Psalms 23

Psalms 23

DESCRIPTIVE TITLE

The All-Sufficiency of Jehovah.

ANALYSIS

Stanza I., Psalms 23:1-3 a, As Shepherd; Stanza II., Psalms 23:3 b, Psalms 23:4, as Guide; Stanza III, Psalms 23:5-6, As Host.

(Lm.) PsalmBy David.

1

Jehovah is my shepherdI have no want:

2

in pastures of tender grass he maketh me lie down,

unto waters of quietness he leadeth me;

3

my soul he refresheth[222] continually.[223]

[222] To restore the senses of life.Dr. Par. Psalter.
[223] So Br., resolving the Heb. letters into finite verb, followed by infinitive absolute, which then yield above meaning.

He guideth me in right tracksfor the sake of his name:

4

yea when I walk in a gloomy ravine[224]

[224] So most moderns, after older commentators. Cp. O.G. 853.

I fear no harmfor thou art with me,
thy club and thy staff[225] they comfort me.

[225] The nail-knobbed club, for purposes of defence, and the staff with a bent handle, for help in walking, still used by shepherds in the EastDr.

5

Thou spreadest before me a tablein the presence of mine adversaries,

thou hast anointed with oil my headmy cup giveth cheer:

6

Surely goodness and kindness will run after me[226] all the days of my life,

[226] As the alert servants of my host.

and I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah evermore.[227]

[227] Ml. to length of days. N.B.: Br. finds in stanza one 3 beats, in stanza two 4 beats, and in stanza three 5 beats.

PARAPHRASE

Psalms 23

Because the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need!
2, 3 He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He restores my failing health. He helps me do what honors Him the most.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

4 Even when walking through the Dark Valley of death I will not be afraid, for You are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.[228]

[228] Literally, Your rod and Your staff comfort me.

5 You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as Your guest,[229] blessings overflow!

[229] Literally, You have anointed my head with oil, my cup runs over.

6 Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with You forever in Your home.

EXPOSITION

The beauty of this little psalm consists, first, in its calm assurance of Jehovah's all-sufficiency; and, second, in the simplicity, variety, and fullness with which this assurance is set forth. How much the essential theme contributes to the reader's satisfaction, may be gathered from the undoubted fact that the majority of readers never reflect on the change of figures which takes place before the psalm is ended. The essential thought is felt to be one from beginning to end, and that thought is sweet. The infinite God is mine, and cares for me, provides for me, is with methis is the charm of it. There may be need and danger, discipline and even hostility on the background; but there they remain throughout: the things that come to the front arethe supply for the need, the deliverance from the danger, the use of the discipline, and the powerlessness of the hostility. Quite simply all these blessings come from One Person, whose loving activity is noted throughout. Every blessing named appears as a personal gift. It is this intense personality which so greatly endears the psalm. Practically, there are but two persons in the psalmJehovah and I. And then there is a satisfying conclusion: it is a consummation, which delights, because of the feeling of home-longing to which it appeals, and which it assures of satisfaction. There are figures in the psalm, but they are transparent throughout. The One Personality shines through all. Jehovah begins by being my shepherd; soon and imperceptibly he becomes everything. This, then, is the first and chief element in the preciousness of this psalm. The secondwhich is worthy of itconsists in the simplicity, variety and fullness with which the assurance of the psalm is set forth: Shepherd, Guide, Hostrelation to whom as sheep, traveller, guest, is easily imagined by every quickened soul. Little is said of each relation; but what is said is fundamental, and each detail speaks a volume. It is better to regard the relation of Shepherd as completed by three clauses, which are congruous and complete: the shepherd secures for his sheepfood, with rest; drink, with rest; and the consequent reinvigoration of life. This rounds off the first figure. Letting this figure go, the next brings an advance of ideas. As a sheep, Jehovah led me; and, with renovated life, all was well.

Now, as a traveller, I have tracks to find; and he guideth me to the right tracks for conducting me safely home. Over the hills, the tracks may be few, faint, and divergent: for the sake of his own name and honour he guideth to those that are right. Down among the valleys, I may come to a dark and fearsome ravine. Still he is with me, my companion as well as my guide. I hear his voice, as he cheerily beguiles me along. I know he has a club for defence against assailants, and is well able to wield it. His staff he lends me to lean on in my weariness. And so both his rod and his staff they comfort me. The idea of guidance is complete. It wants no addition.

Once more the scene changes. I am welcomed to a mansion. A spread table awaits me. Enemies who may witness my admission, dare not come near to molest me; for they know that the power and honour of my host are pledged to my defence. I am his privileged guest. I have been to the bath, and now with his own hand he anoints my head with fragrant oil. My cup is well filled and gives me good cheer. In the hall of my host are attendants. Upon me two of them wait. Their names are Goodness and Kindness; and these follow me with alacrity whithersoever I please to go, anticipating my every want. And so it is to be as long as I live; for finally I discover that here, in this mansion, at last I am at home! No need for another word.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1.

The beauty of this psalm is seen from two thoughtsWhat are they? How do they relate to us?

2.

Who are the participants in this psalm? Discuss the fact that essentially this is all there ever isall there need be anytime.

3.

Do you agree that the figure of a shepherd and sheep follow throughout the psalm or is there a change? Discuss.

4.

Suppose we approach the psalm with the thought of our Lord being a shepherda guide to the traveler and a host. What does He provide for the sheep?

5.

What does He provide for the traveler?

6.

What does He provide as the Host?