Psalm 23
Introduction:
1. It is no mystery we all will eventually stare down danger and death.
2. How are we to cope with this harsh reality in a fallen world?
3. This Psalm speaks to the distressed heart in profound ways intended to draw us nearer to the Shepherd who tends to our souls.
Discussion:
I. The Shepherd Motif in Scripture
A. The Hebrew term for shepherd occurs 172 times in the OT.
B. It often refers to God shepherding His people directly or indirectly (Psalms 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 23:3-4; 2 Samuel 7:7; Ezekiel 34:23; John 10:14).
C. David stressed closeness Yahweh calling Him “my Shepherd.”
II. The Shepherd Provides, Protects, and Comforts (vv. 1-4)
A. His sheep shall not want: to lack, fail, lessen, decrease
B. He leads His sheep to nourishment and refreshment (vs. 2; Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:19; Acts 3:19-20; John 4:10-14; Revelation 7:16-17).
C. He restores their soul; lit. returns lost vitality, leading them in paths of righteousness (vs. 3; Psalms 19:7; 51:10; Micah 7:18-19; Luke 15:32).
D. He guards them and dispels their fears (vs. 4; Romans 8:31; 1 Peter 3:13).
III. The Gracious Host (vv. 5-6)
A. The metaphor shifts from shepherd to host, but the theme remains.
B. Table fellowship was a token of mutual loyalty.
C. Not only did He welcome them to His table, He did so in the presence of their enemies, holding them in derision (Psalms 2:4; 59:8).
D. Anointing with oil indicated chosen status (Exodus 28:41; 1 Samuel 16:12).
E. My cup runs over indicates the superabundance of God’s gifts to those who are His (cf. 36:8-9; 1 Kings 3:13; Isaiah 55:7; Ephesians 3:18-20).
Conclusion:
1. The aim of this Psalm is not to promise a life of ease and comfort.
2. The aim of this Psalm is to promise strength to endure and to live the abundant life despite unease and discomfort (cf. John 10:10).
3. The Good Shepherd gave His life that we may be in His fold (John 10:11, 16).
4. First, we must cease straying and return to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:21-25).