Rod” (שִׁבְטְךָ֥ - shevtecha) can refer to a scepter that shows power and authority. It can also be used as a stick to hit someone or something, as well as to discipline someone. The other interesting meaning of the word “shevet” can be derived from a group of families (tribe) with one father over them. “Staff” (מִשְׁעַנְתֶּ֗ךָ-meshantecha) is a stick that one leans on.
God’s rod reminds us of His authority over all dominions and powers. It is used to help us stay on the path, or to get back to the path that He has for us. Sometimes, it is used to discipline us, and exhort us to move forward. On the other hand, it is also for our protection. God protects us from “wolves” and any other harmful thing that may want to attack and devour us (figuratively speaking). Yet, his staff is also there for us to lean on, to rest, and to find peace.
In closing this short series on Psalm 23:4, I want to encourage each of us to remember that even as you go through the valley that may reflect death, discomfort, and uncertainty, God stands right beside you. He is the One guiding you, protecting you, and keeping you in peace as you journey through life.
You can find much comfort in the knowledge that His rod is there to help guide you back to Him when you stray, and to stay on the path of righteousness. It is there to direct you, to nudge you forward, or to slow you down when needed. It is also there to protect you from the evil one and his agents as you follow God and walk in His ways.
I find much comfort as I lean on this truth, and would like to encourage you to not only remember this truth, but to apply it to your life every single day. Do not lose hope, my friend! His word is filled with promises of His faithfulness to us. Let me leave you with one such promise:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to Hispurpose.” Rom 8:28
A Psalm Of David
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul, He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
These words are often read in church, quoted in movies, and hang on our walls. They are everywhere. Yet few people ask what Psalm 23 means and how it actually applies to their life. We know them, but we rarely apply them.
We are going to look at what these words mean in just a minute. After we do that I would encourage you to come back and read this passage once again. Spend a few minutes meditating on how this passage should affect your life.
Alright, let’s dive into the meaning of Psalm 23 and see what it holds for us today.
The Meaning Of Psalm 23
The 23rd Psalm is found in the Old Testament and was written by David. This beautiful Psalm is not only famous it contains practical and powerful lessons for us today.
Psalm 23 is full of powerful imagery that paints an incredible picture. What I want to do is allow you to pause and gaze at this picture. Breaking this passage down verse by verse will help us further understand how it applies to our life.
We are going to look at each of the six verses in Psalm 23 and unpack the picture that David is painting. Again, after we do I would encourage you to go read the full passage again.
Let’s dive into the meaning of Psalm 23.
1. Psalm 23 Meaning: The Lord Is My Shepherd
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
King David starts this Psalm off with a powerful picture. God is our shepherd. The rest of Psalm 23 follows through this image. This first verse sets the tone for the next five to follow.
The duties of a shepherd were difficult and burdensome. They were charged with caring for an entire flock of sheep and that was no easy task. A shepherd would lead the flock back and further to pastures to feed. Protect them from animals and thieves. Rescue them from dangers. And keep watch of them day and night to keep them from wandering.
To make the job more difficult, sheep aren’t exactly the smartest animals. They tend to wander and get themselves in sticky situations quite frequently. It was a demanding and exhausting job.
For a greater understanding of what a shepherd did in ancient times check out: Shepherds In Bible Times
David knew this life well, he spent much of his young life working as a shepherd. When David says that the Lord is my shepherd he’s picturing God caring for him as he cared for the sheep in his flock.
This image is powerful. God is caring for us, protecting us, providing for us, and leading us just as a good shepherd tends to their flock. It’s a come picture that is used throughout the Bible to describe how God cares for his people. (Isaiah 40:11; 44:28, Jeremiah 25:34, Jeremiah 25:35, Nahum 3:18, John 10:11, John 10:14, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4)
The meaning of Psalm 23 is tied to the opening verse, the Lord is my shepherd. The next few verses are built of this first one. Because God is our shepherd he:
2. Psalm 23 Meaning: He Makes Me Lie Down In Green Pastures
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters. Psalm 23:2
David starts his list of how God provides as our shepherd with rest and nourishment. It’s an idyllic picture of a place of peace and rest. You can picture it can’t you? A calm babbling brook running through rolling green hills with wild animals wandering through.
This is a picture of calm and peace. And what David is saying is that this is what God does for his people. He provides rest in green pastures and beside still waters.
David had experienced this first hand. After he was anointed king of Israel he spent years running for his life from Saul who refused to step down as king and continually tried to kill him. Throughout that time God continued to guide and direct David. He provided rest and nourishment.
I don’t think it’s by mistake that this is the first thing David lists. He’s experienced the burdens of life and knows the relief when they are lifted. God lifts the burdens for his flock. He provides rest and green pastures from the toil of life.
The meaning of Psalm 23 is that God will provide for our rest and nourishment. That doesn’t mean our life will always be easy. Instead, it means that he will be with us helping us along the way.
3. Psalm 23 Meaning: He Restores My Soul
He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3
This next verse builds on the previous. The Lord provides spiritual restoration and renews our strength. Once we are restored he leads us to the right paths so that we do not wander aimlessly.
