Psalm 23

The Shepherd's Embrace: Finding Peace in His Presence

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Summary: Psalm 23 paints a beautiful picture of God as our shepherd, guiding, providing, and protecting His flock, assuring us of His constant care and presence even in our darkest moments.

Teaching: The teaching focuses on God's character as a loving shepherd who meets our needs and offers comfort in times of trouble, emphasizing the peace that comes from relying on Him.

Big Idea: When we recognize the Lord as our shepherd, we can find peace and assurance in His presence, knowing He leads us through life's valleys to green pastures and still waters.

1. Provision in Pastures

Psalm 23:1-2

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament (מִזְמוֹר)

Psalm: a song, poem; a word only found in the headings of several psalms

LORD is Jehovah or Yahwah

shephard: to tend or pasture a flock

I shall not want: literally not want

He maketh me to lie down is one word in Hebrew

to cause to assume a reclining position for rest

Green pastures, shephards would lead their flocks into the wilderness, green fields were for farmers

He leadeth me’

By the shepherds guidance

beside still waters

So they wouldn’t be scared and would drink

Matthew 11:28–30 NKJV

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

2. Pathways to Righteousness

Psalm 23:3 (NKJV)

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Where verse 2 is physical verse 3 is spiritual

Restoreth

to refresh

soul

living being

he leadeth me

paths (plural) of righteousness

straightness or rightness

for His names sake

3. Peace in Presence

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

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.

walk

no time reference

valley

shadow of death

fear no evil

for you are with me

Your rod and Your staff, the comfort me

Matthew 28:20 NKJV

teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

4. Promise of Prosperity

Psalm 23:5–6 (NKJV)

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

David changes metaphors

Now the Lord is the host at this banquet

The Lord knows what we need and what we like

Nobody eats with their enemies (something must of happened)

My cup runs over

Filled to overflowing

Surely goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life

Ever encompassing

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

How this passage could point to Christ: In Psalm 23, Christ is revealed as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11 ), who lays down His life for the sheep, guiding us to eternal life and providing for our spiritual needs, highlighting God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture.

John 10:11 NKJV

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians to trust in God's provision and guidance amidst their struggles, helping them realize they are never alone and that God is actively leading them to places of rest and restoration.