Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:1-3 (NKJV)

As perhaps the best-known psalm in the world (definitely one of the most familiar passages in the Bible for believers and non-believers alike), Psalm 23 covers both fear of the present and hope for the future in their greatest extremes. So, how do we unpack the gravity of this passage in a few short paragraphs? Frankly, it cannot be done, but let’s try to anyway!  

Everyone, everywhere, regardless of their station of life or ethnicity, resonates with the idea that they are sheep in need of a shepherd. After all, “We all, like sheep, have gone astray.” (Isaiah 53:6). Sadly, most of the people who apply for the job of shepherd (religious and political leaders) fall short of God’s standard. At best, they are flawed shepherds. We can all agree the world is weary of self-serving “bad shepherds”; those whose care for the flock only extends to their provision of mutton and wool! That is why Jesus introduced Himself as the Good Shepherd, the long-awaited Messiah. (John 10:11-18). His feeding of the 5000 (Mark 6:30-44) is a direct parallel with Psalm 23, right down to making His followers lie down in the green grass. It is easy to accept a shepherd who feeds, cares for, and guides us, but where is a good shepherd during hard times? Does He abandon his flock? Absolutely not! Even in the midst of life’s greatest hardships, His is right here with us.

“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.” Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

Where else do we find this “shadow of death” concept in the Bible?

“Give glory to the Lord your God before He causes darkness, and before your feet stumble on the dark mountains, and while you are looking for light, He turns it into the shadow of death and makes it dense darkness. But if you will not hear it, my soul will weep in secret for your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock has been taken captive.” Jeremiah 13:16-17 (NKJV)

The “shadow of death” is a condition we bring about ourselves. It does not refer to a sickness or disease, per se. The “shadow of death” is the result of our idolatry. The fact that Psalm 23 informs us that the Good Shepherd is with us in the “valley of the shadow” is a sign of His mercy and willingness to forgive us from our lowest places. Lastly, once we are restored, we dwell in His presence by His grace!

“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.”  Psalm 23:5-6 (see also: Jeremiah 52:31-34; Revelation 21:3-4; John 14:2-3) (NKJV)