Take note of the order of events here. We often work first, rest second. But God does the opposite with us. He allows us to rest, to be restored, and then he leads us into what he has for us. The goodness of God is on full display here.
God isn’t a slave master that demands his flock work till exhaustion. Rather he provides rest and then leads us into what he’s created us to do. He’s a good shepherd that does what is best for his flock.
The meaning of Psalm 23 centers on God’s goodness. He cares for us and restores us.
4. Psalm 23 Meaning: Though I Walk Through The Valley Of Death
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
This is where the 23rd Plasm takes a little bit of a turn. The shepherd leads not only to still waters but also through troubled valleys.
There’s a false belief that’s been floating around for years that if you are a child of God you will have an easy life. But that’s not what Jesus promised. Rather, he promised he’d be with us in the dark valley.
The great shepherd is with us in the green pastures and in the valley of the shadow of death. His rod and his staff protect us, guide us, and comfort us. He will not abandon us and he will guide us through it.
The message of the Gospel is not an absence of pain and trials. Rather that God will not abandon us in them. This psalm of David reminds us that even in the darkest valley of life God is still with us and we can have hope.
You might also like: Why Does God Allow Suffering? and What Does The Bible Say About Death? (7 truths you need to know)
5. Psalm 23 Meaning: You Prepare A Table Before Me
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5
In this verse, David switches the description of God from a shepherd to a host. God is not only providing for our needs but also our desires. David says his cup overflows with blessings. It’s not just what he needs, it’s more than he needs.
What’s interesting about this verse is that all this is done in the presence of our spiritual enemies, not in the absence of them. It’s in the midst of conflict that we can find not only God’s provision but his abundant blessing.
Tom Constable says it this way, “As a gracious host, God provides hospitality for His people. He supplies us with what we need and desire lavishly, and He does so, not by removing us from the presence of our spiritual enemies, but in their presence. In the ancient East, a thoughtful host would welcome an honored guest into the protection of his home by pouring some oil on his head. This refreshed and soothed a weary traveler. Anointing with oil in Scripture pictured God’s bestowal of His Holy Spirit on the believer David’s cup symbolized his lot in life that overflowed with abundant blessings.”
This verse from the 23rd Psalm reminds us of God’s provision and the abundant blessing that he has for us.
6. Psalm 23 Meaning: Surely Your Goodness And Love Will Follow Me
Surely goodness and love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6
David ends this incredible Psalm by painting a picture of how God’s goodness and love (Hebrew word: hesed) will go with him for the rest of his life. The idea that he’s trying to get across is not that God’s love follows behind, rather that God’s love passionately pursues him.
But the goodness of God isn’t just for this life. David boldly proclaims that he shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. This picture is one of enjoying full communion, unhindered fellowship, with God. A glorious time that will never end.
This Psalm found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He pursued us, paid the price for our sins on the cross, and brought us back into his house. Because of the work of Jesus we can dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
This last verse of the 23rd Psalm is filled with hope. It’s a hope that’s found time and time again in the word of God. We are secure and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Applying The Psalm 23 Meaning In Our Life
Psalm 23 paints this incredible picture of how God cares and provides for his people. Since it’s one of the most well-known Psalms we often just glance through it. But it deserves a deeper look.
I would encourage you to go back and read this passage a few more times throughout this week. Consider what it means for God to be your shepherd. Meditate on these words. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through applying it in your life. This is an incredible passage that we should keep coming back to and allow it to encourage and strengthen us.
The meaning of Psalm 23 is still powerful today. God is with you. He will provide for you. He will walk with you through the storms of life. And he will bless you. Hold onto him.
Thanks for reading this blog post! I hope that you enjoyed it and that it brought greater insight into the Psalm 23 meaning. If you found this post helpful would you share it with a friend or on social media? That way more people can benefit from it as you have.
This striking expression, to which the genius of Bunyan has given such reality, was probably on Hebrew lips nothing more than a forcible synonym for a dark, gloomy place. Indeed, the probability is that instead of tsal-mâveth (shadow of death), should be read, tsalmûth (shadow, darkness), the general signification being all that is required in any one of the fifteen places where it occurs. It is true it is used of the “grave” or “underworld” (Job 10:21-22). But it is also used of the “darkness of a dungeon” (Psalm 107:10), of “the pathless desert” (Jeremiah 2:6); or, possibly, since it is there parallel with drought, of “the blinding darkness of a sandstorm,” and metaphorically of “affliction” (Isaiah 9:2), and of the “dull heavy look” that grief wears (Job 16:16).
By valley we must understand a deep ravine. Palestine abounds in wild and gloomy valleys, and shepherd life experiences the actual peril of them. Addison’s paraphrase catches the true feeling of the original—
“Though in the path of death I tread,
With gloomy horrors overhead.”
Thy rod and thy staff.—Used both for guiding and defending the flock.
