Devotion for the Twenty-third Psalm
Bible Study for King David’s Reflection on the Lord as a Shepherd
Sep 6, 2008
In the Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible the 23rd psalm is entitled "The Lord the Shepherd of His People." This immediately gives the impression of the Lord leading a living people, hence the psalm is just as appropriate for the living as it is to provide comfort at a funeral.
It should be noted at the beginning that this psalm starts with the use of "He," then progresses to "You" and finally to "I." This shows a relationship with God that progresses from talking about Him, to talking with Him. "You"and "I" denote relationship.
Reflection and Bible Study on the Twenty-third Psalm
The Lord is my Shepherd;
King David was a shepherd in his youth and makes use of his knowledge to create the image of the Lord as a shepherd and His followers as sheep.
The use of "my" indicates personal relationship to Jesus. Christianity is more about relationship than religious activity.
I shall not want.
Jesus does not leave His followers in want - He is all they need. The shepherd’s sheep never lack anything that He believes is good for them.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
These represent the opportunities that the followers are given for rest. Sheep need to be free from fear in order to relax. The shepherd provides security.
He restores my soul;
The opportunity for rest that the shepherd provides restores the soul.
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
After being refreshed, the shepherd guides His followers on the right path because people, like sheep, tend to wander.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;
The blessing of Jesus is not just the provision of green pastures and still waters. The real blessing is His provision of a constant relationship with Him at all times, good as well as troubled.
For you are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The shepherd uses these to rescue, protect, and guide the sheep. They are symbols of Jesus’ loving care.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Jesus provides a banquet of loving care, even in troubled times. His followers are always blessed with His presence.
You anoint my head with oil;
In Bible times, honored guests were anointed with perfumed oil. God anoints and honors His followers with His presence.
My cup runs over.
In Bible times, letting a cup of wine run over was a sign of regard for an important guest.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;
The word follow here is in the sense of being pursued. An animal is not pursuing the sheep, rather they are being pursued by the Lord’s love. The followers do not deserve this abundance of goodness and mercy, but it is provided out of God’s infinite love for them.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
This psalm is a reminder that Jesus calls His followers, not just to ritual and activity, but to a relationship with Him that is unending.
John 10:1- 30 (NKJV) - provides a further analogy of Jesus as a shepherd of His followers.
Devotion Ideas for the Twenty-third Psalm
- This is a beautiful psalm to read with children and have them create a mural or picture to illustrate it.
- It is an easy, flowing psalm to memorize for repeating in different situations - walking, traveling, waiting rooms, or resting.
- It is particularly suitable for morning devotion when people need reminding that Jesus will lead them during their daily activities.
- A children's youth group can act out the psalm while one child is the narrator and recites it.
The twenty-third psalm is an inspiring and beautiful psalm for any kind of devotion or group activity.
For further devotion ideas see Family Morning Devotion, Devotion on The Lord's Prayer, and Create Daily Family Devotion Time.
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