Psalm 23
Psalm 23 is the 23rd psalm of the Book of Psalms, generally known in English by its first verse, in the King James Version, "The Lord is my Shepherd". The Book of Psalms is the third section of the Hebrew Bible, and a book of the Christian Old Testament. In the Greek Septuagint version of the Bible, and in its Latin translation in the Vulgate, this psalm is Psalm 22 in a slightly different numbering syst…
What does the Bible say about Lord is my shepherd?
· So when David says "I shall not want" he is acknowledging how completely reliant he is on one God as his Shepherd. “I shall not want” because God, as a good shepherd, will ensure I have everything I need. “I shall not want,” not because …
What are the words to the Lord is my shepherd?
· What is the meaning of The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want? You could take shepherd as synonymous for “protector.” Be careful with the phrase, “I shall not want.” The speaker’s not saying “The Lord is my shepherd, but I don’t want him.” Instead, he means that with God as his protector, he won’t lack anything he needs.
What does the Bible say about the Lord is my Sheppard?
· As we’ve seen in Psalm 23, the analogy of the Lord as the Good Shepherd was also applied by Jesus in John chapter 10. In declaring that He is the shepherd of the sheep, Jesus …
What is the prayer the Lord is my shepherd?
· “I shall not want” because God, as a good shepherd, will ensure I have everything I need. “I shall not want,” not because of what I've done or can do but because God loves me. “I …
What does it mean to shall not want?
“I shall not want” means I shall have something that eludes most people today. I shall have contentment, security, fellowship with God, and that is enough. When the Lord is my shepherd, I always have enough.
What does it mean for God to be your shepherd?
As our Shepherd, He not only finds us, tie us up, put us on his shoulder and carries us every step of the way—He does so joyfully! He loves you that much! Prayer: Dear Lord, may we know the joy of our being rescued by You! May we take heart in knowing Your graciousness of continuing to rescue us time and time again.
What is the story behind Psalm 23?
David wrote Psalm 23 having a good understanding of the life of a shepherd. However, he wrote this song from a perspective of a sheep. The land of Judea is a great reminder of how desperate any sheep would be for a shepherd.
What is the role of a shepherd in the Bible?
The broader functions of the shepherd were to lead the sheep to pastures and water (Ps 23:1) to protect them from wild animals (1 Sm 17:34-35); and to guard them at night, whether in the open (Lk 2:8) or in sheepfolds (Zph 2:6) where they counted them as they entered the fold (Jr 33:13).
What does it mean that Jesus is the Good Shepherd?
The Good Shepherd (Greek: ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, poimḗn ho kalós) is an image used in the pericope of John 10:1–21, in which Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. Similar imagery is used in Psalm 23 and Ezekiel 34:11–16.
Who is the shepherd in Psalm 23?
In the New Testament, Jesus reveals Himself to be the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23, and at the graveside of his friend Lazarus, this is especially evident.
What are the three main points of Psalm 23?
Interpretation of themes Psalm 23 portrays God as a good shepherd, feeding (verse 1) and leading (verse 3) his flock. The "rod and staff" (verse 4) are also the implements of a shepherd. Some commentators see the shepherd imagery pervading the entire psalm.
Why is Psalm 23 so popular at funerals?
While Christian Evangelist Luis Palau agrees that the text offers personal reassurance, he contends that the psalm is better suited to dealing with present, worldly matters than with death. Palau interprets the phrase “the valley of the shadow of death" as a the gloom of fear and distress cast over life.
Why does it matter that God is our shepherd?
Why it Matters that God Identifies as Our Shepherd. A shepherd represents a more close and intimate relationship. Whereas a king might do what's best for the majority, a shepherd knows each one of his sheep. In the parable of the lost sheep Jesus asks: What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, ...
Why don't we say "I shall not want"?
We don't say "I shall not want" because we have everything we desire we say it because God is fulfilling every void in our life with Himself. We may not have everything that our heart desires, but we have everything that we need in Christ. I pray that we grow more to see the Lord as shepherd and live from the truth "I shall not want.".
What are the spiritual implications of being a sheep?
The Spiritual Implications of Being Sheep. Now if the Lord is our Shepherd, that makes us the sheep. Prone to wander. Entirely and always reliant on our Shepherd, whether we realize it or not. But here's what we need to understand: we can't see God as Shepherd if we don't see ourselves as sheep.
What does Psalm 23 say?
Psalm 23, however, says I shall not want, speaking to our desires. It's saying not only can God take care of my physical needs, but that He can also fulfill me.
What does "want" mean in text?
The word "want" in today's text means to lack, decrease, empty, or run dry.
Where does the phrase "the Lord is my shepherd" come from?
Answer. The clause “the Lord is my shepherd” comes from one of the most beloved of all passages of Scripture, the 23rd Psalm. In this passage and throughout the New Testament we learn that the Lord is our Shepherd in two ways. First, as the Good Shepherd, He laid down His life for His sheep and, second, His sheep know His voice and follow Him ...
How did Jesus demonstrate that he is our Shepherd?
