Psalm
Davids Poetic Praise to God
Psalm 23 is the best known and most beloved psalm in the collection. Surprisingly, it casts humanity as sheep—stupid, helpless sheep. But the long-lasting appeal of Psalm 23 is a direct result of that casting because the imagery is both soothing and accessible.
When he was a boy, King David was a shepherd watching his father’s flocks in the hills around Bethlehem. In those days, too, it was common to refer to kings in the Near East as shepherds; but not all shepherd-kings cared for their sheep. Though David tried to shepherd his people well, he knew the truth: the Eternal is the true Shepherd.
In John 10:11 Jesus makes a bold claim. He declares that He is the good shepherd. Immediately His disciples detected the resonance of Psalm 23 in His words. Those of us who follow Jesus today come to know Him as that gentle but strong shepherd who guides us through life if we will follow Him.
Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.
2 He lets me lie down in fields of green grass. He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths for the honor of his name.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me right in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head. My cup runs over.
6 I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
