John Trapp on Psalms 23:2

Verſ. 2. He maketh me to lye down in green paſtures] In folds of budding-graſs, where he feedeth me daily, and daintily, plentifully, and pleaſantly, as among the Lillies, Cant: 6.3. that is, amidſt the Ordinances (David here ſeemeth to reſemble powerful and flouriſhing Doctrine to green Paſtures, and the ſecret and ſweet comforts of the Sacraments to the ſtill waters) where I ſhall not need to bite on the bare ground, but may go in and out, and finde paſture, Joh. 10.9. ſuch as will breed life, and life in more abundance, Joh. 10.10. Iſa. 49.10. fat paſtures hee provideth, Ezek. 34.14. and fair Coates, or Coverts from the Suns heat, as the word here uſed may alſo be rendred. Confer Cant. 1.6. Virgil ſaith, it is the office of a good ſhepheard, Aeſtibus in mediis umbroſam exquirere vallem.

He leadeth me (Heb. Gently leadeth me) beſide the ſtill waters] Heb. waters of reſts, Ex quibus diligunt oves bibere, ſaith Kimchi, ſuch as ſheep love to drink of, becauſe voyd of danger, and yeelding a refreſhing air. Popiſh Clergy-men are called the inhabitants of the Sea, Rev. 12.12. becauſe they ſet abroach groſs, troubled,Brightman. brakiſh, and ſowriſh Doctrine, which rather bringeth barrenneſs to their Hearers, and gnaweth their entralls, than quencheth their thirſt, or cooleth their heat. The Doctrine of the Goſpel (like the waters of Sil[illegible: 2 letters], Iſa. 8.6.) run gently, but taſte pleaſantly.

Lene fluit Nilus, fed cunct is amnibus extat Ʋtilior.Claud.