23rd Psalm Verse 5

Verse 23:5 - Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anoints my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

David understood in his culture that being hospitable was important.  Perfumed oil was poured on the heads of distinguished guests when gathered at great feasts.  With no motels or restaurants, it was customary to be invited in to a home and a meal prepared for them.  No obligation was expected from the host.  David knew that by following God's way his cup would always be full.  He would be restored; there was freedom in knowing this.

David recalls as a shepherd, in the pastures grew poisonous plants which if eaten by the sheep could be fatal.  Many plants in the field had sharp thorns on them and would penetrate the soft noses of the sheep causing painful sores. David would stand at the door at the end of the day and examine each sheep as they came in.  If they were hurt the shepherd would apply soothing and healing oil on the sheep so they would not get infected.  Each spring the shepherd would dig up these plants and burn them making the pastures safer for the sheep to graze.