The Whole Story
Psalm 23
The Lord Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He
restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for
you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a
table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my
cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The
Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001
by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Psalm 23
There is no more familiar passage in all
scripture than the 23rd Psalm. This passage is a depiction of God’s care,
provision, and guidance. As part of the wisdom literature, it reveals how life
under God's rule is one of security and peace. This psalm, written by David,
presents God as the Shepherd-King who leads His people in righteousness,
protects them in danger, and provides for them abundantly. At its heart, Psalm
23 reassures believers that God orders our lives, walking with us through every
season and ultimately leading us home to dwell with Him forever.
The psalm opens with a comforting
declaration, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (v.1). This sets the
tone for the entire psalm, illustrating God’s intimate and personal care for
His people. Like a shepherd tending his flock, God provides for our every need,
ensuring that we lack nothing essential for life and godliness. He leads His
people to green pastures and still waters, restoring their souls and guiding
them in paths of righteousness (v.2-3). This imagery speaks of both physical
provision and the deeper spiritual nourishment found in following God’s ways.
However, life is not without hardship, and
Psalm 23 acknowledges this reality. “Even though I walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (v.4). This
verse highlights the unshakable confidence of those who trust in the Lord.
Though trials and suffering come, God’s presence is constant, all the while His
rod and staff bring both correction and comfort. His guidance is not just for
peaceful pastures but also for dark valleys — He leads through them, not just
around them.
The psalm moves from the imagery of a
shepherd to that of a gracious host. God prepares a table before His people,
even in the presence of their enemies, anointing them with oil and filling
their cup to overflowing (v.5). This speaks of divine blessing, honor, and
abundance — God does not merely sustain; He lavishes His people with goodness
and mercy.
Psalm 23 culminates in the ultimate promise:
“I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (v.6). This is the hope of
every believer — not just provision for today but an eternal home in the
presence of God. Ultimately, Psalm 23 finds its fullest expression in Jesus
Christ, the Good Shepherd (John 10:11). He is the one who laid down His life
for His sheep, who leads us in righteousness, walks with us through suffering,
and secures our eternal dwelling with Him. In Christ, we see the fulfillment of
this psalm, as He is both the Shepherd who guides us and the Lamb who was slain
for us. Jesus is here, even in Psalm 23.
God is Our Provider / God is Our Shepherd / God is Our Victor
Discussion Questions
What does it mean to you that God is your
Shepherd, not just the Shepherd?
In what areas of your life do you need soul
restoration right now?
When have you experienced God’s presence in a
“valley of the shadow” season?
How does it change your view of suffering to
know God prepares a feast in the presence of your enemies?
What do you think it means that God’s
goodness and mercy pursue you?
END
Teacher Notes:
