Psalm 23,5

What was David thinking when he wrote: My cup overflows?

The cup is central to the celebration of Shabbat and Passover. There are four cups in the celebration of Passover: the cup of sanctification, judgment, redemption, and praise. The cup of redemption (Luke 22:20) was used by Jesus as a sign of the new covenant of forgiveness.

Jeremiah 25:15 speaks of the cup filled with the wrath of God. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed that the cup of suffering might pass from him, if it were possible (Luke 22:42).

At Psalm 23 it seems to be more of a positive image. God sets a table, cares personally for me, and His goodness overflows, which is expressed in grace and mercy.

God gives us so much that we can give without suffering lack ourselves (Psalm 23:1). At the same time, David also experiences that God can transform suffering into overflowing blessings.

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).