A Prepared Table Before My Enemies

What was David thinking when he wrote, "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies" (Psalm 23:5a)? As the shepherd leads his flock across the Israeli pastures, his diligence is not limited to looking out for wild animals and finding places suitable for grazing and rest, he also must be familiar with plants. By virtue of its disposition, the sheep is a constant danger to itself; it does not discriminate in its eating habits. Poisonous plants, if eaten, would be fatal and the sharp thorns on other plants would penetrate its soft nose causing ugly sores.

The high plateaus of the sheep ranges are referred to as "tables" and because his sheep has incredible value to him, the shepherd goes to great length and trouble to prepare the “table” prior to the sheep’s arrival. He would dig out dangerous plants, these enemies of the sheep, pile them up, and burn them making the pastures safe for the sheep to graze. In effect, by destroying the enemies he prepared a table from which his flock could eat without any harm coming to them. Pastor Gray Smith writes, "The shepherd intentionally spends time walking throughout the table-top area, wanting to be seen, leaving his scent, if you will, intentionally making the wild dogs, or mountain lions wary and uncomfortable. The good shepherd leaves nothing to chance when it comes to the welfare of His flock."

This was the picture in David's mind as he talks about what it means to be in the care of the Shepherd. As sheep passing through a hostile environment, we are reminded that Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). Because he and his army are enemies of the Good Shepherd and His sheep, he goes to great lengths in his efforts to steal from, to kill and to destroy the child of God (John 10:10a). By ourselves we are easy prey, but thank God we have a Good Shepherd who has gone to great lengths to protect His flock (John 10:11). All things - including Satan and his army - are under His feet (Ephesians 1:22) and so He is able to destroy the enemies of His sheep and cause His sheep to prosper.

It is comforting to know that with the LORD as our Shepherd, we are protected. He is powerful enough to set for each of us a table of feast in the middle of our enemies and make them watch as we eat, drink, and make merry. I like that picture and I am glad He is leading me.