ETB Psalm 23:1-6

Session 11: God’s Care - p.96

For too many people, God comes in handy only on special occasions. They keep their distance from Him until they need Him to solve a problem, heal an illness, or act when they’ve run out of options. This misguided perspective keeps them from wanting to know Him for who He really is. [LifeWay Adults (2025). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide, Summer 2025]

Such people do have a correct concept of God always being “available”, but it often leads to a vending machine mentality. That constant presence is so familiar that it becomes an unrealistic expectation.

Ask: Can you give an example from your life that illustrates the saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt”?

Understand the Context

King David wrote Psalm 23, but the exact setting in which he penned it cannot been determined. He could have written it after the Lord led him through a particularly difficult ordeal victoriously. His reflection on what he experienced along the way produced gratitude in his heart. In turn, he wrote a simple, but profound, tribute to the Lord who cared for him. [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

I personally believe that he wrote this late in life. Such brevity and profoundness does not come in youth. The Lord used all of his life experiences to show him what to write and gave the psalmist the insight needed for a masterpiece of poetry and theology. As I read this week, J. Vernon McGee had the best description of context for this Psalm.

Psalm 23, which is so popular, would be meaningless without Psalm 22, which leads me to say that we have a trilogy or triptych of psalms that belong together. They are Psalms 22, 23, and 24, and they are called the shepherd psalms.

These three psalms present the following picture of our Lord: In Psalm 22 He is the Good Shepherd. (John 10:11). Now here in Psalm 23 He is the Great Shepherd. (Heb. 13:20–21). Next, we see Him in Psalm 24 as the Chief Shepherd. (1 Pet. 5:4).

To put it succinctly, in Psalm 22 we see the cross, in Psalm 23 the crook (the Shepherd’s crook), and in Psalm 24 the crown (the King’s crown). In Psalm 22 Christ is the Savior, in Psalm 23 He is the Satisfier; in Psalm 24 He is the Sovereign. In Psalm 22 He is the foundation; in Psalm 23 He is the manifestation; in Psalm 24 He is the expectation. In Psalm 22 He dies; in Psalm 23 He is living; in Psalm 24 He is coming. Psalm 22 speaks of the past; Psalm 23 speaks of the present; and Psalm 24 speaks of the future. In Psalm 22 He gives His life for the sheep; in Psalm 23 He gives His love to the sheep; in Psalm 24 He gives us light when He shall appear. What a wonderful picture we have of Christ in these three psalms! (Thru the Bible Commentary, Volumes 1-5: Genesis through Revelation: Genesis through Revelation)

I encourage you to read through all three of the Psalms together sometime this week and delve into this imagery that connects them together.

Explore the Text

Psalm 23:1–3 ESV

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes [lets] me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores [renews] my soul [life]. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

One of the ways that I like to study a passage that is so familiar is to read it in a different translation. Here are those same verses again from “The Passion” text.

Psalm 23:1–3 TPT

1 The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. 2 He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace, the quiet brook of bliss. 3 That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me pathways to God’s pleasure and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name.

I like that last phrase “so I can bring honor to His name.” That is the reason for the blessing of green pastures and still waters, to bring Him honor. We must be willing to do our part so that as our Shepherd, He can lead us to the next new place. If we are always wandering off, we may miss out on some extra time in His presence.

my shepherd

If God is the Shepherd, what does that make me?

Psalm 100:3 “3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 23

This psalm does not focus on the animal-like qualities of sheep but on the discipleship qualities of those who follow. When you recognize the good shepherd, follow him!

David writes this acknowledging that he too is not the leader but the follower. God will one day make him an eternal prince.

Ezekiel 37:24–25 “24 “My servant David shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd. They shall walk in my rules and be careful to obey my statutes. 25 They shall dwell in the land that I gave to my servant Jacob, where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children’s children shall dwell there forever, and David my servant shall be their prince forever.”

When I read that in the quarterly it made me wonder. God is the one that created genetics and hereditary traits. We have all seen pictures of people that look like their ancestors from several generations back. This made me wonder if the David’s appearance will be similar enough to Jesus’ that none would doubt, they are related. The King and His prince, internal beauty and external similarities for all to see through eternity.

I shall not want.

