The Encourager
“23 Psalm”
by Jeff Curtis
The 23rd Psalm is one of the most quoted passages in all of the Bible. Often one of the first memory verses for us when we were young, and quoted by the older and used at funerals to comfort grieving friends and family. This Psalm really isn’t about death, instead, it is about living. Daily activities such as eating, drinking, and seeking security are out into a God-centered perspective. It shows each if us in need of a “shepherd,” for God’s guidance and aid, as well as a close relationship with Him. It is a Psalm of trust and confidence.
Let’s notice some things about the Psalm.
This Psalm declares the happiness or blessedness of the man who God protects and cares for. It is a Psalm of complete trust, with no pleas made.
In this Psalm, we see that God is referenced. The Lord is my shepherd. If one declares this truth; it means that the Lord owns you and controls your life. He commands and we listen to His voice and obey His commands.
The main message of the Psalm is, “I shall not want.” With the Lord as shepherd, His sheep lack for nothing. The Apostle Paul wrote the same idea in Philippians 4:19.
There is an interesting fact about sheep. They won’t lie down when they are hungry. But, when they have eaten and are full, they will lie down in the abundant grass.
He leads me by the still waters. Sheep farmers and herders tell us that sheep won’t drink from rushing, roaring streams. In the mountains of Palestine, shepherds often had to dam mountain streams to provide still water for the sheep. Still waters bring peace of mind, calmness, and serenity. Again, we see the same principle taught in the New Testament (Philippians 4:6-7; John 14:27).
He restores my soul. When does a sheep need to be restored? In raising sheep, a “cast sheep” is one that has gotten down and can’t get up on its own. Without help it could easily die in that position. So, it’s a beautiful thought for a Christian, who can “get down” either in spirit or through sinful behavior and not able to get up without help. In Luke 15 Jesus tells the story of the man with the 100 sheep who leaves the 99 to rescue or restore the one lost.
The word “restores” is a much stronger term than it might first appear. In Hebrew it literally means “he brings back my soul” or “turns back to the starting point.” So, it speaks of either restoration of life itself, or at least life’s vitality through rescue or a healing.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His namesake. The Lord’s leading is main theme of this Psalm. Sheep are “led,” not “driven, so the shepherd must go ahead of the flock. Think how true this is of Jesus. Look particularly at John 14:1-3.
“For His name’s sake” impresses the idea that what is at stake in life is not the fulfillment of human will but God’s will, so that God’s name, glory, and wisdom will be glorified to all men.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Palestine had many dark, dangerous valleys through which sheep had to travel. But, with the Lord as shepherd the danger is made less severe. Again, the NT teaches the same principle in Hebrews 13:5-6.
His rod and staff comfort me. Whether two different objects are in mind here is open to debate. However, the shepherd’s rod or staff was a tool of defense, a weapon of power, and symbol of authority. And in this manifold way they comforted sheep. The crook in the rod is believed to have been used to rescue sheep from crevices and pits.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. The “table” may be viewed a couple of different ways. The fact is that the Lord has “prepared” this table for His sheep. And, these blessings were prepared while our enemies were standing about us. The parallels in the work of Jesus are notable.
The concept of eating with the Lord is threaded throughout Scripture, from the animal sacrifices used in OT worship, many of which were shared between God and the people to the Lord’s Supper or communion meal of the NT. Enemies are unable to impede God’s provision.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. With this line and those that follow, the psalmist’s delight in God reaches its climax. Having reflected on God’s present and former provision, he now makes a trusting mental leap into the future and foresees God’s eternal provision.
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. These words carry a sense of thankfulness and describe the life of everyone who follows in the Lord’s steps.
And I shall live in the house of the Lord forever. To live in the presence of the Lord. Sheep that are satisfied, looking to the future. A home with God.
