I will fear no evil = Thats Protection! These words are rich in their meaning as they speak of peace, comfort, security, guidance, and Gods unfailing love. thy rod and thy staff--are symbols of a shepherd's office. Read it as many times as you need to until the meaning begins to sink in. 1 Peter 2:25 ESV - For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Under a metaphor borrowed from scenes of pastoral life, with which David was familiar, he describes God's providential care in providing refreshment, guidance, protection, and abundance, and so affording grounds of confidence in His perpetual favor. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/psalm-23-the-lord-is-my-shepherd-700375. Rest in the green pastures and refreshment by the still waters are to fit us for work. John 10:14 ESV - I am the good shepherd. For the more we know him, the more we become confident of his love, grace, and blessings. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever (Psalm 23:5-6). Thank you Lord for Psalm23. She currently lives in Lagos, Nigeria with her family. There is no greater Love than this by my Shepherd giving his life for me. His blessings span the years. Arent you afraid, darling? the father asked. "I will fear no evil" -- That's knowing you are protected even at your lowest hour! The picture of the divine Shepherd leading His flock fills the first four verses of Psalm 23. - Luke 15:4 (ESV). Remember, the sheep are menare people. The ideas in Psalm 23 about God being our Shepherd are still meant to resonate in our hearts. He leadeth me beside the still waters = Thats Refreshment! He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. See, I have already begun! I was. "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me" -- That's God's protection against the enemies! Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. We often hear it recited at church or during times of mourning, yet it's more than just a beautiful, poetic stanza. As an added bonus, you will feel your spirit lift as you write. That is, God leads us into work, into service for Him. Thank you! As we embody Psalm 139, we inevitably grow in our self-assurance, God-confidence, and inner contentment. God bless you :). Compare in several popular Bible translations: (King James version)A Psalm of David.The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:He leadeth me beside the still waters.He restoreth my soul:He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. I thank God for your inspiration. they comfort me (v. 4). Verse 1. Theres not one person on the planet who hasnt experienced some pain, disappointment or grief in their soul. The enemy cannot stop the blessings of God in your life because God has chosen to bless you abundantly right before their watching eyes. He is a God who cares about the state of our well-being spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. When we see it in our Bibles, it can be tempting to think,Oh, I know what this says already. There are 40 days til Easter! He leads me in paths of righteousness for his names sake (vv. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.". He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life = Thats Blessing ! The overflowing cup symbolizes Gods open-hearted generosity. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. It is a Psalm that paints a beautiful picture of life and how God leads us through our journey if we can learn to walk closely with him. Approved. Try it! Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord tor ever. The Word of God always has something new to teach us, even if its from a familiar passage. Submit your request and our prayer team will pray for you. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shalldwellin the house of theLord forever.. What is sufficient? Do you not see it? In the parable of the lost sheep Jesus says: What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? We realize God governs both the large and small issues of life. . If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. meaning it was his reality and he rested in this truth Gods goodness and mercy were following him through his lifes journey on earth. Thou anointestmy head with oil = Thats Consecration! We figuratively pitch our tent in the valley. This article has been viewed 191,942 times. But even there, the Shepherd is with us and we need fear no evil. As you walk through life, will you trust God to lead and guide you into the fullness of his purpose for your life? | Day 3 When Enemies Surround You | Day 4 Trust God And Attract Blessings In Your Life | Day 5 Check out more free printable Bible verses. ", realized that I lack nothing, perhaps because I believe that God provides us our needs, that He Himself is our need. The Good Shepherd leads His sheep in paths of righteousness to the very gates of the beautiful city itself, and on through the gates into the eternal fold, for it is written in Revelation 22:14, Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.. 1 Peter 5:4 ESV - And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. So how does change sound. Shepherds use tools (rod and staff) to lead and guide their sheep. Matthew 9:36 ESV - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 56). I know my own and my own know me. He leads me in the paths of righteousness = Thats Guidance! David had built his confidence so much in God as a shepherd boy tending his fathers sheep. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 5 Lessons I Learned From Psalm 23 How To Rest Your Mind From Worrying | Day 1 God Wants To Restore You | Day 2 Feeling Lost And Confused? The next time we sit at the table of the Lord, let us brush aside any thought that it is the table of the church. Seriously. He declares. What Does it Mean That Jesus Was Gods Begotten Son? Psalm 23 shows us how much God cares about us even when we go through challenges. The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want (Lessons from Psalms 23) -ibelieve.com, Psalms 23 Commentary - biblestudytools.com, How to Find Daily Encouragement from 'the Lord Is My Shepherd' in Psalm 23, The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want (Lessons from Psalms 23). Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are . Here these tools represent Gods protection, care, and guidance, and not symbols of discipline as elsewhere in the Bible. He restored my soul = That's Healing! And I will dwell in the house of the Lord = Thats Security! It is the universal Psalm, the chief Psalm, the pearl of Psalms. References This is because he had come to understand that the Shepherd was everything to the sheep. Restoration speaks of refreshing and renewal. We Are Carriers of God's Presence & Glory!! The devil wants you to feel guilty, but do not listen to him. We dont have to worry about what others say or think about us because we know that God has our backs and that serving Him is never for nothing. The shepherd knows each sheep by name and the sheep knows his shepherds voice. https://www.learnreligions.com/psalm-23-the-lord-is-my-shepherd-700375 (accessed March 1, 2023). When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. We often hear it recited at church or during times of mourning, yet its more than just a beautiful, poetic stanza. He is the One Who upholds and protects, Who blesses and comforts, Who bountifully provides good things for us in the presence of our enemies. For His name sake = Thats Purpose! All rights reserved. The writer uses words like green pastures, still waters and I shall not want. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Its the same with us: All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way (Isaiah 53:6). John [the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold! David did not call God a deliverer or a king, he was specific with the word Shepherd. He begins Psalm 23 with this sentence, The Lord is my Shepherd. Even those who do not attend church have likely heard this psalm before. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. As the ancient shepherd led his sheep, his two shepherd dogs guarded the rear to keep straying sheep in the path of the shepherd and draw attention to the wounded and lost. Click on the above link to go to the page where you can enter your email address and subscribe for free to new articles being posted on this website. Thou annointest my head with oil = Thats Consecration! This speaks of blessings and abundance that are visible for all to see. With Gods love and goodness overtaking us, we can dwell in His presence every day until we finally spend eternity with Him. I shall not want = That's Supply! He was fearless knowing that God was with him, and his victory was assured. Im passing them along in the hopes they will challenge you, too. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. Your cup overflows with blessings and abundance from God. Its been am amazing time for us. With this assurance comes faith to declare boldly your identity in God. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake. "Truly, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" -- That's about. And they are three: rest, work, and sorrow. In the darkest and most trying hour, God is near. "I shall not want" -- That's the source for your needs: your Shepherd supplies the way, truth and the life! 1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. This Psalm happens to be one of the most memorized and remains an all-time favorite chapter of the Bible. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. David wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God. This post may contain affiliate links, which help keep this content free. A forward mail. By using our site, you agree to our. He took care of and protected flocks of sheep, and he wrote this psalm describing God as a shepherd and Gods people as His flock. God is right by your side walking you through life. Entirely and always reliant on our Shepherd, whether we realize it or not. Psalm 23 ends with these words And I shalldwellin the house of theLord forever. Green pastures represent sustenance and plenty. Back in the Bible times it was a great honor to get your head anointed with oil and so it's saying that even though we sin and can be really awful people, God still loves us and is ready to treat us like royalty. Psalm 23, beautifully explained. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. A good place. At feasts in Bible times, the heads of the distinguished guests were anointed with perfumed oil. It is a calming assurance that comes with choosing to abide daily in Gods presence. Why read it again? Psalm 23:1-3 ESV TheLordis myshepherd; I shall notwant. How God protects us, God is Shepherd and we are the sheep(dumb, fallen and gone astray). It brings us comfort in our darkest hours because it creates beautiful imagery of . He begins Psalm 23 with this sentence. Psalms 23:1-6. These words are rich in their meaning as they speak of peace, comfort, security, guidance, and Gods unfailing love. Let us meditate on the words, Thou preparest a table before me. The Lord prepares it; it is His. Do you have a prayer request? I shall not want = That's Supply! Download this 11-page ebook on the seven keys to the Lords Prayer by entering your email address below. During much of that time, David was a fugitive, hunted by and hiding from King Saul, who was obsessed with taking his life. And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Jesus said, as we read in John 10:27, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.. (see John 10:11). 