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| introduction |
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Psalm 23 is the best known and most popular of all the psalms. It is attributed to King David (as many of the psalms are) and is thought to be written towards the end of his life. The psalm is loved by Jews and Christians alike, speaking as it does of God's protection and care. Both traditions use the psalm as a hymn. For the Jews, psalm 23 is used as a focus for the third meal in the Shabbat, (the Sabbath rest) and on other religious occassions such as in the Yizkor (prayers of rememberance). The Christian church has two or three popular melodies that set the psalm to music. The most popular is set to the "Crimond" tune, another being the melody also used in John Newton's "Amazing Grace". The psalm is often used at funerals, speaking as it does of God's protection in the face of death (verse 4).
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| summary |
Psalm 23 may be divided into two sections. The first explores the image of God as Shepherd, guiding and caring for his sheep. This theme is reflected in the New Testament, where Jesus is seen to be the Good Shepherd of the flock (John 10:1-21). In the second section David is invited to partake in a meal - and the Lord God is the host of this extravagant banquet. |
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| Psalm 23 Commentary |
The majority of this site is devoted to exploring the meaning of psalm 23. Here you'll find a short study on the psalm by John Calvin, exploring the thanksgiving nature of David's writing. Matthew Henry looks at the meaning of psalm 23 through the imagery that is used - the Lord as shepherd of his flock, and abiding in His green pastures. Alexander MacClaren's exposition of psalm 23 considers that the first section of the scripture may be divided into three parts - rest, work and sorrow, and the section (about the meal) also covers similiar themes, but in a more intensified and heavenly way. The site also features an extensive exposition of the psalm by Charles Spurgeon, divided into six sections (one of each verse) for ease of reference.
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| Psalm 23 |
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 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.
5 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 for ever.
(King James Version of the Holy Bible)
portrait paintings - pictures of German Shepherd dogs
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