The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. – Psalm 23:1-6
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this message is to help us to more clearly understand the imagery used to convey comfort and calm to the soul of those who are a part of God’s flock by faith in Jesus Christ. Additionally, we will explore new ways in which the truth of this psalm can be applied to our lives. Furthermore, since we are all to be shepherds of God’s flock in the broadest sense, we can learn a great deal not only about our Shepherd, but also about shepherding.
Please enjoy and pass it on to others!
23:1.My Shepherd. Using a metaphor (i.e., figurative language, word picture, symbol found in the OT. David compares God to a shepherd in order to draw a mental picture that reflects God’s great love for His people. The Lord Jesus uses the same metaphor to express His relationship to His followers. Two truths are presented here:
- The depth of God’s love for His children causes Him to protect, guide and be near each one, just as a good shepherd does for his own sheep. But God’s highest expression of love and devotion was shown through the life and death of His Son, Jesus. God continues to exercise His guidance and care over our lives through the Holy Spirit.
- Believers are the Lord’s sheep. We belong to Him and receive His special affection and attention. Though “we all, like sheep, have gone astray”, the Lord has rescued and liberated us from the eternal consequences of our own rebellious way through the shed blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died for our sin. We now belong to Him, and as His sheep we can respond to His voice and follow Him.The present tense verb “is” means “the Lord is shepherding me,” indicating an ongoing relationship.
23:1. I SHALL NOT BE IN WANT. To “not be in want” means:
- That those who follow God will not lack anything necessary for God’s purpose to be accomplished in their lives.
- That they will be content with how the Good Shepherd cares and provides for them, even in times of personal hardship, because they trust His love and commitment to them.
23:2. HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN. Because of the presence and nearness of the Shepherd, God’s sheep (i.e., His people) can “lie down” in peace and be free from all fear. Jesus, as the Son of God, came to bring this same promise to those who would follow Him. The Holy Spirit as the Comforter, Counsellor and Helper communicates Christ’s care and presence to each believer.
Confidence and peaceful rest will be “in green pastures,” (a figure of speech for what makes a person grow and thrive in life). True growth and life come from a personal relationship with Jesus and the Word of God, which are necessary for a truly fulfilling life.
“He leads .. beside quiet waters,” which represent the peace, life and refreshment of the Holy Spirit.
23.3. HE RESTORES MY SOUL. When God’s children become discouraged, the Good Shepherd revives and re-energizes their souls through His power and goodness. “He guides” by the Spirit of God in His chosen paths, which put God’s children on a course to fulfill His perfect purposes for their lives. Obedience is the response of the sheep: we follow the Shepherd and listen to His voice. We will not follow “a stranger’s voice”.
23.4. YOU ARE WITH ME. In times of danger, difficulty and even death, those who follow God fear no evil. Why? “For you are with me” in every situation of life. The “rod: (i.e., a short club) is both a weapon of defense against predators and an instrument of discipline for the sheep. It symbolizes God’s strength, power and authority.
The “staff” (i.e., a long slender stick with a hook on the end) is used to bring a sheep close to the shepherd, guide it in the right way or rescue it from trouble. God’s rod and staff reassures us of God’s love and guidance in our lives.
23.5. PREPARE A TABLE. God cares for the needs of each of His children, even as evil forces attempt to destroy his or her life or soul.
Confronted daily by Satan and surrounded by an ungodly society, God sustains believers physically and spiritually. He gives us what we need so that we can live and enjoy His presence. The Shepherd, Jesus, who laid down His life for His own sheep, has made this available.
“Anoint my head with oil: refers to a practice provided for honoured guests at a banquet. This speaks of God’s special favour and blessing through the anointing (refreshing, empowering) of His Holy Spirit on the body, mind and spirit.
“My cup overflows” literally translates, “My cup is an abundant drink. It probably refers to a shepherd’s cup, which was a large, hollowed-out stone that could hold forty or fifty gallons and from which the sheep drank.
23.6. GOODNESS AND LOVE. With the Shepherd staying with us through life’s journey, we will receive constant guidance, help, kindness and support. No matter what happens, we can trust God to work for our good in all circumstances. The goal in following the Shepherd and experiencing His goodness and love is that one day we will be with the Lord forever, see His face and serve Him forever.
YAHWEH
“The LORD” is Yahweh GOD, the covenant-making God of Israel. The compound names of Yahweh in the Old Testament reflect the contents of the Psalm.
- “I have all that I need” – Yahweh Yireh, “the LORD will provide” (Gen. 22:14)
- “Peaceful streams” – Yahweh Shalom, “the LORD is peace (Judges 6:24)
- “Renews my strength” – Yahweh Rapha, “the LORD who heals” (Exodus 15:26)
- “Right paths” – Yahweh Tsidqenu, “the LORD is our righteousness” (Jer. 33:16)
- “You are close beside me” – Yahweh-Shammah, “the LORD is there” (Ezekiel 48:35)
- “In the presence of my enemies” – Yahweh-nissi, “the LORD is my banner” (Exodus 17:15)
- “Anointing my head” – Yahweh- M’Qadash, “the LORD who makes you holy” (Leviticus 20:8)
David’s sheep view of God guides us into the most intimate relationship that a creature can havewith his or her Creator.
Remain Blessed!
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