Psalm 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Looking over all the issues of restoration from the Old Testament, they all seem to be about wealth, position, territory, reputation, and everything personal, genealogical, or national they had gained but then lost.

Only here in Psalm 23 did the restoration of the soul get addressed. That was not for the individual’s sake but for God’s sake, for His name, His reputation, God’s glory. It was no wonder that Israel had little if any understanding of God’s true intentions of restoration. Restored personal relationship with His creation, you and me.

Jeremiah 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him:

No wonder their confusion over this verse that promised freedom as the yoke they sought to have broken. The bondage release they sought was the Roman Empire at time of salvations coming, the birth of their savior. When Christ proclaimed their salvation, it did not match their vision, desire nor personal need from this historical understanding.

Acts 5:31 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

“Nope, sorry, that is not what we were expecting, or want.” With that attitude they rejected the sacrifice that was offered, their only opportunity for restoration of relationship with God.

Psalm 118:22 The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

Jeremiah 3:14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

His bride said, “I do not love you.”

I know how I feel in rejection, but what did God feel?