Psalm 23:4. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death — Through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, Job 24:17; Psalm 44:19; Jeremiah 2:6; that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself: or rather, though I am under the arrests of death, and have received the sentence of death within myself, and have every reason to look upon myself as a dying man: I will fear no evil — I will not give way to my fears, but will confidently rely upon the word and promise of God, persuaded that his grace shall be sufficient for me, and that he will make even death itself work for my good. Observe, reader, a child of God may meet the messengers of death, and receive its summons, with a holy security and serenity of mind. He may bid it defiance, and say with Paul, O death where is thy sting? For thou art with me — Here is the ground of a true Christian’s confidence when in the valley of the shadow of death, God is with him, and his presence inspires him with confidence and comfort, hope and joy. It affords him light amidst the darkness of the valley, and life in the death of it. Thy rod and thy staff — Thy word and thy Spirit; comfort me — His gospel is the rod of his strength, and there is enough in that to comfort the saints, both while they live, even in their greatest troubles, and also when they are dying. And his Spirit is the Comforter himself, and where he is, support and comfort cannot be wanting. His rod of chastisement and correction also ministers to the comfort of his people, and much more his staff of support, his upholding grace, which, under all their trials, and even in their last and greatest trial, is sufficient for them. Or the rod may signify his pastoral care, and inspection of the flock, (alluding to the shepherd’s crook, or rod, under which the sheep passed when they were counted, Leviticus 27:32,) and the staff, the defence, and protection afforded them, the shepherd with his staff being wont to defend his sheep from the dogs and wolves that would worry them. Or, as others interpret the words, the rod here, in allusion to the rod of Moses, may be considered as an emblem of power, especially as the word שׁבשׂ, shebet, here translated rod, often signifies a sceptre, or some other ensign of authority. And the word translated staff, משׁענה, mishgneneh, properly signifies what a person leans upon for support. Thus interpreted, the clause means, The sceptre of thy kingdom, or thy power protects me, and thy support upholds me, and so both minister to my comfort.
23:1-6 Confidence in God's grace and care. - "The Lord is my shepherd." In these words, the believer is taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great Pastor of the universe, the Redeemer and Preserver of men. With joy he reflects that he has a shepherd, and that shepherd is Jehovah. A flock of sheep, gentle and harmless, feeding in verdant pastures, under the care of a skilful, watchful, and tender shepherd, forms an emblem of believers brought back to the Shepherd of their souls. The greatest abundance is but a dry pasture to a wicked man, who relishes in it only what pleases the senses; but to a godly man, who by faith tastes the goodness of God in all his enjoyments, though he has but little of the world, it is a green pasture. The Lord gives quiet and contentment in the mind, whatever the lot is. Are we blessed with the green pastures of the ordinances, let us not think it enough to pass through them, but let us abide in them. The consolations of the Holy Spirit are the still waters by which the saints are led; the streams which flow from the Fountain of living waters. Those only are led by the still waters of comfort, who walk in the paths of righteousness. The way of duty is the truly pleasant way. The work of righteousness in peace. In these paths we cannot walk, unless. God lead us into them, and lead us on in them. Discontent and distrust proceed from unbelief; an unsteady walk is the consequence: let us then simply trust our Shepherd's care, and hearken to his voice. The valley of the shadow of death may denote the most severe and terrible affliction, or dark dispensation of providence, that the psalmist ever could come under. Between the part of the flock on earth and that which is gone to heaven, death lies like a dark valley that must be passed in going from one to the other. But even in this there are words which lessen the terror. It is but the shadow of death: the shadow of a serpent will not sting, nor the shadow of a sword kill. It is a valley, deep indeed, and dark, and miry; but valleys are often fruitful, and so is death itself fruitful of comforts to God's people. It is a walk through it: they shall not be lost in this valley, but get safe to the mountain on the other side. Death is a king of terrors, but not to the sheep of Christ. When they come to die, God will rebuke the enemy; he will guide them with his rod, and sustain them with his staff. There is enough in the gospel to comfort the saints when dying, and underneath them are the everlasting arms. The Lord's people feast at his table, upon the provisions of his love. Satan and wicked men are not able to destroy their comforts, while they are anointed with the Holy Spirit, and drink of the cup of salvation which is ever full. Past experience teaches believers to trust that the goodness and mercy of God will follow them all the days of their lives, and it is their desire and determination, to seek their happiness in the service of God here, and they hope to enjoy his love for ever in heaven. While here, the Lord can make any situation pleasant, by the anointing of his Spirit and the joys of his salvation. But those that would be satisfied with the blessings of his house, must keep close to the duties of it.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - The meaning of this in the connection in which it occurs is this: "God will lead and guide me in the path of righteousness, even though that path lies through the darkest and most gloomy vale - through deep and dismal shades - in regions where there is no light, as if death had cast his dark and baleful shadow there. It is still a right path; it is a path of safety; and it will conduct me to bright regions beyond. In that dark and gloomy valley, though I could not guide myself, I will not be alarmed; I will not be afraid of wandering or of being lost; I will not fear any enemies there - for my Shepherd is there to guide me still." On the word here rendered "shadow of death" - צלמות tsalmâveth - see Job 3:5, note; and Isaiah 9:2, note. The word occurs besides only in the following places, in all of which it is rendered "shadow of death:" Job 10:21-22; Job 12:22; Job 16:16; Job 24:17 (twice); Job 28:3; Job 34:22; Job 38:17; Psalm 44:19; Psalm 107:10, Psalm 107:14; Jeremiah 2:6; Jeremiah 13:16; Amos 5:8. The idea is that of death casting his gloomy shadow over that valley - the valley of the dead. Hence, the word is applicable to any path of gloom or sadness; any scene of trouble or sorrow; any dark and dangerous way. Thus understood, it is applicable not merely to death itself - though it embraces that - but to any or all the dark, the dangerous, and the gloomy paths which we tread in life: to ways of sadness, solitude, and sorrow. All along those paths God will be a safe and certain guide.
