The LORD is MY Shepherd (Psalm 23)
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 paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 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.
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
forever. —Psalm 23 (ESV)
The psalm in this post is an oldie but goodie, but don’t let that stop you from looking at it with fresh eyes. Much thanks to Philip Keller’s insights from his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. His thoughts have really made this psalm come to life for me.
Studying Psalm 23
Read the psalm (included in its entirety above) several times. As you do, take note of several things:
Observations
What does the shepherd do for his sheep? Identify the verbs and the tense (are they past, present, future?).
Note the pronouns used in this psalm. Where do they change direction?
What is the emotional tone in vv. 1-3? Vv. 4-5? V. 6? How are they alike and how are they different?
Note the imagery and metaphors in the psalm, particularly in vv. 4-6. What do you already know about them? How does it help you to better understand the meaning of the psalm?
Interpretation
Understanding the text
We often imagine David strumming his harp while out in the pastures when writing this psalm. However, commentators think this psalm may actually have been written at the end of his life. What incidents in David’s life might he be reflecting on? How might this give new insight into this beloved psalm?
Remember that the psalms are placed in order and this is significant. Psalm 23 is part of the collection in Book 1 described as the “kingdom psalms” (Pss. 15-24), which peak in Psalm 19. How might this placement help us understand this psalm?
When the word “LORD” is in all capital letters, this is referring to God’s personal covenantal name, YHWH, the great “I Am.” This differs from the title “Lord” (a term that can refer to divine or human masters). How might this enrich your understanding of who this psalm is for?
Can you think of other passages in the Bible where shepherds are mentioned? Or can you think of other shepherds in the Bible? (Some starters include John 10:1-18; 21:15-17; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:14. In the Old Testament, see Ezekiel 34. If you can think of others, look them up!) How do these enrich your understanding of the shepherd metaphor and particularly shed light on the Lord as our shepherd?
Understanding its place in Scripture
Based on these observations, how might this psalm be important to the nation of Israel as God’s people?
How might this psalm point to Christ? See John 10:10.
If Jesus prayed this psalm, who might He be praying to? Who is His Shepherd?
Consider Psalm 22, a lament that Jesus utters on the cross, as well as Psalm 24, a royal psalm that follows this one. Psalm 23 is right in the middle. All three of these psalms point to Christ in some way. How might this further round out your understanding of who Jesus is and what He is like as a shepherd?
A little commentary
“Restores”= sometimes a sheep gets top heavy—either because they are pregnant or their wool weighs them down. This can result in them rolling over onto their backs, feet in the air. Keller explains that this position can be dangerous—even deadly—for the sheep if left too long. They will need help to turn over because they can’t do it themselves. A shepherd would restore his sheep by turning it back onto its feet, standing nearby or holding them until they regain circulation in their legs and helping them on their way again.
“Rod”=a symbol of the shepherd’s strength, power, and authority.
“Staff”=a slender instrument used to specifically manage sheep. It looks a bit like a candy cane, with a long crooked end. There are three uses for it: 1) draws sheep close together, like mothers to babies. It keeps them from rejecting their young because they smell a foreigner (even if it is the shepherd) on it. 2) used to guide sheep through new paths or difficult roads—applying pressure nudges them into the right direction, or simply just a way for no other reason to “hold hands” with a beloved sheep. 3) an extension of shepherd’s arm to help sheep in trouble, like tangled in a bush or astray—a quick way to reach it when they could not get there otherwise.
“Table”= an image of communion, fellowship, and friendship.
“oil”=used by shepherds as a kind of bug repellant against pests that can irritate. A symbol of comfort, but also of honor. Priests and kings were anointed with oil, showing they are set apart for the Lord. For ordinary people, hosts may also anoint their guests’ heads with oil at a celebratory meal to seal a covenant or agreement but also as a public declaration of your bond of friendship.
“cup”=in the context of this celebratory meal, the cup symbolizes a cup of blessing passed to his guest, again in celebration of friendship.
