Summer in the Psalms, Part 10

Psalm 23 offers profound comfort, particularly to those who have a relationship with Jesus, as it speaks to God’s guidance and care during life’s darkest valleys. This Psalm offers assurance, for believers, that God is their Shepherd, providing peace and protection.

High Praise
Maverick City Music

Everlasting God
William Murphy

Good Plans
Red Rocks Worship

Psalm 23
Shane and Shane

Commentary on Psalm 23
…Christians do not change the meaning of the psalm; instead they have a fuller picture of the meaning it has always had.

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Psalm 23:1-6
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.

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2 Samuel 5:1-2
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’”

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Psalm 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

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Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

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Psalm 23:2
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

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Phillip Keller
“When sheep lie down, Keller says, it is because they are safe and satisfied. It is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met. Owing to their timidity they refuse to lie down unless they are free of all fear. Because of their social behavior within a flock, sheep will not lie down unless they are free from friction with others of their kind. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down. Only when free of these pests can they relax. Lastly, sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food. They must be free from hunger. So lying down implies that sheep are free from fear, friction, flies, and hunger. Their shepherd cares for them physically, medically, socially, and emotionally.”

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Psalm 23:3
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

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Psalm 23:4
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.

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Derek Kinder
“Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. Its peace is not escape; its contentment is not complacency: there is readiness to face deep darkness and imminent attack, and the climax reveals a love which homes towards no material goal but to the Lord Himself.”

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Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

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Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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Professor Douglas Green
“The word “soul” in verse 3 could also be translated as “life” or “breath.” Psalm 23, then, declares Jesus’ confidence in the resurrection: “He restores my life.” God did restore Jesus’ life. Christ rose from the dead and was exalted to the right hand of God the Father where he lives “in the house of the LORD forever” (23:6). God spread a banquet table for the Messiah in the presence of his enemies. The Scriptures say, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). Psalm 23 is a summary of the death, resurrection, and exaltation of Christ.”

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