The table, in this verse, refers to the flat grazing area at the top of the mountain. In the Western United States, Southern Europe and parts of Africa the word Mesa is used to describe this flat grassy area. Mesa means “Table”. This could be what David meant by using the term here.
Before the sheep were brought to the table, the shepherd would go to look it over and decide where the best places to graze the sheep would be and where to stay away from. He would pull out poisonous weeds so the sheep wouldn’t eat them. Clear out anything that might cause harm.
He would then prepare the table for the sheep by placing salt and minerals in strategic spots where the sheep could get to them. The shepherd would also go to where the water was and clean out the debris left from the winter storms. He would repair small earth dams he had built the previous seasons and open up springs that were clogged with overgrown grass, brush and weeds.
He would be on the look out for wolves, lions and other predators. He would scout out where their scat lay and what trails they had made. The shepherd learned all he could about the hunters, who wanted his sheep, so he could better protect the flock. He was the only one standing in the way of predators and the lives of the sheep.
While spending the summer on the mountain top, sheep are harassed by Nose Flies. These flies lay their eggs on the warm mucus of the sheep’s nose. The eggs hatch and crawl up the sheep’s nose and into its head. This would cause the sheep to bang their heads on trees and ground; possibly killing themselves. Fear of these flies would send sheep running until they collapsed in exhaustion or shake their heads constantly.
Seeing the beginnings of the flies bothering his sheep the shepherd would pour oil on its head. The sheep would then calm down and be able to quietly eat the grass in peaceful contentment.
Sheep also enjoyed rubbing their heads together affectionately. This constant rubbing would form scabs on their heads. The rams also received wounds from butting heads together. They hit so hard that they can seriously hurt or even kill each other. The oil is poured over their heads to help heal their wounds and keep flies away.
With all the care the shepherd gives to his sheep, is it any wonder that the sheep feel as if their “cup runneth over”? The sheep who have such a shepherd are truly blessed.
We are also truly blessed to have a God who prepares the way for us and makes the our future nourishing, refreshing and healthful. He knows what we need and makes sure that we will want for nothing. Our cup truly runs over with the grace of God.
To read the Psalm 23 series please click on the verses below:
Psalms 23:1
Psalms 23:2
Psalms 23:3
Psalms 23:4
Psalms 23:6
Photo Credit: Lambs at Play by brianac37
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