23rd Psalm

Psalm 23:1–6 (KJV 1900)

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.

Initial Impressions

Memorized as a child

Used in connection with funerals

Any worth today?

Apostle’s view

Connection to the feeding of the 5,000

connected to the sacraments of the church

sheep language

Break it Down

Verse 1

Psalm 23:1–6 (NIV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Difficult concept in our world. Most of us lack for nothing or it is easily obtained.

What are the things that the Shepherd desires for us?

Verse 2

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,

to recline, rest, stretch out

safe, protected abode

a picture of nourishment,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

He leads, guides, brings

book a cabin or hotel we typically want view of water, or along the water.

Quiet, still, calmness without winds or waves

Verse 3

3 he refreshes my soul.

He guides me along the right paths

for his name’s sake.

Restores: to bring back to original existence

Paths of righteousness: (ESV) a firm path that adheres to what is required according to a standard.

Namesake: reputation

Verse 4

4 Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

Rod: javelin, club

Staff: walking stick

Verse 5

5 You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Prepare: set in order

presence: conspicuous

anoint: blessing, dedication or consecration

Verse 6

6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

hesed, mercy in lieu of love.

follow: pursue, chase, driven, be hounded

house: temple, palace