I will fear no evil - Dark, cheerless, dismal as it seems, I will dread nothing. The true friend of God has nothing to fear in that dark valley. His great Shepherd will accompany him there, and can lead him safely through, however dark it may appear. The true believer has nothing to fear in the most gloomy scenes of life; he has nothing to fear in the valley of death; he has nothing to fear in the grave; he has nothing to fear in the world beyond.
For thou art with me - Thou wilt be with me. Though invisible, thou wilt attend me. I shall not go alone; I shall not be alone. The psalmist felt assured that if God was with him he had nothing to dread there. God would be his companion, his comforter, his protector, his guide. How applicable is this to death! The dying man seems to go into the dark valley alone. His friends accompany him as far as they can, and then they must give him the parting hand. They cheer him with their voice until he becomes deaf to all sounds; they cheer him with their looks until his eye becomes dim, and he can see no more; they cheer him with the fond embrace until he becomes insensible to every expression of earthly affection, and then he seems to be alone. But the dying believer is not alone. His Saviour God is with him in that valley, and will never leave him. Upon His arm he can lean, and by His presence he will be comforted, until he emerges from the gloom into the bright world beyond. All that is needful to dissipate the terrors of the valley of death is to be able to say, "Thou art with me."
Thy rod and thy staff - It may not be easy to mark the difference between these two words; but they would seem probably to refer, the latter to the "staff" which the shepherd used in walking, and the former to the "crook" which a shepherd used for guiding his flock. The image is that of a shepherd in attendance on his flock, with a staff on which he leans with one hand; in the other hand the "crook" or rod which was the symbol of his office. Either of these also might be used to guard the flock, or to drive off the enemies of the flock. The "crook" is said (see Rosenmuller, in loc.) to have been used to seize the legs of the sheep or goats when they were disposed to run away, and thus to keep them with the flock. "The shepherd invariably carries a rod or staff with him when he goes forth to feed his flock. It is often bent or hooked at one end, which gave rise to the shepherd's crook in the hand of the Christian bishop. With this staff he rules and guides the flock to their green pastures, and defends them from their enemies. With it also he corrects them when disobedient, and brings them back when wandering." (The land and the book, vol. i., p. 305.)
They comfort me - The sight of them consoles me. They show that the Shepherd is there. As significant of his presence and his office, they impart confidence, showing that he will not leave me alone, and that he will defend me.
4. In the darkest and most trying hour God is near.
the valley of the shadow of death—is a ravine overhung by high precipitous cliffs, filled with dense forests, and well calculated to inspire dread to the timid, and afford a covert to beasts of prey. While expressive of any great danger or cause of terror, it does not exclude the greatest of all, to which it is most popularly applied, and which its terms suggest.
thy rod and thy staff—are symbols of a shepherd's office. By them he guides his sheep.
Through the valley of the shadow of death; through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, Job 24:17 Psalm 44:19107:10,14 Jer 2:6.
I will fear no evil; I will not give way to my fears, but confidently rely upon God.
Thy rod and thy staff; two words noting the same thing, and both designing God’s pastoral care over him, expressed by the sign and instrument of it.