Jesus declared that He is our Shepherd and demonstrated it by giving His life for us. “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” ( Matthew 20:28 ). Through His willing sacrifice, the Lord made salvation possible for all who come to Him in faith ( John 3:16 ).
What does it mean when a sheep wanders off?
In Psalm 23:3, the Hebrew word translated “paths” means “well-worn paths or ruts.”. In other words, when sheep wander onto a new path, they start to explore it, ...
Why do sheep not lie down?
Sheep will not lie down when they are hungry, nor will they drink from fast-flowing streams . Sometimes the shepherd will temporarily dam up a stream so the sheep can quench their thirst. Psalm 23:2 speaks of leading the sheep “beside the quiet [stilled] waters.” The shepherd must lead his sheep because they cannot be driven. Instead, the sheep hear the voice of their shepherd and follow him—just as we listen to our Shepherd, Jesus Christ—in His Word and follow Him ( John 10:3–5, 16, 27 ). And if a sheep does wander off, the shepherd will leave the flock in charge of his helpers and search for the lost animal ( Matthew 9:36; 18:12–14; Luke 15:3–7 ).
What does Psalm 23:1–3 mean?
Psalm 23:1–3 tells us that the shepherd meets the sheep’s every need: food, water, rest, safety, and direction. When we as believers follow our Shepherd, we, too, know that we will have all we need. We will not lack the necessities of life, for He knows exactly what we need ( Luke 12:22–30 ).
Who warns those who don't believe?
Jesus, the Good Shepherd, warns those who do not believe and listen to Him: “I did tell you, but you do not believe . . . you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
Why did Jesus speak of the lost sheep?
He searches for us when we’re lost, to save us and to show us the way to eternal life ( Luke 19:10 ). We tend to be like sheep, consumed with worry and fear, following after one another.
Why is the Lord my shepherd important?
The Importance of “The Lord is My Shepherd”. A shepherd describes a more close and devoted relationship. Whereas a king might do what's best for the majority , a shepherd knows and stewards each one of his sheep. In the parable of the lost sheep Jesus says:
What does Psalm 23:1-6 mean?
Under a metaphor borrowed from scenes of pastoral life, with which David was familiar, he describes God's providential care in providing refreshment, guidance, protection, and abundance, and so affording grounds of confidence in His perpetual favor. 1.
When he saw the crowds, did he have compassion for them?
Matthew 9:36 ESV - When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Can we see God as a shepherd?
Entirely and always reliant on our Shepherd, whether we realize it or not. But here's what we need to understand: we can't see God as Shepherd if we don't see ourselves as sheep. When we open our eyes to how much we really need and rely on God for everything, the more we realize His provision in our lives.
The Lord is my Shepherd
We are humblest in our thinking and proudly declare that we are the weakest and most vulnerable lambs, whose shepherd is The Lord Himself. This doesn’t refer to the past, where we may have gone astray, sinned and lost.
I Shall Not Want
This is the most confusing but also the most reassuring line of the Psalm. “I will not want.” What shall you not want? The Shepherd? The Shepherd? This means that all of our needs and wants will be met without us asking. We will have everything we need, and nothing we don’t want!
He Maketh Me to Lie down in Green Pastures
The word “to lie down” means to rest. He made His lambs lie down in green pastures as a symbol of comfort, freshness and peace. King David compares us to sheep and lambs that have no knowledge of their own wellbeing. The Good Shepherd makes us lay down and gives us the best place to rest, in green, soft, and pleasant pastures.
He Leadeth me Beside the Still Waters
The still waters, which extend from the previous line signify calm and peace. Troubled waters or ripples can signify anxiety, worry, difficulty, complexities, and lack of peace. It is a sign of a calm and peaceful life. Jesus, our shepherd, guides us to these waters so that we are free from any unwanted ripples or waves.
Yea, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear evil: for Thou art with me
Walking through the Valley of the Shadow of Death signifies that, while we follow the path of righteousness, there are always dangers, risks, or threats. It could also signify that, while we know we are in His care and must follow His lead, we tend to wander off on the path of danger, death, and sin.
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me
Jesus was a shepherd, so He had a staff and a rod with him. The same outfit is still used to picture Jesus’ presence. His humble self walks beside us in all things, carrying His rod and staff to help us to navigate, comfort, and protect us. All of us have witnessed how a shepherd leads his cattle. He uses his rod to change their direction.
Thou preparest a table before me in the Presence of Mine Enemies
There will always be good. The world we live in won’t allow us to be surrounded by enemies, but it will inspire us to walk the path of righteousness with others. Even in front of our enemies, the Lord will set us a table so that we can eat in abundance while our enemies are in pain.
Why is God called a shepherd?
God is described by several in the Old Testament as a shepherd, perhaps because so many in the culture knew the responsibility that the work entailed. “...the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day…”. ( Genesis 48:15) As an old man, Israel spoke this as he placed a blessing on Joseph’s sons.
What does "Jehovah is my shepherd" mean?
Using ‘Jehovah,’ which means ‘I Am,’ adds to the verse’s reassurance that God continues to be present and active in our lives every day.
