November 20 | Application (‘The Strangest Verse in the 23rd Psalm’)

By David Faust 

The 23rd Psalm is a well-known chapter of the Bible. Ministers quote it during funerals and musicians write songs about resting in green pastures.  

One part of the 23rd Psalm puzzles me, though. It’s the verse that says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5a). Who wants to sit at a table surrounded by enemies? How can you enjoy your food? If threatening onlookers glare at you while you eat, wouldn’t that cause indigestion?  

The Enemies 

For the author of Psalm 23, enemies were not just a hypothetical idea. David fought opposing armies like the Philistines and imposing adversaries like Goliath. He faced unfriendly fire from foes who should have been on his side . . . like jealous King Saul, who tried to kill him, and his own sons, Absalom and Adonijah, who tried to overthrow his government.  

David also faced the internal foes of his own frailties and the temptations that accompany power, pride, and position. His own lust and lies nearly ruined him.  

What enemies do you face? What dangerous ideas are you trying to combat? What temptations are you struggling to resist? Are there individuals who make it difficult for you to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44)? Are you battling physical problems like cancer or the negative effects of aging? Do you wrestle with worry and despair?  

Remember, we also contend with “spiritual forces of evil” that try to destroy our relationship with God (Ephesians 6:12). Peter warned that sinful desires “wage war against your soul” (1 Peter 2:11). On this side of heaven, God doesn’t eliminate all our enemies; but in the presence of adversity, he invites us to take a breather and enjoy a meal that will strengthen us for battle.  

The Table 

Jesus often ate with people. He dined in the homes of new followers like Matthew, longtime friends like Mary and Martha, skeptics like Simon the Pharisee, and seekers like Zacchaeus. Critics mocked him for eating with tax collectors and sinners, but the Lord used the dinner table as a classroom, teaching ordinary people while they did ordinary things: eating, drinking, and conversing.  

After he rose from the dead, Jesus fed his disciples bread and some fish he cooked and turned their seaside breakfast into a learning opportunity (John 21:9-14). He told the lukewarm believers of Laodicea that he was eager to eat with them if they would open the door (Revelation 3:20).  

Whenever the Lord prepares the meal, truth is on the table and grace is on the menu. He invites us to his table, saying, “Do this in remembrance of me.” Sure, there are enemies around, glaring ominously while we rest and refuel; but they can’t prevent us from enjoying what the Lord has prepared.  

The Oil and the Cup 

Sometimes we arrive at the table broken and bleeding, but the 23rd Psalm continues, “You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (Psalm 23:5b). The Good Shepherd’s oil reminds us of the comforting Holy Spirit who soothes our pain and heals our wounds. 

David already said, “I lack nothing” (v. 1). A few verses later he added, “my cup overflows” or “brims with blessing” (The Message). The Lord gives us more than a mere sip or half a cup. He supplies more blessings than we can contain or personally consume. The cup overflows so we have enough to bless our neighbors . . . and even enough to share with those enemies who have been watching us eat. 

Personal Challenge: List some “enemies” you are facing right now: people who are hard to deal with . . . physical challenges . . . emotional weaknesses and worries . . . spiritual trials and temptations. Pray about each of these “enemies,” asking the Lord for courage to face them.