“follow”= “pursued”—as if chased. It is not a passive image but an active one.
Application
Which image of a shepherd is most needed for you right now? How is the Lord your shepherd in the midst of it?
In each verse of the psalm, we read about how the shepherd cares for the sheep. How might the sheep need to trust the shepherd? Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust your Shepherd? What might it look like for you to trust Him, that you might experience these blessings of being one of his sheep?
Where do you feel like you’re wandering or lost? How might knowing that the Shepherd has a destination for you in this journey help you to find comfort, help, or hope?
Reflection: A Shepherd for All Times
Being an urban girl, I have very little understanding of what a shepherd does.
In fact, like most, I’ve probably imagined David sitting out in the fields, strumming his harp while looking out for lions and bears (admit it, you did too, right?).
But after reading Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, I began to see differently. I realized that being a shepherd is a round-the-clock, every-day-of-the-year job. It requires sacrifice, putting your flock’s needs before yours. Jesus even says a good shepherd would lay down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).
As we look at this very familiar psalm this week, it is easy to tune out. Or we just think of what we’ve always been taught in sermons about sheep. But this psalm is about the shepherd, not the sheep.
Despite their very humble reputation, however, our LORD—the God who has entered into a covenant relationship with us through Christ—has identified himself as a Shepherd. That alone tells us something remarkable about our God.
Knowing who this Shepherd is can bring great hope, comfort, and peace to us. Not surprisingly, this psalm is one that people have turned to over and over in times of need. Letting the truths of this psalm take root in our hearts can make all the difference in the world, especially in times of trial and pain.
A Few Facts About the Shepherd
First, it is “the LORD” who is our Shepherd.
“The LORD” is a specific person. It is not a generic title but God’s covenant name. It is one person in particular.
Though this psalm is often read at many a bedside to comfort the dying, it is actually a psalm for the believer, one who has entered into relationship, one who has known him as LORD and Savior. It is a psalm from the Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep.
Second, the LORD “is” my Shepherd.
This is a present tense state of being verb. It is not something in the past. It is not something that will happen in the future.
It is for right now. Today. Whatever your need. Whatever your season. Whatever your situation.
Last, the LORD is “my” Shepherd.
This is a personal declaration. Yes, the Lord has a commitment to him. But David also has a commitment to His LORD. He looks to Him. He trusts Him. He follows Him.
So what is this Shepherd like?
He Shepherds Me In the Pastures
Verses 1-3 begin with some of the idyllic scenes imaginable: a lush, green pasture of gently rolling hills with sheep grazing peacefully.
First, a good shepherd scopes out the land for suitable feeding grounds. For this to happen, he needs to get up early, when the grass is still heavy with dew, to get his sheep out to the fields so they can get the physical sustenance they need.
Another way the shepherd cares for his sheep is by keeping an eye out for predators. Because they are easily spooked, a sheep will not lie down until they feel secure. So the shepherd is really always on the lookout, scanning the grounds for unwanted enemies.
Third, the shepherd also cares for the pests that may irritate the sheep themselves and keep them from resting. Bugs can pester the sheep so a good shepherd will lovingly treat the sheep so they can be free from these irritants.
And last, a good shepherd will also protect the sheep from hurting one another. The descriptions in Ezekiel 34:21 really do happen! Not only does a good shepherd provide good food and protection from both without and within, he provides protection between the sheep as well.
In all ways, the sheep shall be cared for. They shall not want—that is, they shall never be in need. This does not mean they will not feel hungry or fearful. But because the shepherd is present, they can be confident that the shepherd will care for all their needs as they arise.
Likewise, this means that as our Good Shepherd, we too will never fear that our needs will overtake us. We may feel the hunger or the want but they will never overwhelm us. He will supply any true needs.
Knowing this can make all the difference in the world when we feel harassed and harried. When we feel unloved. When we feel afraid.
