediently.   

-Ethelene Dyer Jones 05.31.2015