Studying Psalm 23

Read

Study objective: Explore what it means to call God a shepherd who provides, leads and restores.

Reading: Psalm 23:1–3

Background and context

Shepherds led their flocks to pasture and water, protected them, and knew them individually. David knew the work (1 Samuel 17:34-35). Kings in the ancient world were also called shepherds of their people.

Observe

• The psalm begins with a relationship: “The LORD is my shepherd.”
• The result is stated: “I shall lack nothing.”
• The shepherd makes, leads and restores; the sheep rests.
• He leads in paths of righteousness “for his name’s sake”.

Words, people and events to notice

Shepherd

One who feeds, leads and protects a flock. Scripture uses it for God and for leaders of his people. Ezekiel 34:11–16

Understand

1. What does the shepherd do in verses 1-3?
2. What might “restores my soul” mean?
3. Why “for his name’s sake”?

Connect

• Ezekiel 34:11–16

  God promises to seek, gather and care for his scattered sheep.

• 1 Samuel 17:34–35

  David’s experience as a shepherd.

Reflect

1. Where do you need rest or restoring?
2. What would it mean today to be led rather than to lead?

Key takeaways

Editorial summary, not Scripture.

• God cares for his people as a shepherd cares for sheep.
• Rest and restoration are his gifts.

Read

Study objective: Reflect on God’s presence in danger and darkness.

Reading: Psalm 23:4

Background and context

Verse 4 turns from talking about God to talking to him: “you are with me.” The rod and staff were a shepherd’s tools for protection and guidance. The psalm does not promise there will be no dark valley; it promises presence in it.

Observe

• The psalmist walks through the valley; he is not kept out of it.
• Fear is answered by presence: “for you are with me.”
• The address changes from “he” to “you”.
• The rod and staff bring comfort.

Words, people and events to notice

Rod and staff

Shepherd’s tools: a club for defence and a stick for guiding and rescuing sheep.

Understand

1. Why do you think the psalm changes from “he” to “you” at this verse?
2. What does the psalm promise, and what does it not promise, about the valley?
3. How can a rod and staff comfort?

Connect

• Isaiah 43:2

  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.

• Matthew 28:20

  Jesus: I am with you always.

Reflect

1. What dark valley are you, or someone you love, walking through?
2. How might God’s presence make a difference there?

Key takeaways

Editorial summary, not Scripture.

• God does not always keep us from the valley, but he is with us in it.

Read

Study objective: Understand the shift from shepherd to host, and the hope at the end of the psalm.

Reading: Psalm 23:5–6 · John 10:11–15

Background and context

The picture changes to a host preparing a table, anointing the guest’s head with oil and filling the cup. In the ancient world a host was responsible for a guest’s safety. The psalm ends with goodness and loving kindness following the psalmist, and dwelling in the LORD’s house.

Observe

• The table is prepared “in the presence of my enemies”.
• The head is anointed and the cup overflows.
• Goodness and loving kindness “follow” all the days of life.
• Jesus calls himself the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11).

Words, people and events to notice

Loving kindness

God’s steadfast, faithful love toward his people, often paired with goodness and faithfulness. Psalm 136:1

Understand

1. Why might the table be set in the presence of enemies?
2. What follows the psalmist, and for how long?
3. How does Jesus use the shepherd picture in John 10:11-15?

Connect

• John 10:11–15

  Jesus as the good shepherd.

• Revelation 7:17

  The Lamb will shepherd them and lead them to springs of living water.

Reflect

1. Where have you seen God’s goodness following you?
2. Which line of Psalm 23 will you carry with you this week?

Key takeaways

Editorial summary, not Scripture.

• God is both shepherd and generous host.
• His goodness and love pursue his people for life.