Psalms 23:5 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Thou preparest a table before me Thou furnishest me with plenty and variety of provisions and comforts. In the presence of mine enemies Who seeing, envying, and fretting at it, are not able to hinder it. Thou anointest my head with oil Or ointment, as the Syriac and Arabic interpreters render it, namely, with aromatic ointments, which were then used in great feasts. The sense is, Thy comforts delight my soul. See Psalms 45:7. My cup runneth over Thou hast given me a very plentiful portion, signified by the cup given to the guests by the master of the feast. Thus “another set of images, borrowed from a feast, is introduced to give us ideas of those cordials and comforts prepared to cheer and invigorate the fainting soul; while, surrounded by enemies, it is accomplishing its pilgrimage through life; during which time its sorrows and afflictions are alleviated and sweetened by the joys and consolations of the Holy One; by the feast of a good conscience; by the bread of life; the oil of gladness, and the cup of salvation still full and running over.” Horne.