There was a time in David’s life that this was not in his heart, and it led him to his worst documented sin. But now, he sees his needs through the lens of time and Scripture. This statement of contentment in God is stated another way by Jesus in Matthew

Matthew 6:33 “33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

A good shepherd provides for every need of his flock. We have a Perfect Shepherd. What we need will come by His providing hands, what we do not need will not get past His sovereign will. Being able to dwell on this and trust in it for all our needs - physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual - is a constant battle against the flesh, but the strength for that too comes from Him.

makes me lie down

Half of the English translations I read said “makes me” the other half like the quarterly said, “lets me.” There are times that I need the nurturing hand to “let me” lie down and rest, other times I need the choice taken away. If He “makes me” lie down, He is not asking or suggesting. This alludes to the fact that there are times when I will not want to rest but His will overcomes us and we must.

beside still waters

The preposition used for “beside” could also be translated “through” or “over” but the markings and sense in the Hebrew apparently are specific enough to mean next to but not within and is translated this way nearly 50 other times in Scripture.

One of my references said the most literal translation would be “beside waters of rest”

In last week’s Psalm we had the opposite when it said He protected us from the “great waters.” This week we get to enjoy the placid stream trickling along next to His path to righteousness.

I like to be next to lakes, mountain lakes are even better, and that would be “water of rest” for me, but real sheep are too skittish to be restful next to deep waters.

What or where would be your “waters of rest?”

He restores

This is David’s acknowledgement he was not always following God and that the request he made in those penitent psalms was granted.

Psalm 51:12 “12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

The Hebrew word for restores (shub) suggests turning back or being returned. It paints a picture of a sheep wandering from the flock. A caring shepherd would notice that it had strayed and would search for it. Once he found the sheep, he would lead it back to the flock. Isaiah said that the Lord would bring His people back to Him after they had wandered (Isa. 49:5). [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

How has God “restored” you recently? Either in spirit or life in general.

Part of the way that God restore us is to show us where we have gone “off the path.” David call this:

Paths of righteousness

The shepherd’s care involved guidance as well as restoration. The flock couldn’t see where a path would take them, but the shepherd knew exactly which paths to take. God’s people affirm His wisdom when they follow His leadership (Prov. 4:11). By following His guidance, they become people of integrity (14:2). In contrast, turning from the Lord puts a person on the path of “desolation and destruction” (Isa. 59:7). [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

What does it mean to you, or what does it look like for you to walk in “right paths?”

There are a lot of dos and don’ts in Scripture. It is impossible for us to follow them all without the Lord’s help. But there are some that He reminds us of regularly. These change throughout our life. Patience learned shifts to contentment. Boldness may shift to discernment. This is why is crucial to stay in God’s Word regularly so that He can show you today, which “path” He needs you to walk at this time.

Not only do these “right paths” help us, but they honor God too.

for his name’s sake

God cannot do anything that is against His character or contrary to His name. Everything God does for us is a reflection of who He is and gives us reason to magnify His name.

Psalm 9:10 “10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”

Ask: How can you best position yourself to receive God’s provision? (p. 91)

Recap: Lead a discussion on what it means to walk in “right paths.”

Part of the mastery of this Psalm is that it does not only speak of the good green pastures and blessings but the troubling times too.

Psalm 23:4 ESV

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil [danger], for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Here is that verse again in another English translation

Psalm 23:4 TPT

4 Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near.

valley of the shadow of death

This phrase is only two words in the Hebrew and more literally translated to “deep shadow, valley.”

Whether it is the deep shadow of impending death, or the low shaded valley between high cliff walls, the imagery of deeply troubling and dark time is clear. David’s point though is not about the valley, but how he is able to “walk through” those times because of the Lord’s gracious care.

What are some circumstances of life that are like walking through “the darkest valley.”

How might we get to know God better through those events?

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 23

We can struggle with other enemies—pain, suffering, disease, injury—but strength and courage cannot overcome death. It has the final word. Only one person can walk with us through death’s dark valley and bring us safely to the other side—the God of life, our shepherd.

The ESV Study Bible Chapter 9

Deliverance from death anticipates the resurrection of Christ, and through him the resurrection of his people (

Your rod and your staff

This whole Psalm is about God’s guidance and support. That is the symbology of these two items as well. One is used to guide or defend the sheep. The other is used like a cane and is a means of support to create a sturdier stance. We can take great comfort in knowing that God will use either at the perfect time to make sure His name can be magnified in our lives.

When have you needed God’s protection or guidance? How or in what way did He provide for you?

This time I’m going to read the paraphrased version of the verses first, then the ESV which is closer to the one in the book.

Psalm 23:5–6 TPT

5 You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit; you give me all I can drink of you until my heart overflows. 6 So why would I fear the future? For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!

Psalm 23:5–6 ESV

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy [faithful love] shall follow [pursue] me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever [long as I live].

You prepare a table before me

God is still the shepherd in the verse, but He is also the host of the evening meal. If we are now the guests, where is the sheep or goat? It is on the table, sacrificed for our benefit and restoration.

You anoint

In another act of hospitality, hosts would anoint the heads of banquet guests. The olive oil poured onto the scalp provided refreshing relief to guests who traveled long distances in the hot, dry climate. The Lord as banquet host demonstrates His care for His people by giving them a refreshing sense of His presence. [ETB:ALG Sum'25]

David may have been recalling long ago when Samuel first anointed him as the next king (1 Sam. 16:10-13).

This anointing was the first of many recorded blessings upon David’s life. There were most likely many more that we do not know about which prompted him to praise God with:

my cup overflows

The word translated overflow is only used twice in Scripture and both passages infer an overabundance.

The structure in this verse tells us that the prepared table, the anointed head, and the overflowing cup are all synonymous.

What do these three things symbolize?

God’s provision in not only adequate but more than we would imagine. He is not only gracious but also generous. Everything is His so He can give as much as He desires and never run out, and so He does. Endlessly for the rest of eternity He will provide more than enough and more than expected. Which is pretty amazing considering that we typically “expect” more than the last time, and yet He still will never stop giving.

This phrase ties over to the final verse and alludes to this eternal charity.

shall follow me

God’s mercy and grace to not just trail along behind us like a shadow the word is more active than that. Follow, pursue, chase, it could even be translated as hunt. Although not in a hostile or malignant way, the tenacity of the pursuit is still there. God’s gracious works come after us to intersect in our lives at the perfect time so that His name can be magnified because His work is so obvious when it “overtakes us.” This pursuit is not a single action but one of consistency and permanence and alludes to the final phrase of eternity to come.

I shall dwell

Shall is a statement of assured fact. David sees all that God had already done in His life and trust Him as his eternal Redeemer and “knows” that he will be with God for eternity.

For those that read this Psalm and are not believers, this is the evangelistic opportunity to speak the truth of Christ into their lives. How do they “know” they will be with God? Can they state that as emphatically as David did? Would they like to be able too?

John 14:2–3 “2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

forever

Literally translated as “length of days” which is synonymous with “days of life” in the first half of the verse. The discrepancy only appears in English translations. In the Hebrew mind they are the same.

As eternal beings, “life” technically does not end for “us” only our corporal body. Who we are will continue, and the ancients understood this too and it is implied with these phrases. My blessing in this life will not end in the next but will continue as God’s mercy and goodness will still chase me down as I dwell continually in His presence for the rest of eternity.

What David wrote in a single poetic verse, Paul expanded when he wrote to the Romans.

Romans 8:35–39 “35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I am eternally grateful that God’s pursuit of me did not stop and that I now attempt to stay in His presence while on earth and will one day move in next door to Him in eternity.

Apply the Text

NIV Bible Speaks Today: Notes Chapter 23

Another kind of background to this psalm is provided by the events of the exodus. Jacob spoke of ‘the God who has been my shepherd all my life’ (

And we can too.

Another way to dispel apathetic familiarity with a passage is to read it back to God as a prayer. As we are different each day, God’s Word will prompt our prayers differently each time we read them. This week try praying Psalm 23 back to God. It may enhance your understanding of this beautiful text in a new way.

Pray: Heaven Father, You provide so much for us - physically, emotionally, relationally, and spiritually. Help us to rest and be content with that provision. Holy Spirit, guide us through those dark times and show us where we can choose to live out our faith over succumbing to our fears. God, You care for all people and those that believe in Your Son Jesus as Savior are special to You. We can rely on Your goodness and love to be apparent and on display in our lives that we may honor and magnify Your name. Give us boldness to speak of Your goodness to those who have yet to come into Your eternal family.