They comfort me; the consideration thereof supports me under all my fears and distresses.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,.... Which designs not a state of spiritual darkness and ignorance, as sitting in the shadow of death sometimes does, since the psalmist cannot be supposed to be at this time or after in such a condition; see Isaiah 9:2; nor desertion or the hidings of God's face, which is sometimes the case of the people of God, and was the case of the psalmist at times; but now he expressly says the Lord was with him; but rather, since the grave is called the land of the shadow of death, and the distresses persons are usually in, under apprehensions of immediate death, are called the terrors of the shadow of death; see Job 10:21; the case supposed is, that should his soul draw nigh to the grave, and the sorrows of death compass him about, and he should be upon the brink and borders of eternity, he should be fearless of evil, and sing, "O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?" 1 Corinthians 15:55, though it seems best of all to interpret it of the most severe and terrible affliction or dark dispensation of Providence it could be thought he should ever come under, Psalm 44:19. The Targum interprets it of captivity, and Jarchi and Kimchi of the wilderness of Ziph, in which David was when pursued by Saul; and the latter also, together with Ben Melech, of the grave, and of a place of danger and of distress, which is like unto the grave, that is, a place of darkness; and Aben Ezra of some grievous calamity, which God had decreed to bring into the world. Suidas (w) interprets this phrase of danger leading to death; afflictions attend the people of God in this life; there is a continued series of them, so that they may be said to walk in them; these are the way in which they walk heaven, and through which they enter the kingdom; for though they continue long, and one affliction comes after another, yet there will be an end at last; they will walk and wade through them, and come out of great tribulations; and in the midst of such dark dispensations, comparable to a dark and gloomy valley, covered with the shadow of death, the psalmist intimates what would be the inward disposition of his mind, and what his conduct and behaviour:
I will fear no evil; neither the evil one Satan, who is the wolf that comes to the flock to kill and to destroy, and the roaring lion that seeks whom he may devour, since the Lord was his shepherd, and on his side: nor evil men, who kill the body and can do no more, Psalm 27:1; nor any evil thing, the worst calamity that could befall him, since everything of this kind is determined by God, and comes not without his knowledge and will, and works for good, and cannot separate from the love of Christ; see Psalm 46:1;
for thou art with me; sheep are timorous creatures, and so are Christ's people; but when he the shepherd is them, to sympathize with them under all their afflictions, to revive and comfort them with the cordials of his love and promises of his grace, to bear them up and support them with his mighty arm of power, to teach and instruct them by every providence, and sanctify all unto them; their fears are driven away, and they pass through the dark valley, the deep waters, and fiery trials, with courage and cheerfulness; see Isaiah 41:10;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me; not the rod of afflictions and chastisements, which is the sense of some Jewish (x) as well as Christian interpreters; though these are in love, and the saints have often much consolation under them; but these are designed by the valley of the shadow of death, and cannot have a place here, but rather the rod of the word, called the rod of Christ's strength, and the staff of the promises and the provisions of God's house, the whole staff and stay of bread and water, which are sure unto the saints, and refresh and comfort them. The Targum interprets the rod and staff of the word and law of God; and those interpreters who explain the rod of afflictions, yet by the staff understand the law; and Jarchi expounds it, of the mercy of God in the remission of sin, in which the psalmist trusted: the allusion is to the shepherd's crook or staff, as in other places; see Micah 7:14; which was made use of for the telling and numbering of the sheep, Leviticus 27:32; and it is no small comfort to the sheep of Christ that they have passed under his rod, who has told them, and that they are all numbered by him; not only their persons, but the very hairs of their head; and that they are under his care and protection: the shepherd with his rod, staff, or crook, directs the sheep where to go, pushes forward those that are behind, and fetches back those that go astray; as well as drives away dogs, wolves, bears, &c. that would make a prey of the flock; and of such use is the word of God, attended with the power of Christ and his Spirit; it points out the path of faith, truth, and holiness, the saints should walk in; it urges and stirs up those that are negligent to the discharge of their duty, and is the means of reclaiming backsliders, and of preserving the flock from the ravenous wolves of false teachers: in a word, the presence, power, and protection of Christ, in and by is Gospel and ordinances, are what are here intended, and which are the comfort and safety of his people, in the worst of times and cases.
a. The LORD is my shepherd: David thought about God, the God of Israel; as he thought about his relationship with God, he made the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep. God was like a shepherd to David, and David was like a sheep to God.
i. In one sense, this was not unusual. There are other references to this analogy between the deity and his followers in ancient Middle Eastern cultures. “In all Eastern thought, and very definitely in Biblical literature, a king is a shepherd.” (Morgan)
ii. It is also a familiar idea throughout the Bible that the LORD is a shepherd to His people. The idea begins as early as the Book of Genesis, where Jacob called the LORD the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel(Genesis 49:24).
· In Psalm 28:9 David invited the LORD to shepherd the people of Israel, and to bear them up forever. Psalm 80:1also looks to the LORD as the Shepherd of Israel, who would lead Joseph like a flock.
· Ecclesiastes 12:11 speaks of the words of the wise, which are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.
· Isaiah 40:11 tells us that the LORD will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm. Micah 7:14 invites the LORD to Shepherd Your people with Your staff…As in days of old.
· Zechariah 13:7 speaks of the Messiah as the Shepherd who will be struck, and the sheep scattered (quoted in Matthew 26:31).
· In John 10:11 and 10:14, Jesus clearly spoke of Himself as the good shepherd, who gives His life for the sheep and who can say, “I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” Hebrews 13:20 speaks of Jesus as that great Shepherd of the sheep, 1 Peter 2:25calls Jesus the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls, and 1 Peter 5:4 calls Jesus the Chief Shepherd.
· The idea of Jesus as the Good Shepherd was precious to early Christians. One of the more common motifs in catacomb paintings was Jesus as a shepherd, with a lamb carried across His shoulders.
iii. It’s remarkable that the LORD would call Himself our shepherd. “In Israel, as in other ancient societies, a shepherd’s work was considered the lowest of all works. If a family needed a shepherd, it was always the youngest son, like David, who got this unpleasant assignment…Jehovah has chosen to be our shepherd, David says. The great God of the universe has stooped to take just such care of you and me.” (Boice)
iv. “Saith Rabbi Joseph Bar Hamna, there is not a more contemptible office than that of a shepherd…. But God disdaineth not to feed his flock, to guide, to govern, to defend them, to handle and heal them, to tend and take care of them.” (Trapp)
v. David knew this metaphor in a unique way, having been a shepherd himself. “David uses the most comprehensive and intimate metaphor yet encountered in the Psalms, preferring usually the more distant ‘king’ or ‘deliverer’, or the impersonal ‘rock’, ‘shield’, etc.; whereas the shepherd lives with his flock and is everything to it: guide, physician and protector.” (Kidner)
b. The LORD is my shepherd: David knew this in a personal sense. He could say, “my shepherd.” It wasn’t just that the LORD was a shepherd for others in a theoretical sense; He was a real, personal shepherd for David himself.
i. “A sheep is an object of property, not a wild animal; its owner sets great store by it, and frequently it is bought with a great price. It is well to know, as certainly as David did, that we belong to the Lord. There is a noble tone of confidence about this sentence. There is no ‘if’ nor ‘but,’ nor even ‘I hope so;’ but he says, ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’” (Spurgeon)
ii. “The sweetest word of the whole is that monosyllable, ‘My.’ He does not say, ‘The Lord is the shepherd of the world at large, and leadeth forth the multitude as his flock,’ but ‘The Lord is my shepherd;’ if he be a Shepherd to no one else, he is a Shepherd to me; he cares for me, watches over me, and preserves me.” (Spurgeon)
iii. Overwhelmingly, the idea behind God’s role as shepherd is of loving care and concern. David found comfort and security in the thought that God cared for him like a shepherd cares for his sheep.
iv. David felt that he needed a shepherd. The heart of this psalm doesn’t connect with the self-sufficient. But those who acutely sense their need – the poor in spirit Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:3) – find great comfort in the idea that God can be a shepherd to them in a personal sense.
v. Spurgeon said that before a man can truly say, “the LORD is my shepherd,” he must first feel himself to be a sheep by nature, “for he cannot know that God is his Shepherd unless he feels in himself that he has the nature of a sheep.” He must relate to a sheep in its foolishness, its dependency, and in the warped nature of its will.
vi. “A sheep, saith Aristotle, is a foolish and sluggish creature…aptest of anything to wander, though it feel no want, and unablest to return…a sheep can make no shift to save itself from tempests or inundation; there it stands and will perish, if not driven away by the shepherd.” (Trapp)
c. I shall not want: For David, the fact of God’s shepherd-like care was the end of dissatisfied need. He said, “I shall not want” both as a declaration and as a decision.
i. “I shall not want” means, “All my needs are supplied by the LORD, my shepherd.”
ii. “I shall not want” means, “I decide to not desire more than what the LORD, my shepherd gives.
2. (2) How the Shepherd sustains.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
a. He makes me to lie down: The LORD as a shepherd knew how to make David rest when he needed it, just as a literal shepherd would care for his sheep. The implication is that a sheep doesn’t always know what it needs and what is best for itself, and so needs help from the shepherd.
i. “The loveliest image afforded by the natural world, is here represented to the imagination; that of a flock, feeding in verdant meadows, and reposing, in quietness, by the rivers of water, running gently through them.” (Horne)
b. To lie down in green pastures: The shepherd also knew the good places to make his sheep rest. He faithfully guides the sheep to green pastures.
i. Philip Keller (in A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23) writes that sheep do not lie down easily and will not unless four conditions are met. Because they are timid, they will not lie down if they are afraid. Because they are social animals, they will not lie down if there is friction among the sheep. If flies or parasites trouble them, they will not lie down. Finally, if sheep are anxious about food or hungry, they will not lie down. Rest comes because the shepherd has dealt with fear, friction, flies, and famine.
c. He leads me beside the still waters: The shepherd knows when the sheep needs green pastures, and knows when the sheep needs the still waters. The images are rich with the sense of comfort, care, and rest.
B. The LORD as Shepherd leads.
1. (3) Where the Shepherd leads and why.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
a. He restores my soul: The tender care of the shepherd described in the previous verse had its intended effect. David’s soul was restored by the figurative green pastures and still waters the shepherd brought him to.
i. Restores has the idea of the rescue of a lost one. “It may picture the straying sheep brought back.” (Kidner)
ii. “In Hebrew the words ‘restores my soul’ can mean ‘brings me to repentance’ (or conversion).” (Boice)
iii. “‘He restoreth my soul.’ He restores it to its original purity, that was now grown foul and black with sin; for also, what good were it to have ‘green’ pastures and a black soul!” (Baker, cited in Spurgeon)
b. He leads me: The shepherd was a guide. The sheep didn’t need to know where the green pastures or still waters were; all it needed to know was where the shepherd was. Likewise, the LORD would guide David to what he needed.
c. In the paths of righteousness: The leadership of the shepherd did not only comfort and restore David; He also guides His sheep into righteousness. God’s guidance of David had a moral aspect.
i. “They are thenceforth led in ‘the path of righteousness’; in the way of holy obedience. Obstructions are removed; they are strengthened, to walk and run in the paths of God’s commandments.” (Horne)
d. For His name’s sake: The shepherd guides the sheep with an overarching view to the credit and glory of the shepherd’s own name.
i. For His name’s sake: “To display the glory of his grace, and not on account of any merit in me. God’s motives of conduct towards the children of men are derived from the perfections and goodness of his own nature.” (Clarke)
2. (4) The gift of the Shepherd’s presence.
