The 23rd Psalm

Continuing a chronological Bible study:

(Psalm 23:1) (A Psalm of David) The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

As David wrote half of the 150 psalms of the Bible, the chronological study I am following puts the psalms in places that seem to relate to what was going on with David at the time.  In the last chapter and post, David had just killed Goliath with only a sling and a stone, and he gave all the credit to the Lord.  The 23rd Psalm does seem like a fitting one at this time in David's life.  

Being a shepherd himself, David could see that the Lord was a shepherd to him, taking care of him, so that there was nothing else he needed or wanted that wasn't provided.  As the apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:19, God would supply all your need, and again as the Lord said to Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:9, His grace is sufficient for His strength is made perfect in weakness.  That was certainly the case with David confronting Goliath.

(2) He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

I look at this verse two ways.  The Lord makes him take a refreshing break, to lie down in the cool green grass.  We all need rest and refreshment to carry onward.  But probably what is meant is that the Lord provides for and feeds His sheep in the green pastures.  They are able to eat their fill and then lie down in contented rest and safety.  The Lord led David beside the still waters, not rapid torrents that would frighten His sheep, but still quiet waters for replenishment and rest.  Again it was Paul who said in 1 Corinthians 14:33, God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.

(3) He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

The Lord restored David's soul.  Whenever he was tired or disheartened, the Lord refreshed and restored his soul.  He led David in the paths of righteousness.  His Spirit was upon him to lead him in the right ways, and David acknowledged the fact that it was the Lord leading him, and that it was for God's own glory and because of His own grace and mercy, and not by anything David had done.

(4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Even though he might be in danger of death, as sheep who wander in a dark valley, and as when he confronted Goliath, he would not be afraid because he knew the Lord was with him to guide and protect him.  The shepherd guides his sheep with his staff but sometimes has to use the rod to keep wandering sheep in line for their own safety.  That's the way we should view the Lord's rod of chastisement; He wants to teach us in the way to go.  As Proverbs 13:24 says, "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him chastens him promptly."  The Lord loves us and that is why he chastens us, to teach us the way in which we shall prosper and grow, away from the way of destruction. 

(5) You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.

Not only does the Lord provide, but He provides abundantly, as if He prepared a feast.  Not only that, but He prepares the table, anoints with oil, and provides to overflowing, in the presence of enemies!  Again there is no confusion with the Lord.  Though the enemy may be at the door, we can partake of the Lord's peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

(6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The word "surely" is more like "assuredly, verily;" it's a truth.  Goodness and mercy will follow the one who looks to the Lord as his shepherd, all the days of his life, and beyond that in the house of the Lord forever.

The Lord is the pastor or shepherd of His people.  They shall want for nothing.  He guides, feeds, and protects them.  Even in the greatest dangers, they may be confident in His protection.  He provides abundantly, and they can be assured of His continual mercy and provision and eternal joy.