Psalm 23 is the best known and loved Psalm of all. I want us to look at it this morning, so that we can be encouraged in our faith.
The following is the text broken down by how it is put together:
Section #1: The Lord as Shepherd – vs. 1-3 (speaks of God in the third person – “he”; contains the shepherd metaphor; begins with the name “Yahweh”)
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Section #2: The Lord as Shepherd – v. 4 (addresses God in “you” language; a focus on enemies)
“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.”
Section #3: The Lord as Host – v. 5 (addresses God in “you” language; a focus on enemies)
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
Section #4: The Lord as Host – v. 6 (speaks of God in the third person – “he”; contains the host metaphor; ends with the name “Yahweh”)
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Now lets look at what this Psalm has to say.
Section #1: The Lord as Shepherd
v. 1: “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.”
God is often described as a Shepherd in scripture. Isaiah 40:11 says, “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.”
This image was often used of ancient kings, and, of course, God was seen as a King. The idea is of a strong leader, or authority figure, but one who is caring and benevolent.
The flip side of this is that we are sheep: vulnerable, needy, not so smart. We need a skilled shepherd who will lead us and care for us.
The phrase “I shall not want” doesn’t mean, ‘I get whatever I desire.’ Rather it means, “I shall lack nothing.” It means that I have all that I need.
The next two verses go on to describe all the ways that the Shepherd takes care of our needs.
vs. 2-3: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
As sheep we need to be led to find pastures for food and rest, and still water that can be used for drinking.
The phrase, “He restores my soul” means, to bring back one’s vitality; it is to be refreshed and renewed within. It is to be invigorated.
The phrase, “He leads me in paths of righteousness” is literally translated “right paths.” As he leads us as sheep, he shows us the best and right way to go. God gives us guidance in life, which would, of course, be the way of righteousness.
This last part, “for his name’s sake” has to do with God’s name or reputation. The Lord is a famous Shepherd and king. Remember the Exodus as God led them out of Egypt and through the desert to the lands of plenty.
So, it is a matter of honor that God will also lead us well.
This first section on the Lord as Shepherd, then, teaches us that: The Lord provides for all our needs. In the imagery used here – food, water, rest, refreshment and guidance. When God is your shepherd, you shall not lack. God will take care of you.
Section #2: The Lord as Shepherd
v. 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.”
The familiar, “the valley of the shadow of death” is more literally, “the valley of death’s shadows.” This is a deep shadow, where there is the threat of danger or death; where predators can be hiding in the shadows.
Palestinian shepherds carry with them both a rod (a shorter club) to beat off predators and a staff (which is longer) that helps keep the sheep on the path. It snatches them from harms way as they go through hostile, dangerous terrain.
And this is an image of how the Lord shepherds us. The Lord fights off our enemies and keeps us on the path through perilous paths.
So, this second section on the Lord as shepherd, shows us that: The Lord is with us to bring us through difficult situations. God will protect us from the enemy. So we need not fear, but can be comforted.
Next we move out of the imagery of fields and sheep, into the imagery of a house – the Lord’s house.
Section #3: The Lord as Host
v.5: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
God is also seen as host in Scripture, for instance in the Exodus, God “spread a table in the wilderness” for Israel when he fed them – Psalm 78:19.
In this culture, at a banquet, you anoint a guest with oil and give them abundant food and drink. Here we have a table filled with food and a cup that overflows.
But the focus in not on the food, actually. It is rather on the fact that the banquet is put on “in the presence of my enemies.”
A part of this is that a host, in this culture, had responsibilities for the safety of their guests. [Genesis 19:8; Judges 19:23].
But more importantly, when a king or powerful person gave a banquet for someone – before their enemies – it showed that they had the kings favor. It was a statement to all – don’t touch this person, I like them; they are with me.
So we learn from this section on the Lord as our Host that: The Lord gives us his favor and blessing. Our enemies can only look on in dismay, as God’s love is showered upon us.
This brings us to . . .
Section #4: The Lord as Host
v. 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.”
God’s “goodness and mercy” (or steadfast love”) are two of the central character traits of God described in Scripture. They speak of God’s kindness to us and his ever faithful commitment to love us.
The phrase “shall follow” is literally – “pursue” or chase after. The image is really a servant one. God’s “goodness” and “mercy” are like servants in God’s house that attend to our needs.
The phrase, “dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” means literally. “my whole life long,” matching up with the line before, “all the days of my life.”
So we learn from this section on the Lord as our Host that: The Lord gives us his unending hospitality. We live in God’s house and receive of his goodness and mercy.
Let me end with a few thoughts on the overall message of this Psalm.
It speaks to our personal relationship with God
The personal, “My shepherd” is quite unusual. Normally it would be “our Shepherd,” or “the Shepherd of Israel.” It highlights the personal dimension of this Psalm.
Also, the direct address to God in “you” language in the middle two sections speaks to close relationship.
The phrase, “for you are with me” is the center point of Psalm. There are 26 Hebrew words before it and 26 after it. Making it stand out as a point of emphasis.
Yes, God is God. But God is not distant or aloof. God is “with us,” in relationship with us as an individual.
It is a strong confession of our faith in God
There is no request that the Lord:
- provide for my needs
- be with me to bring me through all difficulties
- give me favor and blessing
- give me unending hospitality
This is statement that these are all already ours, simply because the Lord is our Shepherd and Host! This is a strong expression of confidence in God.
And then finally . . .
This strong, personal faith gives us peace, even when things are difficult
This psalm communicates such a calm serenity and sense of peace. But it is not because there are no problems. There are threats of death, dark valleys, and enemies looking on.
It comes because God gives us this peace in the midst of our trials. God is with us and will take care of us despite the difficulties we find ourselves in.
Let me end by saying – Look to the Lord. Let the Lord be your Shepherd and Host as well. Put your confidence in him, receive his close presence, his faithful care and know the peace that he gives.
William Higgins
Christian teaching 