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“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over” (v. 5)

Sheep under the care of a dedicated shepherd are happy and satisfied. In this verse, David the psalmist, continues to praise his Good Shepherd for His tender and providential care.
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies” (v. 5a)

In the shepherd’s mind, the word “table” actually portrays the green hills and valleys wherein are the grazing grounds for his flock. Interestingly, these sheep feeding ranges are referred to as “mesas” meaning “table”- in Spanish as well as in Kiswahili, (language of the East Africans such as Kenyans, Tanzanians). This word is commonly used to refer to the high, flat-topped plateaux of the continent, for example, the famous Table Mountain, near Cape Town. It is possible that David was referring to the green pastures amidst the hills of Israel.

Sharing from his shepherding insights, Philip Keller describes the arduous tasks the shepherd undertakes to prepare the tablelands for his herd. He chooses the best pastures. He distributes salt and minerals over the range at strategic spots. He painstakingly checks for poisonous weeds, as well as for twigs and small stones that will affect the water sources.

“It is not always apparent to us what tremendous personal cost it has been for Christ to prepare the table for His own. Just as the lonely, personal privation of the sheepman who prepares the summer range for his stock entails a sacrifice, so the lonely agony of Gethsemane, of Pilate’s hall, of Calvary, have cost my Master much” – Keller. The laid-down life, the poured-out blood at Calvary were the supreme symbols of total selflessness.

Jesus said: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (Jn. 10: 10). Just as the shepherd is thrilled to see his sheep thriving on the rich, summer tablelands, so my gracious Shepherd is greatly pleased to see me growing in faith and devotion. May we respond appropriately to love and serve our blessed Saviour: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2: 20).

Another task of the attentive shepherd is to watch out for predators. Often these cunning beasts are up on the rimrock watching every movement and waiting for a chance to pounce upon a stray. The parallel in the Christian life is clear. A close walk with the Lord ensures our safety. It was always the complacent or wandering sheep which was attacked by predators in an unsuspecting moment. Let us watch our lives lest we go along life like careless sheep, catering to our own whims and fancies, and enjoying the enticing dainties of the world. The warning is clear. We need the Lord to go before us to prepare the way. Like sheep, we are to follow Him, to feed where He leads, to drink at the still waters. Stay close to Him, obey His leading, and all will be well.

Even the good man has his enemies. Did not the Lord warn His disciples that they, like Him, will face opposition (Jn. 15: 18). Notice here the calmness and quietness of the soul as the Psalmist faced his enemies. Nothing is hurried; there is no confusion, no distress. “The enemy is at the door and yet God prepares a table, and the Christian sits down and eats as if everything were in perfect peace” – C H Spurgeon. Thank God for the peace He gives to His people, even in the midst of the most trying circumstances: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee” (Isa. 26: 3).
God’s people can triumph even in the presence of their enemies. Their adversaries are compelled to see how He intercedes on their behalf, how He provides for them, and how He defends them. Their foes may speak proudly against them, accuse them or conspire against them, but the Lord will keep the elect in His peace so that they are not perturbed by the contradiction of sinners: “Oh how great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that trust in Thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy presence from the pride of man: Thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues” (Ps. 31: 19-20). “This our beloved God does secretly, so that no human eyes may or can see, and the ungodly do not know that a believer is, in God, and in the presence of God, so well protected, that no reproach or contempt, and no quarrelsome tongue can do him harm” - Arndt, quoted by W. Wilson, D.D.
Yes, the Christian can rest in His Good Shepherd Who knows every wicked wile, every treacherous trick of our Enemy. He has gone before us into every situation and every extremity that we might encounter in life. Our Lord is acquainted with our griefs; He understands our infirmities: “For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4: 15).

What a glorious Lord Who ruleth sovereign particularly over the lives of His children. Thank God, we come under His providential care and gracious provision. Indeed, in the midst of our earthly turmoil and toil, we can triumphantly say with the Apostle Paul, “… the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philp. 4: 7).