All the circumstances of the pilgrimage, want, weariness, journeyings, wanderings, perplexities, the shadowed mystery of the valleys, the thronging enemies, and the infinite beyond, are present and the singer knows them. They are mentioned however, only to sing of their negation by the graciousness of the Shepherd. Want is canceled. For weariness He has green pastures of rest. On journeys He leads by pleasant ways. From wanderings He restores. Through perplexities He guides and that by right ways. In the valleys of death's shadow His presence cancels fear. In the presence of enemies He makes a feast and is a Host royal in bounty. And finally the path runs on, not into a tangled wilderness but by the King's own palace.
in Psalm 22 we see the cross, in Psalm 23 the crook (the Shepherd's crook), and in Psalm 24 the crown (the King's crown). In Psalm 22 Christ is the Savior; in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. In Psalm 22 He gives His life for the sheep; in Psalm 23 He gives His love to the sheep; in Psalm 24 He gives us light when He shall appear. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms!
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