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Psalm 23:5

King James Version (KJV)

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Translations

Psalm 23:5 - Amplified Bible

Psalm 23:5 - American Standard Version

Psalm 23:5 - Bible in Basic English

Psalm 23:5 - Darby Bible

Psalm 23:5 - English Standard Version

Psalm 23:5 - King James Version

Psalm 23:5 - La Biblia de las Americas

Psalm 23:5 - The Message

Psalm 23:5 - New American Standard Bible

Psalm 23:5 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy

Psalm 23:5 - World English Bible

Psalm 23:5 - Young's Living Translation

Psalm 23:5 - Additional Comments

David continues to show God's provision for us, but now changes the metaphor - he now talks about being a guest in a home.
He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies, those who would want to do us harm. Even here I am safe because as a guest the host will protect you to the death. In Israel, if you are a guest, the host would send his oldest son to guard the door to the home as a sentry. My son will die before you do; I will do all I can to protect you.
So not only does this imply protection, but also provision. God works it out so we can sit at the table with food and drink - God makes sure of that. God will provide for us.
The priests of the tribe of Aaron were confirmed in their role as priests by anointing their head with oil (Exo 29:7, Lev 8:12, 21:10). It is used to anoint Saul (1 Sam 10:1) and Jehu (2 Kings 9:4-6) to power. In this verse, God is honoring us as a special guest - He is placing us in a position of power and privilege. He is honoring us. Before God we are highly esteemed, no matter our position in life. We are of great value to Him (Matt 10:29-31, Rom 8:38-39).
There are things in our life that we need, and those needs are symbolically represented by the cup. The filling of the cup represents not just meeting our needs, but our perspective of how those needs are filled. When a person's cup overflows, inside of the person, there is a strength, a fullness, a richness, a peace, a fulfillment, even a euphoria, because of all that God has done in our lives. We don't always feel that, but still, that is our position in God. And it doesn't make sense to the world.
As a comparison, we often would ask our children, to understand emotionally how they were doing, we'd ask "How full is your cup today?" That would open up conversations if their cup did not feel full. That is also an important question to ask your spouse, especially when you perceive it's wanting. Don't let those moments slip by - do what you can to ask, and to fill it!

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