My Cup Runs Over
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Listen to the "Verse by Verse" episode covering this scripture.
David describes God’s generous care for him as being like a wonderful banquet with abundant food and drink.
“Typically an honored guest in the ancient Middle East was anointed with olive oil that contained perfumes. … The lavish treatment of the guest is indicative of the loving care of God for His people” (NKJV Study Bible, note on Psalm 23:5).
David appreciated God’s goodness and mercy in this life, but even more looked forward to the blessing of dwelling with God forever!
For more about the analogies in Psalm 23, see “The Lord Is My Shepherd—and My Host!” For more about God’s wonderful love and mercy, see “God Is Love” and “I Have Trusted in Your Mercy.”
