Always a Shepherd

He is appropriating language for himself that applied to the nation as a whole (see Pss. 79:13; 95:7; 100:3; Isa. 40:11; Ezek. 34). In the same way Christian believers can speak in personal terms of Christ’s work (cf. Gal. 2:20b: he ‘loved me and gave himself for me’). Just as God saw to it that the children of Israel lacked no good thing after the Exodus, so also the individual believer will lack nothing (cf. Deut. 2:7). ~ A. Harman

Isa. 40:11

Eze. 34

c. What is his activity?

* "makes me lie down"

* "leads me beside still waters"

* "restores my soul"

* "leads me in paths of righteousness."

B. Gracious Provision

* scene change from food and water for sheep to banquet for humans.

The shepherd lavishes his care on his children. He anoints the head, and gives so liberally that it is like an overflowing cup. Oil was used on festive occasions and, along with perfumes, symbolised joy (cf. Ps. 133:2). All this is because of the covenantal relationship. ~ A. Harman

* 2 Hebrew words -- "tov" and "chesed" -- strong covenantal connotations...indicating the "surety" of the psalmist of the blessings of the covenant and God's steadfast love will pursue him to the end of his life.

Response to this -- the psalmist commits himself to come back constantly to God's house -- to worship!

A lifelong experience of God’s tender care brings a commitment to be always found in the Lord’s house. ~ A. Harman

Jesus is the good shepherd...he is the very means by which God is a shepherd to His people...we would NOT know love, care, protection, etc. if it were not for the shepherd of God's own choosing.