Psalms 23 - Printer Friendly

What does Psalms 23 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

The 23rd psalm is among the most famous passages of Scripture. Among Christians, it might be the most often-quoted and frequently-memorized set of verses in the Old Testament. The themes of comfort, reassurance, and God's provision for His people have resonated with even non-believers across the ages.

This psalm, written by King David, the former shepherd boy, may have been composed near the end of David's life. He was well acquainted not only with sheep and shepherding but also with the Lord as his shepherd. The psalm has a pastoral setting that is vastly different from David's previous psalm (Psalm 22), which evokes the image of a battlefield. Psalm 23 is meant to inspire calm.

The Lord is personal to David, and He provides everything David needs. As the Good Shepherd, He guides David to green pastures and calm waters. All is peaceful! He refreshes David's soul and directs him in the way of righteousness, thereby protecting the Good Shepherd's reputation. Even if David encounters life-threatening trouble, he does not fear because the Lord, the Good Shepherd walks with him.

Like a sheep who feels secure knowing his shepherd is standing guard, David is comforted by knowing the Good Shepherd's rod and staff will protect him. It appears David feels like an honored guest at a banquet hosted by the Lord Himself. His enemies look on as the Lord provides richly for him. Or perhaps David compares himself to a sheep that receives the healing oil and a large cup of water from its shepherd at the end of day. Its predatory enemies can only look at the sheepfold, the entrance of which is blocked by the shepherd.

David is confident that the Lord will be good to him and will shower him with loving kindness for the rest of his earthly life. He expects to enjoy rich communion with the Lord in the sanctuary.

Psalm 23:1–3 extolls the blessings bestowed on David by the Lord, his personal shepherd. The scene is peaceful and personal. In John 10:11 Jesus identified Himself as the Good Shepherd. He does for His sheep what David describes in Psalm 23:1–3. He leads his sheep (John 10:3–4); guides them to pasture (John 10:9); restores their souls (Joh 10:10); and protects them (John 10:11–15).

Psalm 23:4–6 shifts in mood from the tranquility portrayed in verses 1–3. It is a somber passage, but carries the assurance that the Lord protects His sheep and fills their days with His blessings. This passage differs from the first three verses by addressing the Lord, David's shepherd, directly. In verses 1–3 David talks about the Lord, but in verses 4–6 he talks to the Lord.

Chapter Summary:

David celebrates the protection and guidance of God. Sheep guarded by a skilled shepherd are led to food and water, and protected from harm. In the same way, David praises God for giving him peace. The knowledge of God's protection and provision are a great comfort. This psalm incorporates themes of supply, defense, assurance, and care from God.

Chapter Context:

This psalm lies between Psalm 22, which depicts Jesus as suffering, and Psalm 24 which depicts Him as sovereign. Psalm 23 depicts Christ as the all-sufficient shepherd. The psalms together focus on the shepherd's cross, his crook, and his crown. In John 10, Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, echoing many of the themes explored in this passage.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 5/5/2024 9:40:41 PM