Psalm 23 Excerpt From Heart of a Psalmist

PSALM 23: THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD The Shepherd Psalm

This is the greatest of the psalms and is the best-known passage of the Bible along with the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew. Spurgeon calls it “a surpassing ode, which none of the daughters of music can excel.” It is a masterpiece of literature; so short yet every line a gem of thought and poetry. The 10th chapter of John’s gospel is a close parallel to this song where Jesus declares: ‘ I am the good shepherd.’ (Jn. 10:11) It begins with the sheep in the meadows, the streams and a dark valley and then ends with the sheep at the table in their master’s house. The psalm is reflective of God’s faithfulness to David over his entire lifetime, yet it draws upon his early experiences as a shepherd. When Samuel asked David’s father if he had any more sons he answered: “’ There is still the youngest,’ Jesse replied. ‘But he’s out in the fields watching the sheep.’” (1 Sam. 16:11) David helped his father shepherd the flock as preparation for shepherding the nation of Israel: “ But David went back and forth between working for Saul and helping his father with the sheep in Bethlehem.” (1 Sam. 17:15) David’s courage and confidence was developed as he gave his life for his sheep: “’ I have been taking care of my father’s sheep,’ he said. ‘When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and take the lamb from its mouth…”(1 Sam. 17:34,35) The bravery gained in shepherding the sheep was used by David to slay Goliath, the Philistine giant.