Creator, Father, King #124

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

AMONG ALL THE PSALMS, Psalm 23 is one of the greats. It is a superlative biblical poem written by David, Israel’s famous shepherd-turned-king, about the ultimate Shepherd-King of the universe, the Lord God Almighty.

Let’s briefly stroll through “green pastures” and “beside still waters” with David as he helps us rejoice in God’s loving care and protection.

What’s It Mean?

• “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (verse 1, ESV). Unlike aloof false deities of other religions, God is an attentive, loving shepherd who cares for all of our needs (Matthew 6:25-34).
• “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul” (verses 2-3, ESV). As a shepherd leads sheep to lush meadows and babbling brooks for nourishment, God gives us spiritual rest and refreshment through his Word and his Spirit.
• “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (verse 3, ESV). God graciously guides us toward obedience—again, through his Word and Spirit—as he sanctifies us for our good and his glory (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
• “Even 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” (verse 4, ESV). Even in our deepest, darkest hours, God is always with us, giving us hope and allowing us to avoid fear. The rod and staff—a shepherd’s instruments of protection—provide a further metaphor of God’s comforting watchfulness over us.
• “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” (verse 5, ESV). Here, the psalm transitions from picturing God as the Chief Shepherd to the gracious Host of a great feast (Revelation 19:6-10). Our enemies (e.g., sin, Satan, the world) will try to assail us, but the Lord will provide for and richly bless his children.
• “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (verse 6, ESV). In ancient Israel, “the house of the Lord” meant the Tabernacle/Temple. For modern believers, we can look forward to enjoying God’s “goodness and mercy” in this life as we anticipate eternally dwelling with him in heaven (Revelation 21:3). Praise God!

Now What?

Memorize Psalm 23. It’s good to have this in your heart!

Did You Know?

God as shepherd is a common biblical motif. Other examples include Genesis 48:15; Psalm 80:1; and Psalm 100:3. Jesus called himself the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11) and is presented as a shepherd in places such as Matthew 26:31; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:4; and Revelation 7:17.