The LORD is my shepherd; I will not be in want.Psalms 23:1
Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:1 – Here the LORD (Jehovah) is said to be the Shepherd of His people. In John 10:11 the Lord Jesus is the good Shepherd. This is evidence that Jesus is the incarnation of Jehovah. Read also Psalms 24:7, 10; 96:10-13; Isaiah 6:1; Zechariah 12:10; Genesis 16:7; Exodus 3:14. And see references on Luke 2:11. David views himself as a sheep. All of Christ’s believers are His sheep, His purchased and personal possession. They are sheep, not by nature, but because of the marvelous works of God in their hearts (read Ephesians 2:3-10). They hear Christ’s voice, trust in Him, and follow Him (Read John 10:25-27).
His people should not doubt that the good Shepherd will provide. If we follow Him and trust Him with all our heart, He will give us all what we need (Read Psalms 37:25; Matthew 6:25-33 and Philippines 4:19). This means all we need for both physical and spiritual life. David here is expressing his confidence in his Shepherd and his contentment in what the Shepherd gives, both qualities we should all try to maintain in our hearts, read Hebrews 13:5-6. If we really know Him can we doubt that He will take care of us, or that what He gives or withholds is given or withheld in perfect wisdom and love?
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. Psalms 23:2
Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:2 – Compare Matthew 11:28-30; and John 10:4. Wherever He brings His sheep there will be the green pastures of His marvelous righteous Word and fellowship, and the calm deep waters of the Holy Spirit. This knowledge too brings contentment, rest and freedom from all that can frighten and frustrate, trouble and harass us…
He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalms 23:3
Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:3 – As long as believers are in this world they will have times of weariness and trial. They will be sometimes cast down and tempted to faint. At such times the Shepherd draws near and restores and refreshes the soul. He leads only in the paths of righteousness, never in crooked ways, never in the broad way of deception, ungodliness, and sin. If you have gone in a bad way, a way that involved you in lies, or breaking the law, or in unjust behavior, do not boast that the good Shepherd has led you there. This He will never do. His name and the glory of His Father are bound up with His sheep. He will always lead them in ways of truth and justice and honesty.
Yes, 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.
Psalms 23:4
Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:4 – Times of darkness, gloomy trials, and finally death will come to Christ’s sheep. Evil will sometimes surround them. But their Shepherd is the all powerful Creator. He is by their side. Why should they fear? (Read Luke 12:4-7; John 14:1; Romans 8:15; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 2:14-15; 13:6; 1 John 4:18 and Revelation 2:10). Fear not, little flock! The comfort of Christ’s sheep is His authority over them, His sovereign care signified by His rod and staff. The staff was a long stick or pole bent and curved at the end. The shepherd used it both to draw sheep near and to guide them. The staff could be placed along the side of the sheep and pressure exerted to indicate the direction they should go.
The rod was a shorter stick often with a carved knob at the end. It could be used for three different purposes. It was a defensive weapon which could be used against animals dangerous to the sheep. It was a tool to discipline the sheep. And it was used to examine the condition of the sheep by lifting up the wool that covered them, so that which was underneath could be inspected. All of these things Christ the good Shepherd does for believers. With His rod and staff (the Word of God and His Spirit and any other means He uses in our lives) He exercises authority over us ( Matthew 28:18), draws us near to Himself in fellowship ( 1 John 1:3), guides us (John 10:4), defends us against all enemies (Psalms 5:12; 32:7 and John 10:28), examines us to see if we are in a healthy spiritual condition ( Psalms 7:9; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Jeremiah 20:12 Revelation 2:23), and disciplines us that we might enter this condition (Read Hebrews 12:5-11). Their is no greater comfort than our almighty dear caring Lord and Shepherd Jesus Christ, who desires to takes care of His children…
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.
Psalms 23:5
Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:5 – Sheep have many enemies – wild beasts that prey on anything as helpless as they are. The case of believers is no different. If no one opposes us, if we have no enemies, we may well wonder if we are following the Shepherd and standing up for justice and integrity. The world that hated Jezus Christ will not love His sheep (Read John 15:18-19). And satan and his hordes will hate them with a fierce hatred. But even while satan rages and our enemies surround us our almighty dear caring, wonderful Shepherd prepares a feast of good things for us. Like the humble, serving shepherd He is ( Read John 13:3-5 and Luke 12:37) He prepares table for us and anoints our heads with His precious oil of His Holy Spirit (Read 1 John 2:20). Thus we will have enough, and more than enough, of everything. Table here also suggests the Lord’s Table where we meet with Him and with each other to remember the love He showed in giving Himself for us that we might feast on Him and live forever (Read John 6:35 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalms 23:6
Note and Biblical Scripture References on Psalms 23:6 – With such a great wonderful dear caring Shepherd, believers now, like David, can enjoy full assurance of faith (Read Romans 5:9-10; 8:37-39; Philippines 1:6; 2 Timothy 4:18 and 1 Peter 1:5). Our almighty, wonderful dear caring Shepherd goes before us, goodness and mercy follow us. What companions we have for life’s pilgrimage! If we belong to His flock we will be safe in His keeping forever (Read John 10:28).
Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings through Jesus Christ our almighty dear caring Lord, Saviour and Redeemer, in who we faithfully abide, trust, believe and abundantly do receive throughout His marvelous righteous Word, and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit ✝️🔥👑🙏🕊️
💫 Emmanuel 💫
