The LORD is my Shepherd is the 23rd of the 150 Psalms that make up the Old Testament Book of Psalms in the Bible. Written by King David, the 23rd Psalm is the most well-known, beloved, Psalm recited by Christians and non-christians.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Even 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
There are only six short verses to this short Psalm that can be read in about 40 seconds. And yet, it tells us so much about the Lord as the Christian’s divine Shepherd who tenderly cares for His sheep. Note: The Lord is my Shepherd is a “He and me” Psalm.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. Obviously David is expressing his trust and confidence in the Lord to supply all his needs. The apostle Paul says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Because of the Shepherd’s love, compassion, understanding, and faithfulness the sheep will not lack anything. What a perfect assurance this is.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. Here we find rest, peace, and contentment under the Shepherd’s leadership, and guidance. Green pastures and still waters are places of refreshment, peace and tranquility; and also without disturbance. In this environment we enjoy the Lord’s divine presence continuously.
He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his names sake. There are times in the Christian life when we become distracted because of omission, failures and shortcomings. In such situations restoration is needed. This comes about through the guidance and provision of the Lord to get us back on track.
We cannot restore ourselves. Therefore, the Shepherd restores my soul, enabling me to continue to walk in paths of righteousness as I once did.
David knew full well about restoration. After he was confronted about his sin, he prayed to God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit” (Psalm 51:10-12). David also wrote this Psalm.
Even 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. The valley of the shadow of death could be a solitary, lifeless, and heavy dark area with gloomy conditions. There have been different interpretations and applications of this valley.
A valley is a low-lying land area situated between mountains or hills. There may be times when we find ourselves in the valley of the shadow of death. Even so we have nothing to fear because the Lord is present, and His rod and staff comfort me.
The rod of the Lord is a symbol of His authority and His defense of me. His staff provides the guidance I can’t live without. I have this wonderful assurance that although everything seems gloomy, and uncertain—even to the point of facing death—yet, I will not be afraid or terrified because my Shepherd says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
As you keep leading the way.
I have this blessed assurance—
My Shepherd knows the way.
—Geoff Daniels 07/2022
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. David sees his Shepherd as the Host who invites him to a banquet as His honored guest. The enemies are all around as uninvited guests. The Lord will not only protect me from my enemies, but He will also honor and generously provide for me no matter what the circumstances are.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Anoint with oil is symbolic of consecration to God. David knew that by God anointing his head with oil, his life would be dedicated to ceaseless worship and service to God. Moses was told by God “You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests” (Ex. 30:30).
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. What great confidence David displays here. Surely emphasizes David’s unwavering belief that what he is saying is undeniably true. God’s goodness and mercy was not for a short time, but life-long. And, at the end of it, he will spend eternity with God in heaven.
This is a wonderful way to conclude the 23rd Psalm, which highlights God as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep. And David’s resolute faith in God.