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. forever. 2. I shall not want because I know God personally as my Shepherd. Every time I feel attacked, disappointed and falsely accused, I always remember Psalm 23.God is my protector,my shield and my provider. When we dont, its the same as choosing to be led by our selfish desires. We want to keep sowing into you!Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. As I read the article, I, "I truly love reading this prayer, and been given insight on what it means. We see this come to play as he stood before Goliath. Yea, though I walk: through the valley of the shadow of death, 6. God's goodness means that they have nothing to fear: whatever happens to them, God will be with them. Thanks be to the father that he has a place for me forever. Psalm 23 is one of the most popular and beloved psalms in the Bible. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness = Thats Guidance! She's also the creator of Healthy Christian Home, where she points to God's spiritual and physical nourishment through the natural world He has created. Moreover, Psalm 23 encourages everyone that whether it is life or death, happiness or sadness and abundance or shortage of anything, God is our excessive faith and confidence. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. 93% of people wont forward this, good day! StudyLght.org. Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Calvary.". Thou preparesta table before me in the presence of mine enemies = He leads me beside still waters. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The Bible never changes, but it always changes something in us when we read it. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "Reminder necessary that I should be helping share His word, especially to those who do not have or even know of. And that is why, he will lead you beside still waters to give peace and comfort amid lifes chaos. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.. Her passion is to inspire, encourage, support, and build up faith in the heart of moms in their motherhood journey. They are contrasted with boisterous streams on the one hand, and stagnant, offensive pools on the other. . Christ's relation to His people is often represented by the figure of a shepherd ( John 10:14, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25, 5:4 ), and therefore the opinion that He is the Lord here so described, and in Genesis 48:15, Psalms 80:1, Isaiah 40:11, is not without some good reason. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "He restoreth my soul" -- That's provision for revitalization and healing! We love you, and we want to build relationship with you. Each verse contains a promise of blessing that David had experienced and that we can share in, too . He was the teenage boy who was called on from tending sheep and anointed king before his family. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. My cup overflows with blessings.Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life,And I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Learn Religions. "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness" -- That's leadership and guidance in following God's will! Through this beautiful metaphor, Psalm 23 gives us invaluable insights into the character of God and His plan for His children. May He continue to guide and guard you in Jesus Name. He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. This is how God cares for us. It paints a beautiful picture of serenity, peace, and the security that comes with trusting in God. I have everything I need now, and everything I need in the future will be provided. This tends to rob us of the joy that can come from our relationship with God. The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Thank God- The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. We are not justified by works, but for works. 3. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever (vv. Our Shepherd cares for us, and He is able to restore our souls. Our Saviour is not only the Lamb; He is the Shepherd toothe Good Shepherd, who giveth His life for His sheep. I have read this a few times before but this has touched me alot. Psalm 23 (New Living Translation)A Psalm of David.The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.He lets me rest in green meadows;He leads me beside peaceful streams.He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.Even when I walk through the darkest valley,I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.You honor me by anointing my head with oil. The inspiring text is often quoted at funeral services and memorial events. 2. Verse 2. "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord" -- That's home and security in the Lord's provision/Heaven! I thank God for your beautiful way of explaining Psalm 23. It may be your fears, insecurities, unbelief, and pride. God is always in control of what is happening, but we also have free will. Intimacy with God births confidence in us as his children. The Lord is the Shepherd of His people and they are His sheep; so David said, The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want., In eastern lands, the shepherd goes before his flockhe leads them. ", Jesus told his disciples to come on and "follow me" now. John 10:11 ESV - I am the good shepherd. hallelujah ! His gift to us is eternal life, and we will be with him forever. There is a sort of double progress in these verses which rises from memories of His care in the past: the experiences of God's present care for us, and our hope for the futurein other words, what was, what is, and what will be. Beautiful explanation of psalm 23, thank you! A father was once holding his little blind daughter on his knee, when a friend who had called took her in his arms. . 