Psalm 23:1–6

Bible Studies for Life
Chair and Armstrong Professor of Religion, Department of Religion, Samford University

Breakthrough in Confidence
Psalm 23:1–6

Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar passages of sacred Scripture. Even those who seldom darken the door of a church have discovered the power of this psalm during periods of distress, especially in moments of bereavement. The simplicity of the shepherd metaphor still strikes a chord in the hearts of people who live in urban communities, far from fields, and who may never have seen a sheep in all of their lives.

Confidence in the Shepherd’s Guidance (1–3)
In the ancient world, kings were known as the shepherds of their people. It was their responsibility to provide for and to protect their people. To confess that “[t]he Lord is my shepherd” is to declare our loyalty and commitment to the reign of God and to confidently place our lives under His care and control.

For sheep, which have the reputation of being “dumb” animals that do not know how to take care of themselves and often stray into places of danger, the assurance that they shall lack no good thing is a precious promise. To lie down in green pastures is to be assured of food; to be led by still waters means that there are gently flowing rivers to drink from; to know that “He restores my soul” either refers to the shepherd going out to find the wandering one or “reviving my spirit” by bringing new life to one who is weary and exhausted by the circumstances of life. To be led in “paths of righteousness” assures us that He will lead and guide us during times of uncertainty. He does all this “for His name’s sake” in keeping with His character as the God who is committed to our salvation.

Confidence in the Shepherd’s Comfort (4–5)
In the most life-threatening situation of all, as we face the final enemy, God’s provision is still sufficient. We do not need to fear death because the presence of God is with us — both to support us as we die and to welcome us into the eternal Kingdom. God’s rod and staff speak of the sovereign authority of the One who reigns over all things, including death and dying, and His shepherd’s crook wards off all our enemies. What is ultimately assuring in this verse is the realization that God is sovereign and that His powerful presence will never abandon us.

Positively we are encouraged to look forward to “a table,” which God has prepared for us. God prepares a banquet for those He loves, a joyous occasion and a sign of God’s grace. This God pours out precious oil on our heads, a symbol of the fact that our lives brim over with God’s gifts. All of the verbs in these verses are actions that the shepherd makes. The sheep do nothing. We merely wait, watch and experience the good gifts of God’s love.

Confidence in the Shepherd’s Security (6)
The verb “follow” literally means “to pursue” and is often used in the psalms of enemies who pursue the psalmist with hostile intent. Here, however, the psalmist is being pursued by God’s goodness and steadfast love. So often, because of their lack of trust or disobedience, God’s people stray from God’s presence. His love continues to pursue us, to provide us with an unfailing friendship, which is the only guarantee of a blessed life.

The mention of the house of the Lord suggests not only the final hope of heaven but also the way in which we experience the presence and provision of God in the place of worship. One commentator makes the suggestive comment that “theology divorced from worship is arid; life devoid of worship has limited horizons.”

It is impossible to read Psalm 23 without thinking of Jesus, the Good Shepherd. On one occasion, He asked a crowd to “sit down … on the green grass” where He would provide food because “they were like sheep without a shepherd.” The Good Shepherd knows each of us by name and declared, “I give to my sheep eternal life and they will never perish.”

The sure provisions of my God

Attend me all my days;

O may Thy house be my abode,

And all my work be praise. (Isaac Watts)