Psalm 23/Notes/Lexical.V. 5.639266

• שֻׁלְחָ֗ן ("table") may refer "to something that has been spread out; hence: = a flat surface on which food has been spread out for eating ◄ usually made of wood but can be a piece of animal skin or leather ► used in private and public occasions, and frequently for sacred uses in the tabernacle and temple."
• "You arrange" (תַּעֲרֹ֬ךְ) a table means to set out food and drink for dining. This was a gesture of hospitality (Gen 18:1–8; Exod 2:18–20. Cf. also Ps 78:19 in which לַעֲרֹךְ שֻׁלְחָן symbolizes YHWH's provision for Israel in the wilderness). Kidner noted that "to eat and drink at someone's table created a bond of mutual loyalty, and could be the culminating token of a covenant. It was in Exodus 24:8-12, when the elders of Israel 'beheld God, and ate and drank'; it was so again at the Last Supper, when Jesus announced 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood' (1 Cor 11:25)." Perhaps the use of this metaphor may serve to indicate the psalmist being in a covenantal relationship with YHWH (cf. also Ps 23: 6).
• נֶ֥גֶד צֹרְרָ֑י ("in the presence of my adversaries"): Although the psalmist is in the presence of his adversaries, he is safe and secure for YHWH is the host. "In accordance with Oriental customs, the host is obliged to protect his guest from all enemies, at all costs." Therefore, "the presence of the psalmist’s enemies is no threat to him; he is under Yahweh’s protection and care. There may be a tone of derision, as the psalmist taunts his enemies by reminding them that they cannot harm him."
• דשן ("make fat" >> "anoint head"). In Ps 23:5, the verb דשן "refers to the head 'anointed (made fat) with oil' as a description of the blessing of God" (Cf. Venn diagram for דשן). Moreover, the "anointing with oil was a customary expression of hospitality." Prior to entering the banqueting room, it was customary for the host to "anoint the honored guest with oil (Pss 45:7; 92:10; 133:2; Am 6:6; Lk 7:46) made by adding perfumes to olive oil."
• Oil (שֶׁמֶן):

• "Overflowing" (רְוָיָֽה); i.e., "to run out a mass of fluid over a container (Ps 23:5) . . . [it is] a reference to having more than enough of something." The imagery portrays YHWH as the host who provides in abundance for the psalmist (cf. note on Ps 23:1 - לֹ֣א אֶחְסָֽר - "I lack nothing").