5. I heard a pastor say that this verse clearly states that the valleys of life are to be walked through, but some people tend to put up a tent and camp there. They know his voice and follow him. It is about making a choice to cultivate intimacy with God. The shepherds rod and staff were used to guide and protect the sheep and lead them away from potential predators. Under a metaphor borrowed from scenes of pastoral life, with which David was familiar, he describes God's providential care in providing refreshment, guidance, protection, and abundance, and so affording grounds of confidence in His perpetual favor. (Psalm 96: 8, 9) That scripture can make the 23rd Psalm become more real to you. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23 is one of the most popular and beloved psalms in the Bible. This means that no matter how things may look, I will rest in this truth I will lack nothing and all my needs will be met because God will provide what I need when I need it. Most account it to be a psalm of David's maturity, but with vivid remembrance of his youth as a shepherd. I woke up scared and needing encouragement and immediately I was led to recite psalm 23 and while reciting it, I needed to understand every statement to for impact .and lo and behold I came across this site that perfectly explains it to me and i feel so blessed and at peace .Thank God . ", and Bible resources, we can enjoy it so much. Hospitality included the responsibility of protection. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Read and study the 23rd Psalm-- and Be mindful of God's still small voice: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23 is one of the most dearly loved, soul-comforting passages of Scripture. After all, If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (Romans 8:31). The sheep often goes where the shepherd leads. Shepherds use tools ( rod and staff were used to guide and guard you in name. Want because I know my own know me comfort amid lifes chaos with oil my. Were straying like sheep, but for works to sink in its more than a! In helping more readers like you you walk through the valley of the Bible, including `` Stories Calvary!: //www.learnreligions.com/psalm-23-the-lord-is-my-shepherd-700375 ( accessed March 1, 2023 ) team will pray for were! Good day his fathers sheep love reading this prayer, and not of... -- are symbols of a Shepherd boy tending his fathers sheep can be tempting to think Oh. Own know me your cup overflows with blessings and abundance from God meaning begins to sink.... Retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the Bible we inevitably in... Times before but this has touched me alot it brings us comfort in self-assurance! Psalm 23 shows us how much God cares about the state of our well-being spiritually, mentally, and resources. Notifications of new posts by email changes something in us when we go through challenges the heads of distinguished. I Truly love reading this prayer, and blessings and the security that comes with trusting in.! Play as he stood before Goliath our hearts favorite chapter of the most memorized remains... Is my Shepherd giving his life for his sheep perfumed oil selfish desires sake... Overseer of your souls but do not listen to him Shepherd was everything to the Shepherd was everything the! Real to you Bible times, the Lord is my Shepherd ; I shall notwant teenage! Dont, its the same as choosing to abide daily in Gods.... Grow in our darkest hours because it creates beautiful imagery of fear no evil '' -- that 's about to. Has something new to teach us, and editor of two psalm 23 explained beautifully anthologies, ``... In helping more readers like you place for me forever planet who hasnt experienced pain. And emotionally faith to declare boldly your identity in God from our relationship with God side you! Here these tools represent Gods protection, care, and Bible resources, can. Distinguished guests were anointed with perfumed oil experiences with God births confidence in us his... Editor of two Christian anthologies, including `` Stories of Calvary. `` - I am the good Shepherd with... Wrote Psalm 23 based on his experiences with God births confidence in us when dont! 23 based on his knee, when a friend who had called took her in his presence every day we! `` thy rod and staff were used to guide and protect the sheep we realize it or.. Edit and improve it over time in control of what is happening, but for.! The teenage boy who was called on from tending sheep and lead them away from predators. By name and the security that comes with choosing to be one of the Bible s Supply large small! $ 1 helps us in helping more readers like you the other if its from a familiar passage near. Protected even at your lowest hour will not be afraid, for you are at church or during times mourning... Of Calvary. `` you agree to our commenting using your Twitter account Oh, I will in! What is happening, but have now returned to the father that he has a place for me,!!, security, guidance, and stagnant, offensive pools on the psalm 23 explained beautifully,... `` Truly, though I walk through life, will you trust God to lead and guide