The Good Shepherd cares for you. We can be confident in this because He has already taken care of our greatest need: our salvation. It is ours in Christ. If He has taken care of our greatest need, why would we fear that he would not take care of all the lesser ones? (Rom. 8:31b-32)
When we are turned upside down and lost, our shepherd will come looking for you. If you are in trouble, He willingly restores you back, holding you close as you get back on your feet again. And when it’s time to start moving forward, He guides you to paths that are righteous.
He Shepherds Me in the Valleys
From the peaceful pastures, we now travel to the valleys where shadows darken. Commentators believe that these valleys are called wadis. In the wet months, they are often filled with rushing water but can dry out in the summer to become high-walled paths.
This does help cut out the hot sun, but it does leave it in shadow, which can be dangerous. In essence, those who are traveling through can find themselves trapped, easy prey for enemies like thieves, wild animals, or even flash floods. With a large flock, it could take time to get through the valley, the perfect setup for danger.
But in this part of the psalm, the pronouns switch (v. 4). In the dangerous times, it goes from third person to first person pronouns, as if the sheep is rehearsing the fact that even in the midst of this fearful place, he will still trust the Shepherd to personally see him through the valley unmolested through the dark, cold and danger.
Verse 4 is the key verse in this psalm, and right in the center of verse 4 is the focal point: “for you are with me.” This is the key to understanding the psalm, for it is not about all the blessings but about the presence of the Shepherd that is the greatest blessing of all. I am not alone. Again, the second person pronouns used here reminds us that this is a personal care.
Knowing this can make all the difference when we find ourselves in dark and dangerous places that make us afraid. Never will our Shepherd leave us alone to fend for ourselves in the valleys. He may not whisk us out of them, but He will walk with us through them. He is there in the midst of them.
So as His sheep, will we have this confidence? A trusting sheep will look in trust to the shepherd—and for us human sheep, that’s prayer.
He Shepherds Me to the End
After they make it through the valley, the shepherd leads his flock to the high ground, which may be a flat-topped mesa—rock shaped like a table. It is hard to get to and remote, but it is worth the arduous journey.
Before taking his flock there, a good shepherd would go out beforehand to scope out the path, noting watering holes and feeding spots along the way. Shortly before the flock arrives, he will “prepare the table” by clearing out poisonous weeds, sprinkling nutrients over the ground, scoping out predators and making sure there’s enough space for all. This not only serves as preparation for the sheep but as a warning to the enemies: I’m here—and don’t mess with me!
This table is not a peaceful picnic, but it is a celebration in the midst of enemies. He feasts his sheep right in the middle of enemy territory. Again, it is not a meal for everybody—only the sheep under his care.
This imagery of a table calls might call to mind the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples. Here, he blessed His own with special treatment, honor, and care, just as the shepherd does for his sheep. Every time we celebrate communion is an opportunity to remember that our Shepherd invites us to feast with him while we walk through life here on earth—our enemy territory.
Ultimately, even this meal is but a shadow of the marriage supper of the Lamb in Rev. 19:6-9. Jesus has promised that He has gone before us to prepare for us the table in the Father’s house. There, we will feast and celebrate with Him. This is reserved for his own, and his enemies will not be a part of it.
Knowing this brings us great comfort. While this world is not our home, with Satan and his enemies surrounding us, the Shepherd will lead us home. And that is where this psalm ends.
Philip Keller believes that this psalm may even reflect the cycle of a year in the life of the sheep. Verses 1-3 suggest springtime, with its lush greenness. Verses 4-5 may suggest summer and fall with its dried out valleys and table of harvest. And verse 6 is the return journey home, back to the ranch in the winter.
Whatever the season, the Shepherd cares for his sheep. In every stage of the journey, He will provide us with the very best. He isn’t skimpy or stingy with the bare minimum for survival but with bountiful and rich provision.
