Jehovah Rohi: The LORD is my Shepherd

Psalm 23:1-6.

ETS: Jehovah Rohi provides for those who are in His flock.

ESS: We have all we need when the Lord is our Shepherd.

OSS: [Devotional] {I want the hearers to deepen their trust in the Lord as they know Him as Jehovah Rohi.}

PQ: Why is it comforting to know the Lord as Jehovah Rohi, my Shepherd?

UW: Reasons

Intro.: [AGS]: Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah both reference the Lord as a shepherd; Ezekiel (Ezek. 34:11-16) contrasted God with other shepherds who were not faithful in leading their flocks. [Hemphill, 93] [TS]: We are comforted and assured when we study Psalm 23 because we know that Jehovah Rohi provides for those within His flock. [RS]: As we study this specific title of God, we have to examine our lives to determine whether or not we know Him as Shepherd, thus having this comfort.

TS: Let us examine together a few reasons it is comforting to know the Lord as Jehovah Rohi:

NOTE: The declarative statement in verse 1 really stands sufficient for the overarching theme of the Psalm. The Lord, who is the Psalmist’s shepherd, provides for him. Yet, the Psalmist elaborates, and thus, we should benefit from his elaboration.

Jehovah Rohi provides nourishment, guidance, and restoration. [vv. 2-3]

Jehovah Rohi provides protection, discipline, and comfort. [v. 4]

Jehovah Rohi provides victory, rejoicing, and friendship. [v. 5]

Jehovah Rohi provides security. [v. 6]

CONCLUSION:

[1] As we grow in greater intimacy and closeness to God, we begin knowing Him as Jehovah Rohi, our Shepherd. This lends itself to a relationship that deepens into a friendship, providing joy and security.

[2] Is the Lord the shepherd of your life?

Bibliography/consulted reources:

[1] Kevin R. Warstler, “Psalms,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017).

[2] Barnes, Notes on the Old Testament: Psalms, vol. 1 (London: Blackie & Son, 1870–1872).

[3]Derek Kidner, Psalms 1–72: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 15, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973).

[4] J. Josh Smith and Daniel L. Akin, Exalting Jesus in Psalms 1–50, ed. David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2022).

[5] Ken Hemphill, The Names of God (Tigerville, SC: Auxano Press, 2014).