This particular psalm is probably the most well-known passage of scripture in Christendom. Believers in Christ find great comfort in quoting from memory the words of this psalm. The Great Shepherd's soul, mind, and heart toward His own is expressed in just over one hundred words, which take less than a minute to read. These words have brought comfort, assurance, and peace to distressed, troubled people. The Holy Spirit guided David to write this strong affirmation of faith. Peace, contentment, and trust bless those with the same confidence in the Lord that David had. With simple words and the simple but skillful use of language, the beauty of this psalm goes beyond being fully explained. That indeed testifies to the Holy Spirit's guiding the use and placement of words.
The "Shepherd Psalms" [22,23,24] unfold to us the well-known characteristics of our Lord Jesus as the Good Shepherd [Jn. 10:11,14] in Psalm 22, the Great Shepherd [Heb. 13:20] in Psalm 23, and the Chief Shepherd [1st Pet. 5:4] in Psalm 24. In Psalm 22, our Lord gives His life for the sheep. In Psalm 23, He is the One the God of peace brought again from among the dead because the terms of the covenant were satisfied by His blood - the giving of His life as a spotless sacrifice. Now, the Great Shepherd is working to mature us so we can do what pleases Him. Psalm 24 reveals our Lord Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd, coming in glory for which we wait with great expectation. The One who gave His life for the sheep in Psalm 22, and who gives His love in Psalm 23, will give His light to His sheep as is seen in Psalm 24.
In reading Psalm 23, it seems like David was old and mature enough to say a lot in a few words. In less than a minute, he makes it positively clear that the Lord is "my" shepherd. There was no question as to that fact. That declaration of testimony led to the deduction that, because that was true, he would not "want." He was looking into the future with security and assurance. The divine and human relationship between the Shepherd and the sheep is given in personal and intimate words. The first four verses speak of the Lord and his Personal Shepherd. The last two verses of the psalm speak of the Lord as the Gracious Host, gladly opening His home to those who belong to Him.
A faithful shepherd cares for and continually watches out for the safety of his sheep. The sheep soon know the shepherd's voice and instinctively learn to trust the shepherd, who leads them to where good food and life-sustaining water can be found. The wise shepherd also knows when sheep need to rest and where the best and safest location can be found. Sheep need the food of green pastures to satisfy their hunger. Hungry sheep don't lie down until they have had enough to eat. Still waters don't disturb or frighten sheep like the turbulent waters of a fast-running stream. But the sheep need good water, not stagnant water. The shepherd knows where the right food and water are and where the safest place to rest is located.
The green pastures and still waters are our physical and emotional necessities for living. The needs of the human spirit are met by divine restoration and are found when we follow the paths of righteousness.
Restoring one's soul and walking in the path of righteousness indicate our dependence on hearing our Lord's voice. The voice of the Lord is always consistent with the words of scripture, understood in the context, or at least applied in a way that is true to other scripture passages. The sheep can differentiate the words of the shepherd and the tone of his voice. A hireling's voice may scatter the flock because the voice is not only that of a stranger, but the tone of a shepherd who has been with the sheep since birth is calming and reassuring.
All of life is lived through the shadow of death. This valley is not just the end of life or a time of life- threatening sickness. This is everyday life where we live and where evil surrounds us. When there is the tendency to fear, remember, "Thou art with me." When opposition arises against the commitment to a sanctified life, remember, "Thou art with me." In every situation, whether it is a life-or-death situation or the knowledge that "There is but a step between me and death, we can always rest in our Lord's presence with us through the valley of the shadow of death.
We need our Lord's reproof, rebuke, and correction. He has the rod to defend us, and the staff to guide us. Looking back at times when the correction of the rod was necessary, we realize that it was a blessing and, ultimately, a comfort to us to know He was there when we needed what He was willing to give. The tug of the staff pulls us back to where we belong to do what God expects of us. Fear is overcome by a consciousness of the presence of our Lord when He guides and defends us.
In those past days, a gracious host showed warm and sincere hospitality to an honored guest by protecting the person at his table and anointing the guest with perfumed oil. It was a point of honor to make sure a guest was completely satisfied. The fellowship was real and significant to the extent that a certain degree of familiarity and intimacy could be shared.
