YHWH prepares the table in advance.

YHWH does this in the presence of his enemies.

YHWH anoints his head with oil.

YHWH fill his cup to overflowing.

Consequently, as the psalmist looks on this wonderful blessing of God, he says goodness shapes his whole life. In fact, these things chase his life. If enemies chase us, so do God’s goodness and God’s faithful commitments to us.

This psalm is less about death and funerals and more about life and living. If the worry is about sustenance/food/drink and enemies, the psalm promises the care of God for us through those very trials.

Psa. 23:0   A Psalm of David. 

1  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 

2  He makes me lie down in green pastures;

he leads me beside still waters; 

3  he restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

  

Psa. 23:4     Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no evil;

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff–

they comfort me.

  

Psa. 23:5     You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows. 

6  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD

my whole life long.