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.
a. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death: This is the first dark note in this beautiful psalm. Previously David wrote of green pasturesand still waters and paths of righteousness. Yet when following the LORD as shepherd, one may still walk through the valley of the shadow of death.
i. David used this powerful phrase to speak of some kind of dark, fearful experience. It is an imprecise phrase, yet its poetry makes perfect sense.
· It is a valley, not a mountaintop or broad meadow. A valley suggests being hedged in and surrounded.
· It is a valley of the shadowof death – not facing the substance of death itself, but the shadow of death, casting its dark, fearful outline across David’s path.
· It is a valley of the shadow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil.
ii. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherd’s leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. It isn’t his destination or dwelling place. Like the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, David might say that all of life is lived under the shadow of death, and it is the conscious presence of the LORD as shepherd that makes it bearable.
iii. This line is especially suggestive when we read this psalm with an eye toward Jesus, the Great Shepherd. We understand that a shadow is not tangible but is cast by something that is. One can rightly say that we face only the shadow of death because Jesus took the full reality of death in our place.
b. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death: This line from the psalm – and the psalm as a whole – has proven itself precious to many a dying saint through the ages. They have been comforted, strengthened, and warmed by the thought that the LORD would shepherd them through the valley of the shadow of death.
i. Near death, the saint still calmly walks – he does not need to quicken his pace in alarm or panic. Near death, the saint does not walk in the valley, but through the valley.
ii. “Death in its substance has been removed, and only the shadow of it remains…. Nobody is afraid of a shadow, for a shadow cannot stop a man’s pathway even for a moment. The shadow of a dog cannot bite; the shadow of a sword cannot kill; the shadow of death cannot destroy us.” (Spurgeon)
iii. “It has an inexpressibly delightful application to the dying; but it is for the living, too…. The words are not in the future tense, and therefore are not reserved for a distant moment.” (Spurgeon)
c. I will fear no evil: Despite every dark association with the idea of the valley of the shadow of death, David could resolutely say this because he was under the care of the LORD his shepherd. Even in a fearful place, the presence of the shepherd banished the fear of evil.
i. We might say that the shepherd’s presence did not eliminate the presence of evil, but certainly the fear of evil.
d. For You are with me: This emphasizes that it is the presenceof the shepherd that eliminated the fear of evil for the sheep. No matter his present environment, David could look to the fact of God’s shepherd-like presence and know, “You are with me” and “I will fear no evil.”
i. Significantly, it is at the dangerous moment pictured in the psalm that the “He” of Psalm 23:1-3 changes to “You.” The LORD as Shepherd is now in the second person.
e. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me: The rod and the staff were instruments used by a shepherd. The idea is of a sturdy walking stick, used to gently (as much as possible) guide the sheep and protect them from potential predators.
i. There is some debate among commentators as to whether David had the idea of two separate instruments (the rod and the staff) or one instrument used two ways. The Hebrew word for rod(shaybet) here seems to simply mean “a stick” with a variety of applications. The Hebrew word for staff(mishaynaw) seems to speak of “a support” in the sense of a walking stick.
ii. Kidner notes: “The rod (a cudgel worn at the belt) and staff (to walk with, and to round up the flock) were the shepherd’s weapon and implement: the former for defence (cf. 1 Samuel 17:35), and the latter for control – since discipline is security.”
iii. Maclaren writes: “The rod and the staff seem to be two names for one instrument, which was used both to beat off predatory animals and to direct the sheep.”
iv. These instruments (or instrument) of guidance were a comfort to David. It helped him – even in the valley of the shadow of death – to know that God guided him, even through correction. It is a great comfort to know that God will correct us when we need it.
C. The LORD as Host.
1. (5) Blessing in the presence of danger.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
a. You prepare a table before me: Without departing from the previous picture of the valley of the shadow of death, David envisioned the provision and goodness given by the LORD as a host, inviting David to a rich table prepared for him.
i. “Here the second allegorybegins. A magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, I sit down to this table with confidence, knowing that I shall feast in perfect security.” (Clarke)
ii. David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection.
b. In the presence of my enemies: This is a striking phrase. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared tableis set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. The host’s care and concern doesn’t eliminate the presence of my enemies but enables the experience of God’s goodness and bounty even in their midst.
i. “This is the condition of God’s servant – always conflict, but always a spread table.” (Maclaren)
ii. “When a soldier is in the presence of his enemies, if he eats at all he snatches a hasty meal, and away he hastens to the fight. But observe: ‘Thou preparest a table,’ just as a servant does when she unfolds the damask cloth and displays the ornaments of the feast on an ordinary peaceful occasion. Nothing is hurried, there is no confusion, no disturbance, the enemy is at the door and yet God prepares a table, and the Christian sits down and eats as if everything were in perfect peace.” (Spurgeon)
c. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over: Despite the dangers about and the presenceof enemies, David enjoyed the richness of his host’s goodness. He was refreshed by a headanointed with oil; his cup was over-filled.
i. “Beloved, I will ask you now a question. How would it be with you if God had filled your cup in proportion to your faith? How much would you have had in your cup?” (Spurgeon)
ii. “Those that have this happiness must carry their cup upright, and see that it overflows into their poor brethren’s emptier vessels.” (Trapp)
2. (6) Blessing for the future.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD
Forever.
a. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: The host’s care brought the goodness and mercy of God to David, and he lived in the faithful expectation of it continuing all the days of his life.
i. “Mercy is the covenant-word rendered ‘steadfast love’ elsewhere…. Together with goodness it suggests the steady kindness and support that one can count on in the family or between firm friends.” (Kidner)
ii. “We are well escorted, with a Shepherd in front and these twin angels behind!” (Meyer)
iii. “These twin guardian angels will always be with me at my back and my beck. Just as when great princes go abroad they must not go unattended, so it is with the believer.” (Spurgeon)
b. And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever: The psalm ends with the calmest assurance that he would enjoy the presence of the LORD forever – both in his days on this earth and beyond.
i. “In the Old Testament world, to eat and drink at someone’s table created a bond of mutual loyalty, and could be the culminated token of a covenant…. So to be God’s guest is to be more than an acquaintance, invited for a day. It is to live with Him.” (Kidner)
ii. “While I am here I will be a child at home with my God; the whole world shall be his house to me; and when I ascend into the upper chamber I shall not change my company, nor even change the house; I shall only go to dwell in the upper story of the house of the Lord for ever.” (Spurgeon)
David was getting old when he penned these words which have meant so much to so many. In this middle section of this Psalm, he changes from talking about his Shepherd Who leads and guides him, feeds and waters him, protects and revives him, to addressing the Shepherd Himself: "For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
David knew of the functional task of the shepherd's rod, which could be used to stun or kill a ferocious beast that was attacking a vulnerable little lamb, could be used to rescue his straying sheep, and could be used to count each one as they filed past the comforting shepherd's crook, and into the sheepfold for the night.
But no matter what dangers stalked the progress of the little flock along their pathway, their shepherd was there to guide them and protect them. And so David was able to say: "I will fear no evil for You are with me," even when passing through the dangers and distresses of the valley of deep darkness.
This Psalm, which has meant so much to so many, has not lost its powerful impact on all who understand and apply its truths to their own life. The valley of the shadow of death becomes the pathway to life and peace to all Who follow the Good Shepherd Who gave his life for His sheep.
The valley of deep darkness and gloom is flooded with light and hope, for the Son of Righteousness illumines the path of all Who have become sons of light. And as we follow the path that God has scheduled for us throughout life, let us trust Him in all the disappointments and distresses that we may face: "For Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me."
My Prayer
Lord, thank You that You are the Great Shepherd of the sheep, and You are my Good Shepherd in Whom I trust. Keep me, I pray, from all dangers that stalk my path, and may I find true comfort and protection, provision, and peace in You, to my life's end. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.
Choose a Verse from Psalm 23
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
Psalm 23:5(NASB)
Verse Thoughts
In this psalm, we see a beautiful portrait of God as our good and faithful Shepherd Who leads us by still waters and guides us into the way of peace. He is, indeed, worthy of our worship and praise. He is the One Who upholds and protects, Who blesses and comforts, Who bountifully provides good things for us in the presence of our enemies. And He is the One Who intercedes for us in heavenly places.
The picture that is painted in this well-loved psalm of David, is that of our faithful God, our merciful and gracious Saviour, our good and caring Shepherd Who keeps us, protects us, and provides for us through all the changing scenes of life.
Our merciful God first identified Himself as Jehovah-jireh, our gracious Provider, to Abraham when he was halted, by the Lord, from offering up his son, Isaac, as his sacrifice of love and obedience. And throughout both testaments, we discover God as the One Who provides rain for the earth, nourishment for the ravens, a father for the fatherless, and a righteous judgment for the widow.
Our faithful God is the one who fed the hungry multitude, provides comfort for the broken-hearted, gives succour to the weak, strength to the weary, hope to the afflicted, and salvation to all who trust in Christ Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins - for while we were yet sinners, God in His grace provided a Kinsman-Redeemer to save His people from their sins.
Our good and loving God supplies all our needs, according to His riches in glory, through Christ Jesus our Saviour. And here in this well-loved and oft-repeated psalm of David, we discover: "The Lord has prepared a table before us in the presence of our enemies. He has anointed our head with oil and our cup of blessing overflows with His goodness and love."
Though we may be afflicted on all sides... pressured, perplexed, and persecuted for righteousness sake, we have not been forgotten or abandoned by our Heavenly Lord... for Jesus is with us always and forever, even to the end of the age. He has prepared a table before us, in the presence of those that hate and despise us, and He has covered it with all we need and every spiritual blessing - which He purchased for us through His own blood, on Calvary's Cross.
Though we live in the war-zone of this fallen world system, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... and the peace of God which guards our hearts in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.
The anointing oil that is poured over our heads is the soothing ointment of His never-ending love. It is a precious promise to all His children, for we have been made kings and priests of the living God - and have a guarantee that His Word is true and His promises are 'Yes' and 'Amen' in Christ.
Surely with David we can proclaim, "My cup of blessing runneth over," for His grace is limitless, His love is boundless, and His mercy endures from one generation to another.
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