What does the Psalm 1 say?
This Psalm can be an effective tool for prayer, in several possible ways: For instance, verse 1 says, “ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing . ”. That could inspire a prayer like this, “Father God, thank You for watching over me today and providing all that I need.”. Verse 2, for example, reads, “ quiet waters .”.
What does Psalm 23 mean?
The ideas in Psalm 23 about God being our Shepherd are still meant to resonate in our hearts. Each verse contains a promise of blessing that David had experienced and that we can share in, too. Contentment - “I lack nothing.” (v.1) God provides all we need, so we can relax and stop striving.
Why does David compare his people to sheep?
As David presents God as a shepherd, he compares His people to sheep. The intent was to highlight the total devotion Christians are meant to have toward their Lord. Under His care, we’ll find security and safety: Sheep are completely dependent on their shepherd.
Where is Psalm 23?
Psalm 23 is in Book 1 of a larger collection of 150 songs located in the middle of the Old Testament. Written by David and several other authors, the Psalms are poems, most of which were used in temple services. They all express deep emotions, whether in praise, worship, confession, or repentance to God. Though the Psalms weren’t meant ...
What is the 23rd Psalm?
Of all the Psalms in the Bible, the 23rd is probably the most widely known and loved . People of all denominations find comfort and hope in the words that King David wrote ages ago. Most recognize this Psalm as part of the readings used in funeral services. It is meant to reassure family and friends that God is always with His people and that death is not the end for them. But, this song of David can also encourage us right now while we walk through daily life. The images beautifully portray God as our Good Shepherd, and the message of God’s goodness to us is clear and joyful. If we meditate on this Psalm and take it to heart, we’ll find a new way of approaching our present, as well as future, lives.
What does David mean by shepherd?
David portrays God as a loving shepherd, a role the psalmist would have been deeply familiar with, as much of his boyhood was spent caring for his father’s sheep. The imagery of God as a shepherd is common throughout the Old Testament. It emphasizes the Lord’s personal care, guidance, and protection of his people.
What does Psalm 23 mean?
Psalm 23 is one of the most dearly loved, soul-comforting passages of Scripture. The inspiring text is often quoted at funeral services and memorial events. The passage begins with this familiar reassurance: "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.".
How long does the Lord's covenant last?
The Lord’s covenant with us will last for all eternity. His gift to us is eternal life, and we will be with him forever.
What tools do shepherds use?
Shepherds use tools (rod and staff) to lead and guide their sheep. Here these tools represent God’s protection, care, and guidance, and not symbols of discipline as elsewhere in the Bible.
What does David say about darkness?
David acknowledges the reality that life sometimes takes us to dark and desolate places. But the Lord walks with us through seasons of darkness and despair. Even in the bleakest, blackest times of life, we don’t have to fear harm because our God is with us.
What does the Lord promise to lead us in?
The Lord promises to lead us in paths of righteousness, in keeping with everything his name represents: holiness, love, faithfulness, wisdom, and more.
What can we learn from Psalm 23?
Lessons From Psalm 23: The Lord Is My Shepherd. Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Cavalry.". Psalm 23 is one of the most dearly loved, soul-comforting passages of Scripture. The inspiring text is often quoted at funeral services and memorial events.
Why does the Psalmist say God is his Shepherd?
The psalmist is stating that because God is his Shepherd, he will not lack or have want of anything; he will not decrease or become bereaved; God will not fail him as the Good Shepherd; God will uphold the psalmist and keep him from diminishing to a lowly state.
Why do we have Jesus as our Shepherd?
So we only have Jesus as the Good Shepherd because He was first our Saviour and is our coming King. Those three psalms fit so beautifully together. Therefore, we become fulfilled.
What shall I not want?
I shall not want: Thy righteousness My soul shall clothe with glorious dress; My blood-washed robe shall be more fair Than garments kings or angels wear . I shall not want: whate’er is good, Of daily bread or angels’ food, Shall to my Father’s child be sure, So long as earth and Heaven endure.
What does the opening metaphor mean in Psalm 23:1 B-4?
In Psalm 23:1 b-4 the psalmist extends the metaphor and explains exactly how the LORD is like a shepherd to him. At the surface level, the language can be understood in terms of a shepherd’s relationship to his sheep.
What does the Psalmist say about the Lord?
In Psalm 23:1-4 the psalmist pictures the Lord as a shepherd who provides for his needs and protects him from danger. The psalmist declares, “The Lord is my shepherd, ” and then extends and develops that metaphor, speaking as if he were a sheep.
What does "not having" mean?
The state of not having; the condition of being without anything; absence or scarcity of what is needed or desired; deficiency; lack; as, a want of power or knowledge for any purpose; want of food and clothing. [1913 Webster] 1 Psalm 23.
Why does the Psalmist say he has all he could ever want?
In short, the psalmist is proclaiming his faith in God as his Shepherd to provide for all of his needs; he has all he could ever want because he trusts in God, and his God will never fail him. [Note: I realize that in the original language, semicolons were not used.
