By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
THE SHEPHERD
Psalm 23:1–6
Our psalm this week comes from Book One (Ps. 1–41), attributed almost exclusively to David. Even a psalm without superscription from this section of the Psalter was understood to have been written by David (see Ps. 2 and Acts 4:25–26). This psalm accompanied by musical instruments (mizmor) is significant in that Israel’s shepherd-king identifies the Creator as his Shepherd-King.
As Christians we cannot study this psalm without bearing in mind Jesus’ self-identification as the Good Shepherd and the Gate (or Door) to the sheepfold (John 10:7–14). The One whom David knew in spiritual context revealed Himself in physical form to the apostles. They referred to Him not merely as their Good Shepherd but also as the Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20) and the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4).
He Provides (1–3)
Yahweh, the one true God who entered into covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, is Shepherd to the descendants of Abraham, the sons of Israel, the tribe of Judah, the house of Jesse and David himself. Though part of a collective culture, David enjoyed the intimacy of a personal relationship with God.
David knew and loved the Torah, the law of God. He may have had the account of Abraham and Isaac in mind while writing this text (Gen. 22). After all, it was Abraham who called the place of sacrifice “Yahweh Yireh,” meaning “the Lord provides.” Knowing the Lord takes care of His own, David acknowledged that he lacked nothing.
Like a sheep David needed nourishment, fresh water to drink and a place of safety to rest. As a believer David also needed to know the right paths to take, paths pursuing the righteousness of God. In the fullness of time, the Father sent the Son, who is the Pathway, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). David looked forward to the coming Redeemer with the eyes of faith, with only glimpses of the Anointed One (Ps. 2:2; Ps. 16:10; Ps. 22).
God provides for us because we are His. He draws us to follow Jesus, not for our sake, but for the sake of His Name. We must be on guard to look to our Provider rather than merely focusing on His provision.
He Guards (4)
Yahweh is our Provider but He also is our Protector. He walks with us through joyful and jubilant times in our lives, and He is our light as we tread dark and dangerous paths. The Lord uses His rod to keep the predators at bay, and His staff keeps us from wandering off on our own. David was not suggesting he would never face danger; rather he would never face it alone.
This verse is particularly meaningful for me, as the Lord used it to prepare, comfort and guard my heart when my father died. Death casts a dark shadow, and His light is a gentle comfort in times of grief and loss. As followers of the Good Shepherd, we have nothing to fear as He walks with us. We have confidence that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
He Hosts (5–6)
Yahweh is our Provider, our Protector and our Peace. The cities of refuge laid out in the Torah are reflections of the character of God (Num. 35), offering peace in difficult times. While the enemy pursues, the host city provides sanctuary for their guests. They also serve as protectors and an avenger cannot touch the guest while in their care. The Lord is our peace (Judg. 6:24).
The Lord offers us peace in the midst of our broken world and invites us to ultimate peace through eternal life in Jesus, the Shepherd of our salvation. With this confidence David wrote: “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
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