At the table the Lord provides, there is complete provision for our every need. Mercy and grace are there when needed. Faith is strengthened at His table. Love is evident there. The happiness and hope of the Shepherd is that we will find our joy and fruitfulness at His table. There is fullness of joy in that place of fellowship, even when enemies are watching on, perhaps to find some way of tripping us up. The spiritual blessings at that table are from our Lord's bounty. The Holy Spirit is in us to make the "oil of gladness" a reality, and with the joy of an overflowing cup, He makes us want to spread that joy of abundant life to others.
Our journey through life begins with the Great Shepherd providing abundantly for all we need and ends "in the house of the Lord forever." Goodness and mercy are what all humanity needs from God. Now, as family members, we are not just temporary guests but are at home with Him. God has "a prepared place for prepared people" in the future. His promises can be relied on without a doubt. The Shepherd gave His life for us, so He is always watching over those He purchased with His blood. We are His sheep, and He is the one and only Great Shepherd.
PSALM 23 v.1. THE SECRET OF A HAPPY LIFE: every need supplied. As the Lord is the Shepherd, so are we the sheep – not frightened, passive animals, but obedient followers who are wise enough to follow One who will lead us in the right places and ways. This psalm focuses on the discipleship qualities of those who follow. I am His, and He is mine! v. 2. He makes full provision for every body and soul's need. v.3. He gives us His vitality and moral direction so we do not need uncertainty. v.4. THE SECRET OF A HAPPY DEATH: every fear removed. It is one thing we have no power over. It has the final word. However, the Shepherd is with us even there. The rod and staff provide comfort, protection, and guidance. v.5. All our spiritual blessings, which He has purchased with His blood, are spread before us. These blessings are secured even though enemies are all around. The oil (Holy Spirit) guarantees the teaching ministry of the Holy Spirit for us, and we gratefully acknowledge, “My cup runneth over.” v.6. THE SECRET OF A HAPPY ETERNITY: every desire fulfilled. Goodness and mercy follow until we reach our eternal dwelling place in the Father’s house.
[v.1] All needs supplied. [v.2] Rest and peace. [v.3] Health and guidance. [v.4] Courage and comfort. [v.5] Protection and provision. [v.6] Love and life.
The grace is shown in the suffering of Christ in Psalm 22; and The grace shining on the pilgrim’s path in Psalm 23 leads to The grace satisfying the pilgrim resting in glory in Psalm 24.
The Christian is between: Suffering and glory. The cross and the crown. The Christian... He looks back at one and onto the other. Look back to the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep. Look now to the Great Shepherd who takes charge of His sheep through life. Look forward to the Chief Shepherd blessing His sheep in the eternal kingdom.
[v.1] “The Lord...” (Jehovah) Occupied with Him alone. “Is my shepherd...” The voice of rejoicing. “I shall not want.” The voice of confidence.
THE LORD. Psalm 23:1. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” v.1 Every need is supplied abundantly; His blessings are extended faithfully. All that could be desired is given to me personally. He is Jehovah-Jireh – “The Lord will Provide.” “I shall not want…” Jehovah-Rohi - "The Lord, my shepherd..." v.2 Rest and peace usually go together; Both are found in God’s green pasture. Contentment and peace are by still waters. Jehovah-Shalom – “The Lord is our Peace.” “He maketh me to lie down…” v.3 Health and guidance are mine by His grace; He leads me with compassion from place to place. He restores my soul when I look on His face. Jehovah-Rophekah – “The Lord who Healeth.” “He restoreth my soul…” Jehovah-Tsidkenu – “The Lord our Righteousness.” “He leadeth me in the path of righteousness…” v.4 Courage and comfort in times of distress; Assurance and contentment in the shadow of death; His presence removes fear – is present to bless; Jehovah- Shammah (Immanuel) – “The Lord is there.” “Thou art with me…” v.5 Protection and provision, and a table spread, Let enemies know we have no fear or dread; Because the Lord Himself has anointed my head – Jehovah-Nissi – “The Lord my Banner.” “A table before me in the presence of my enemies…” Jehovah-Mekaddishkem - “The Lord who Satisfies.” “My cup runneth over.” v.6 Love and life are both essential to us; In the Lord Himself have I placed my trust. Following me daily is mercy and goodness – And will – until I am in the Father’s house.
“Heavenly Father, this psalm is much like a prayer of confidence and gratitude unfolding before my eyes the way to be happy and contented in life, comforted and assured in death, and filled with confidence looking into eternity. I thank You, Lord, for such blessings. Amen.”