Psalms 23

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 23

The most beloved psalm in the Bible. David uses the image of a shepherd caring for his sheep to describe God's tender care, guidance, protection, and provision through all of life.

Scripture

The Lord Is My Shepherd

Study note

David compares God to a good shepherd who provides everything his sheep need: green pastures, still waters, restored strength, and right paths. Even in the deepest shadows, there is no reason to fear because God is there.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 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. 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.

A Table and an Overflowing Cup

Study note

The image shifts from shepherd to host. God prepares a feast even in the presence of enemies. He anoints David's head with oil, a sign of honor and joy. David is confident that God's goodness and love will follow him every day, and he will live in God's house forever.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. 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 forever. 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.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 23

God as the good ShepherdProvision, rest, and restorationCourage in the valley of death's shadowDwelling in God's house forever

Prophetic Connections

How this chapter points to Christ

Psalms Psalm 23:1 John 10:11,14

Jesus declared himself the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep, fulfilling the shepherd imagery of this beloved psalm.

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 23

This is the psalm for every season. When life is green pastures, God is your Shepherd. When life is the deepest shadows, God is still your Shepherd. His rod and staff comfort you not by removing danger but by assuring you he is right beside you. You are never walking alone.

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