An Analysis of Psalm 23 verse 5 by Adam Clarke
Verse 5. Thou preparest a table before me] Here the second
allegory begins. A magnificent banquet is provided by a most
liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed
me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I
sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast
in perfect security. This may refer to the favour God gave the
poor captive Israelites in the sight of the Chaldeans who had
grievously treated them for seventy years; and whose king, Cyrus,
had not only permitted them now to return to their own land, but
had also furnished them with every thing requisite for their
passage, and for repairing the walls of Jerusalem, and rebuilding
the temple of the Lord, where the sacrifices were offered as
usual, and the people of God feasted on them.
Thou anointest my head with oil] Perfumed oil was poured on the
heads of distinguished guests, when at the feasts of great
personages. The woman in the Gospel, who poured the box of
ointment of spikenard on the head of our Lord (see Mt 26:6, 7;
Mr 14:8; Lu 7:46,) only acted according to the custom of her
own country, which the host, who invited our Lord, had shamefully
neglected.
My cup runneth over.] Thou hast not only given me abundance of
food, but hast filled my cup with the best wine.
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