“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies” (vs. 5).
The table of the Lord is in the valley of the shadow of death. His table is found where all that the flesh is, and can be, is relegated to the place of death. Likewise, we indicate that His table could be elsewhere when something of the flesh is resurrected and valued among us as acceptable before Him.
Communion with Him in the presence of my enemies would bring to mind the twelve spies sent into the enemy’s land by Moses, carrying the cluster of grapes between two men on a staff (Num. 13:2323And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. (Numbers 13:23)). The added burden would have exposed them to greater danger, but they valued the treasure and brought it all the way back for the benefit of their brethren.
“Thou anointest my head with oil.”
Here there is power to walk in intelligent joy. There is something extra needed to enjoy His table in the presence of our enemies, and He provides it. To the church at Philadelphia the Lord not only says, “Hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches,” but also, “Hold that fast which thou hast” something extra (Rev. 3). May this distinction be a warning to us who by His grace are gathered unto His name.
“My cup runneth over.”
There is a joy overflowing that cannot be contained a heart intelligently at His table, trusting Him as to the enemies, enjoying Him there. One has described us as often “half full, trying to run over.” Only the Spirit of God can correct this. Only He can fill to overflowing can pour in more than can be contained. This He does where He has liberty to direct the heart to Christ. Every thought of Christ fills to overflowing.
B. Warr