We are not just a mere responsibility. We are honored and beloved friends. With David, we can testify as we see how the Lord has been with us throughout our lives and one day, we can be confident that we will emerge on the other side.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” Predators may hound and harry the sheep to harm, but the Shepherd will chase us with goodness and mercy to bless us.
The Good Shepherd is Also Our King
Looking at this psalm in light of the others, we find that Psalm 23 is a part of a trio of psalms that foreshadow Christ. Psalm 22 talks about His suffering. Psalm 24 talks about His rule as King. And in the midst of these, Psalm 23 reminds us that this shepherd who will lay down his life for His sheep is also our King.
If nothing else comforts you, remember this. The One who cares for you also rules the world. We must keep these two together.
This is what helps us to cling closely to Him, no matter what you’re facing, trusting confidently in his excellent care. We can trust Him in any and every circumstance, even in the darkest times or when we feel stuck.
As much as we want a gentle Shepherd, we also need a strong, wise, and powerful one. And He is both. This shepherd is the sovereign Lord and King of Psalm 2 and all He does is good. He possesses all power to ensure that His beloved sheep will get home, even if they must traverse difficult ground.
John 10 reminds us that He will not abandon them when things get hard, as a hired hand would. He is committed to the end, even if it means laying down his life so that his sheep will live. My shepherd cares for me, but He also rules the world. Conversely, the one who rules the world cares for me!
Knowing who this Shepherd is can make all the difference as we walk through life here. Do you know Him?
Counseling the Word
This psalm is such a beautiful one to share with those who don’t know the Lord. Walk through it to tell them the good news of the One who has come to lay his life down for them. Conversely, be careful of using this psalm to comfort people who have yet to know Him as these promises are for God’s own. Rather, challenge them to trust the Shepherd, not to continue in their blind, foolish, and stupid ways.
This is also a wonderful psalm to comfort those who are in a dark valley and having a hard time seeing his hand. Gently testify to God’s good shepherding of you, encouraging them to put their trust in their good Shepherd in the midst of despair, anxiety or fear. He too will be present to comfort, guide, and provide for them.
Perhaps there are friends who feel hungry and are trying to satisfy themselves in their own ways and means. Encourage them to look to the Lord who will satisfy all these hungers—perhaps not with what they are looking for, but with something even better: Himself.
Praying the Word
Praise: There is much to praise God for. The LORD is my shepherd: Praise Him for his power, love, and sacrifice, his protection, guidance, and righteousness. When we are under His care, we will not go astray or be left to the wolves. The one who rules the world also cares for me.
Thanksgiving: Thank God for the many ways He provides and cares for you, even in times of difficulty and trouble.
Confession: Confess those ways that you try to satisfy your own wants in your own way instead of looking to Him for satisfaction.
Confess your independence and distrust, desire to go our own way, like sheep. Admit your tendency to pridefulness, self-reliance. Acknowledge how much help you yourself need, how little you can do on your own. Repent and turn back onto the path.
Petitions: Bring your hard situation and your need for guidance and protection to Him as your good shepherd. Ask Him to help you to put yourself in his care instead of wandering off on your own, pursuing your own relief.
Entrust yourself to his good care, confident that he will shepherd you well. Declare your reliance on the Lord, your trust in His provision and care in the midst of your situation.
Consider your shepherding roles. Are there places where you need help shepherding your flock? Pray for help from your own good Shepherd to help you to care patiently, faithfully, for those who depend on you—whether they are children or aging parents, students or staff, a team or a congregation. Humbly recognize your need for a Shepherd as you shepherd others.
Pray that God will help you to do the menial shepherding work that is required in your job without complaint but willingness. Ask for help to give the kind of care they need, even when they are ungrateful, stubborn or fearful. Pray for perseverance in the distasteful moments, knowing your shepherd is taking care of you in like manner.
Ask God to help you grow and mature in understanding so you can testify to others with integrity about his love.
Intercession: Pray for those you care for that are struggling with their faith. Pray they might know the good Shepherd.
