After I experienced the passing of my dog and my mother in 2016, I found comfort in Psalm 23. Amid the painful sorrow and loneliness, this psalm reminded me that I was not alone. Christ was with me, and He would never leave.
While Psalm 23 is my favorite passage of the Bible, I think that all believers can benefit from meditating on this psalm. There is a reason that the words of this psalm have appeared in songs, movies, and books.
People find comfort, hope, and peace in the image of God, leading us like a shepherd through the various “landscapes” of life. From the gentle pasturelands to the darkest valley, the Lord is with us.
The Lord Is Our Shepherd
Although David is best remembered for his role as a king of Israel, he also worked as a shepherd early in his life (1 Samuel 17:15).
Thus, the terminology and imagery he includes in this psalm are based on his experience of shepherding a flock. David uses the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep to describe his (and our) relationship with the Lord.
The first few words of the psalm tell us that the Lord is our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1). In Scripture, the truth that God is our Shepherd is shown repeatedly, both in the Old and New Testaments (Genesis 49:24; Ezekiel 34:11-16; John 10:11; Revelation 7:17). He is the one who provides, guides, protects and loves us.
Since we have such a wonderful Shepherd, we have all we need. Depending on the translation, the rendering is “I shall not want” (KJV), “I lack nothing,” or “I have all I need” (NLT). Regardless of which Bible version we use, we understand that the Lord is guiding us, which means we lack for nothing.
He Provides, Guides, and Protects
God provides us with all we need, like a loving shepherd caring for his flock. Sheep need green pastures and fresh water, which is the imagery David uses to describe how God provides for us. The Lord gives us spiritual rest and refreshment for our souls (Psalm 23:2-3a).
Notice in the second verse that David says the Lord “leads me beside quiet waters” (Psalm 23:2). These waters are not rushing rapids but quiet or “still” (KJV).
Our Lord gives us peace and rest in terms of salvation and ongoing spiritual nourishment. Like weary sheep, we need the care our Shepherd provides.
In addition to provision, the Lord also guides us. As David wrote, “He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3, ESV). The Lord guides us along the right path like a shepherd who carefully chooses paths to protect his sheep from danger.
He does so for our benefit but also for the glory of His name. He is the great Shepherd who guides His people in the way they should go.
Our Shepherd also protects us. The Lord’s protection is part of His guidance and provision. Just as sheep fear unknown places, we fear the “valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4, ESV).
However, we do not have to be afraid because God walks with us. He holds the shepherd rod and staff, which He uses to protect us from our enemy and gently guide us when we go astray.
David chose a great example of sheep walking through a dark valley to show the relationship of the sheep with the Shepherd.
God does not watch us from afar as we traverse the darkest valley. Instead, David says, “You are close beside me” (Psalm 23:4, NLT). Nothing can separate us from the loving care of the Lord (see also Romans 8:38-39).
The Lord as Host
In Psalm 23:5, David describes God as a gracious host. When we read this part, we might wonder why David presents the image of a table set for guests in the presence of enemies.
For clarity, David was forced to flee numerous times and hide from his enemies (1 Samuel 22:1; 23:14). Amid the fear and stress, he experienced God’s loving provision. Such care from the Lord was like a wonderful feast that a person could enjoy even if their enemies were present.
In addition to using imagery of a table set for guests, David also shows how God is a gracious host through the picture of receiving anointing oil and an overflowing cup (Psalm 23:5).
During biblical times, people often used anointing oil to refresh their guests and show them honor (see the example in Luke 7:36-46). Although David was surrounded by his enemies, the Lord refreshed him. Our good Shepherd does the same for us.
The picture of a full and overflowing cup shows the abundance of God’s blessings in David’s life. We should not confuse these blessings with material goods or riches. Rather, God gives us rich spiritual blessings through a relationship with Him (John 10:10).
Dwelling in the Presence of the Lord
At the end of the Psalm, David declares that God’s love and goodness will continue to follow him for the rest of his life (Psalm 23:6a). Other translations of this verse shows that the Hebrew word used for “follow” carries the meaning of “pursue” (NLT). The Lord’s love actively pursues us.
In addition to a life filled with God’s love and goodness, David also anticipates dwelling in God’s presence in “the house of the Lord” (Psalm 23:6b).
If, as some scholars argue, David wrote this psalm later in life, then he remembered the times he was separated from the Tabernacle (2 Samuel 15:25). David wanted to return to the Tabernacle, to be in God’s presence again. He looked forward to being in God’s presence for the rest of his life.
Many of us are familiar with the wording of dwelling in the house of the Lord “forever.” However, this is not the only way to translate the word.
In the CSB and other translations, the verse reads, “Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD as long as I live” (Psalm 23:6, emphasis added).
Although commentators note that the word translated in this verse as “forever” likely refers to the timeframe of David’s life, we know from the rest of Scripture that believers spend eternity with the Lord.
David is with God, and we will also one day enter the Lord’s presence where we will dwell with Him eternally (John 10:28; 1 John 2:25; 5:11). Believers can find comfort in the truth that God’s love will remain with them now and forever.
Why Is Psalm 23 Popular?
After reading Psalm 23, I think most people will quickly understand why this passage is so popular. We receive a beautiful picture of God’s love and care for us. The image of God leading us as a Shepherd shows us that He is always with us and will take care of us, regardless of our circumstances.
Another reason that this psalm is popular is that it presents David as having a personal relationship with the Lord.
As Christians, we recognize that Christ is our good Shepherd who gave His life for us (John 10:11). He is not only the Shepherd of His church but also “my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1).
David describes the interaction between the Shepherd and His sheep through the words “You” and “me.” The Lord is not a far-off, unreachable god but the living God who wants to be in a relationship with us.
Furthermore, Psalm 23 is well-known since it gives us hope for life and encouragement when we face death. For all our days, God will guide and lead us on the right path.
We do not have to walk alone. Also, when we experience the death of loved ones or walk through the valley of death ourselves, we have the assurance that the Lord is with us. He will continue to love and care for us.
Why Does This Matter?
Psalm 23 is a beloved passage of Scripture. In this short psalm filled with rich pastoral imagery, we learn about how God is like a Shepherd. He takes care of His sheep, guides them, and protects them from enemies.
In our relationship with the Lord, we receive peace and spiritual refreshment, even in difficult circumstances. For now and eternity, believers will live in a close relationship with God, looking forward to the day they will dwell with Him in heaven.
For further reading:
'The Lord Is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want' — Meaning of Psalm 23
What Is the Significance of ‘The Lord Is My Shepherd’?
Why Was Jesus Called the Good Shepherd?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/kevron2001
