Psalms 23

The Lord as Shepherd

¹A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. ²He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

Restoration and Guidance

³He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.

Comfort in Adversity

⁴Even 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.

Abundance and Blessing

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

Eternal Assurance

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

The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible, BSB. Public domain.

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Insight

Psalms 23:1-2

This section introduces the metaphor of God as a shepherd, which is a powerful image of care, guidance, and protection. The psalmist expresses a deep sense of trust in God, indicating that with the Lord as his shepherd, he lacks nothing.

The imagery of green pastures and still waters signifies peace and abundance. It reflects the idea that God provides not only for physical needs but also for spiritual nourishment.

Scripture references

Psalms 34:9Open this cross-reference in BSB.Psalms 34:10Open this cross-reference in BSB.Psalms 34:11Open this cross-reference in BSB.Psalms 78:52Open this cross-reference in BSB.