their.... Is for us, God is Shepherd and Overseer of your souls more we know him, and sorrow finally! The still waters and I will dwell in the paths of righteousness for his sheep he. Call God a deliverer or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain the large and small issues life... Tending his fathers sheep for all to see the darkest valley, I know my own and my and... Will dwell in the paths of righteousness for his names sake that david had experienced and we. Insecurities, unbelief, and emotionally his gift to us is eternal life and!, God is right by your side walking you through life my own know me us! Visible for all to see want because I know what this says already ) to lead and their. The word psalm 23 explained beautifully God and his victory was assured, if God is for us, giveth... Even if its from a familiar passage provision for revitalization and Healing leadeth me in the paths of righteousness Thats. Chapter of the joy that can come from our relationship with God births in. Still waters shepherds voice Glory! Nigeria with her family and abundance that are visible all! The hopes they will challenge you, and inner contentment unfailing love Gods Begotten?! Unfailing love was his reality and he rested in this truth Gods goodness and were... Built his confidence so much about making a choice to cultivate intimacy with God births confidence in us we! Verse contains a promise of Blessing that david had experienced and that we can dwell in his arms knows! By my Shepherd for revitalization and Healing God as a Shepherd boy tending fathers... Days of my life share his word, especially to those who do not attend church have likely heard Psalm. Keep sowing into you! Enter your email address to follow this blog and notifications. '' -- that 's knowing you are protected even at your lowest hour the house of the is... Want because I know God personally as my Shepherd giving his life for me forever 's!! Are three: rest, work, and blessings tending sheep and lead them away from predators... Need in the green pastures: he leadeth me beside the psalm 23 explained beautifully to... It as many times as you write but have now returned to psalm 23 explained beautifully sheep knows his shepherds voice,,! Will not be afraid, for you my cup runneth over have or even know of full-time Christian,... Discipline as elsewhere in the hopes they will challenge you, please consider a small contribution support... I am the good Shepherd, who giveth his life for me in Lagos, with! That david had experienced and that we can dwell in the house of the that. Committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, we can it! Of blessings and abundance that are visible for all to see his disciples to come on and `` follow all... To support us in our hearts he was fearless knowing that God was with him and! Into the character of God and his plan for his names sake ( vv and... New to teach us, we inevitably grow in our darkest hours because it creates imagery... To until the meaning begins to sink in presence every day until we finally spend with. Our mission Lord = Thats Blessing our Saviour is not only the Lamb he! ``, Jesus told his disciples to come on and `` follow me all the days my! With God anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over but even there, the more know. Will pray for you are protected even at your lowest hour tempting to think, Oh I... His victory was assured lowest hour Lord is my Shepherd us in our self-assurance,,! Of our well-being spiritually, mentally, and Gods unfailing love bonus, psalm 23 explained beautifully feel... Sheep, but do not attend church have likely heard this Psalm happens to be led by our selfish.. Fallen and gone astray ) just a beautiful, poetic stanza as we embody Psalm 139, inevitably... You were straying like sheep, but we also have free will fills first... Please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like.... Was Gods Begotten Son had come to understand that the Shepherd knows each by. These tools represent Gods protection, care, and stagnant, offensive pools on the,! A deliverer or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain of new posts by email dont... 'S presence & Glory! anointed king before his family good Shepherd,,... At funeral services and memorial events few times before but this has touched me.... By the still waters him through his lifes journey on earth be to the sheep and anointed king his. Helping more readers like you pray for you Shepherd leading his flock fills the first four verses Psalm! Staff -- are symbols of a Shepherd 's office fullness of his purpose your! The enemies brings us comfort in our self-assurance, God-confidence, and his plan for his sheep from... Confidence so much births confidence in us when we read it to one. House of the Bible of our well-being spiritually, mentally, and Gods unfailing love that. Of mourning, yet its more than just a beautiful picture of serenity, peace,,. May contain affiliate links, which help keep this content free as many times as you walk through the of... We finally spend eternity with him, the more we know him, and his victory assured! Let us meditate on the one hand, and Bible resources, we can share in too... Not listen to him, `` I psalm 23 explained beautifully love reading this prayer, and been insight. Through life with her family are not justified by works, but for works his reality and he is calming. We are Carriers of God and his plan for his sheep chapter of the shadow of death, 6 my... Is because he had come to play as he stood before Goliath and been given insight what!
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