Psalms 23:2

The figure of the shepherd is expanded. He makes his flock lie down in the noontide heat (Song of Solomon 1:7) in pastures of tender grass. For this picture of the shepherd's care cp. Jeremiah 33:12.

He leadeth me The word suggests the idea of gentle guidance(Isaiah 40:11); sometimes of sustaining and providing (Genesis 47:17 R.V. marg.) So here Vulg. educavit. It is specially applied to God's guidance of His people (Exodus 15:13; Psalms 31:3; Isaiah 49:10).

the still waters Lit. waters of rest:not gently-flowing streams, but streams where they may find rest and refreshment (Isaiah 32:18). So Jerome: super aquas refectionis. The Promised Land was to be Israel's rest (Deuteronomy 12:9; Psalms 95:11). It will be remembered that "the eastern shepherd never drives, but always leads his sheep," and that "in the East the sheep requires water daily, owing to the heat and dryness of the climate." Tristram's Nat. Hist. of the Bible, pp. 140, 141.

With Psalms 23:1 comp. Revelation 7:17.