Blessed Life (23:5)

Despite the attempts by some commentators to understand verse 5 in the context of the shepherd’s relation to the flock, it seems more likely that here the image shifts in order to connect the psalmist’s message to the human audience explicitly. The image shifts, therefore, from the joys and threats of the migrating flock to the new picture of the beleaguered faithful affirmed and honored by God in the very presence of the enemy. In these verses, Yahweh is no longer shepherd but assumes the role of host, while the trusting follower sits as honored guest at his table. The picture is one of the realization of ultimate communion with God himself.

To accept another as a guest at one’s table was to set aside enmity and to assume responsibility for the safety of the guest while in your dwelling. To sit at Yahweh’s table is to enjoy fellowship and communion with him. To do so “in the presence of my enemies” is to have one’s special relationship to God declared publicly in a context of divine blessing and security.