Why would the shepherd in Psalm 23:5 anoint the sheep's head with oil?
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
Psalms 23:5
ESV - 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
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Asked May 09 2020
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Jack Gutknecht
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Marji Stevens
Negative thoughts can torment us like the nasal botfly torments the sheep. I just went through my second journey through cancer. Fear and confusion were my greatest enemies. Negative reports came from all directions. Well meaning people would say, "My sister had that and she died..." "My friend had that and it went to her brain and she died," etc. Their words were like parasitic botflies wanting to get ahold on my mind.
All through the valley of the shadow of death, fear whispered, "You won't survive." But the Shepherd of my soul was leading me to the tableland to set a table for the two of us. The Holy Spirit would prompt me to get quiet and sit with Him. Gradually, those fear thoughts would simply slide away and be replaced by His Truth. He has kept me through this challenging season and I am so grateful to honestly say, "Despite everything, surely my cup overflows."