Psalm 23

Psalm 23 Study Notes:Psalm 23 portrays God in two ways: a Shepherd and a Host·       Sheep are social animals and rely on their flock for protection and guidance. Without a shepherd or human caretaker, they canbecome stressed and disoriented. They are also vulnerable to predators and disease without the leading of shepherd. ·       “The LORD is my shepherd” – In this culture, kings were commonly seen as the shepherd (leader) of their people. Since the Lord is the true King, the title shepherd is appropriate. ·       The Lord is the Shepherd of His people as a whole, as well as to each individual. ·       “I shall not want” – Want means to lack. Verse 23:2 “Green pastures… still waters” – These arepeaceful places for feeding and rest. o  Following the Lord leads to these places. Notfollowing the Lord leads to peril.Verse 23:3 “He restores my soul” – At the start of thepsalm, David paints a picture of sheep receiving food and water. Like with physical needs, the Lord provides for our spiritual and emotional needs. He restores (strengthens) our souls. Soulhere means life. ·       “Paths of righteousness” – Keeping with the shepherd/sheep theme, this can refer to safe paths that are free from danger. ·       “For His name’s sake” – God is glorified in being true to His revealed character. *Our lives ultimately not about us, butto glorify God! Verse 23:4 “The valley of the shadow of death” – Impliesintense darkness and extreme danger. In the darkness, one cannot see who (bandits) or what (animals, flash floods) might be lurking. But even in the danger, God is with His people and they can be comforted. ·       “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” – A shepherd’s rod was used to protect the sheep against predators. The staff was used to guide the sheep into safe places. The sheep can be comforted by the shepherd’s protection and guidance!Verse 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presenceof my enemies” – Two possible ideas: 1) God’s protection and power kept David safe while he ate, though he was surrounded by his enemies; 2) a celebration feast in which David celebrated his victory while his enemies were prisoners without weapons and were no longer a threat.·       “You anoint my head with oil” – In the Jewish culture, oil was a symbol of rejoicing and was also used in the welcoming ofguests. Verse 23:6 “Goodness and mercy” – Can also be read as steadfast love. Steadfast = firm determination; not shakable. ·       “Dwell in the house of the LORD” – Dwell here is similar to the word return. The idea could be to return to the sanctuary of the Lord throughout one’s life. John 10:11: (Jesus speaking) “I am the good shepherd. Thegood shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”·       Seeing Christians not as frightened, passive animals, but as obedient followers following the One who will lead us the rightway and to the right places.  The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:1-7)In these parables, Jesus is teaching about the “lost and found” – sinners coming back to God. In this parable, a shepherd leaves his flock of 99 sheep to find the one that is lost.·       Verse 15:4 “Leave the ninety-nine”o  The 99 were in a safe place, but the lost sheep was in danger.·       Verse 15:5 “He joyfully puts it on his shoulders”o  The sheep is too weak to return on its own.·       Verse 15:6 “Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep”o  There is great rejoicing in heaven when someone comes back to God!