Psalms 23 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Psalm 23

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

23:1   The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
  He leads me beside still waters.¹
3     He restores my soul.
  He leads me in paths of righteousness²
    for his name’s sake.
4   Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,³
    I will fear no evil,
  for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.
5   You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
  you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6   Surely⁴ goodness and mercy⁵ shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
  and I shall dwell⁶ in the house of the LORD
    forever.⁷

Footnotes

[1] 23:2 Hebrew beside waters of rest
[2] 23:3 Or in right paths
[3] 23:4 Or the valley of deep darkness
[4] 23:6 Or Only
[5] 23:6 Or steadfast love
[6] 23:6 Or shall return to dwell
[7] 23:6 Hebrew for length of days

Commentary

A personal psalm of trust in God. There is personal confidence because there is a personal faith; in 1 John 2.20, the reference to an anointing from God shows that there is no reason to have a second hand faith. How wonderful, and yet profound, that mortal man can have such a relationship with God. Our familiarity with this most well known Psalm can mean that we sometimes miss some of the meaning in it.

v1: The psalm speaking of God as shepherd, suggests a date early in David's life, as he served in the fields, caring for his sheep.

God is the shepherd of His people; Ps 78.52; Is 40.11; Ezek 34.11; the Lord Jesus also used the title of Himself, John 10.11; Heb 13.20-21; 1 Pet 5.4. We cannot escape the conclusion that the Lord Jesus is equal with God.

v2: The words, "I shall not be in want" do not signify a provision which is just enough, but a plentiful supply from the hand of God. The sheep enjoy green pastures, where they may lie down in safety, quiet waters where they may drink unmolested. See also in v5.

v3-4: The pastoral care of the shepherd, leading and comforting. In the multitude of alternatives before us, we need to walk in paths of righteousness, and He will lead us there. Even in the darkest times, we can know His presence and guidance, for He will lead us through.

Notice God's motivation, "His name's sake," for He does all things in accordance with His character, no pragmatism or convenience; yet for His Name's sake, He vindicates His own, acting on their behalf.

v5: Even in the midst of trial and enemies, which remain real, there is provision and enjoyment of God, see Ps 22.11,19; there is trouble very near, but God is still nearer. His anointing and superabundant blessing enable us to rejoice and feast even in the midst of enemies: the word translated 'enemies' carries the idea of those who bring trouble. Christ's work on Calvary was achieved surrounded by His enemies. Even in our darkest circumstances, our victory through God is a testimony to those around us.

v6: Total confidence in God, every day and forever; where He is, we enjoy the presence of God, and we will be in the presence of God. Goodness and love follow the shepherd, and therefore follow us also.