Thoughts on Psalm 23

“The Lord is my Shepherd…” What familiar and comforting words!

I find some Psalms are a challenge to teach because so many of them have unnamed authors and were written at unknown times. While we don’t know the time that Psalm 23 was written, we do know it was a psalm of David and it’s his description of the Lord as his Guide. This psalm of comfort and assurance is commonly heard at funerals, but it’s a great daily reminder that our Lord is always near and caring for us.

Psalm 23 is so familiar that it's easy to overlook something profound: It is one of the few passages in scripture where we can see each of the Old Testament names for God. We see Jehovah Jireh (Provider), Jehovah Mekaddiskem (Sanctifier), Jehovah Nissi (Banner), Jehovah Rapha (Healer), Jehovah Rohi (Shepherd), Jehovah Sabaoth (Lord of Hosts), Jehovah Shalom (Peace), Jehovah Shammah (Companion), and Jehovah Tsidkenu (Righteousness). Some are obvious, others require some pondering, but if you look carefully and thoughtfully you’ll see they’re ALL there.

Sheep are curious creatures. Once you study them and their characteristics, it’s easy to see why Jesus compared us to them. Sheep are helpless, defenseless, easily distracted, prone to wander, don’t have keen vision, they are easily frightened in new situations (especially the dark), and when they are injured they often roll over on their backs and can’t get up!

Philip Keller’s book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” is a wonderful book that describes the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. Good shepherds were totally devoted to the care of their flock because the sheep were so highly valued. They were the preferred animal of sacrifice, they were a sign of wealth, they were a source of milk and their wool brought a considerable profit. Because the sheep were so special the shepherd gave them individual names, and the sound of the shepherd speaking gave them a sense of comfort and well-being. The tender voice and gentle touch of the good shepherd was all that was needed to bring calm and contentment to an agitated sheep.

Some notable Old Testament shepherds included David, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and his 12 sons, as well as Moses; but the task of shepherding flocks was one of the lowliest of all jobs. It was hard work that required round-the-clock attention, they were often in danger, their accommodations were simple & sparse, and they were often dirty and smelly. Isn’t it interesting that Jesus, Who embodies the fullness of our holy and eternal and unimaginable God, is referred to as a lowly shepherd? It’s my personal opinion that it has more to do with us being like sheep than it does Him being like a Shepherd!

A good shepherd cares for his flock in a variety of ways: he provides a safe & comfortable place to rest, he keeps the sheep healthy and free from parasites and disease, and he makes sure they have plenty to eat and drink. He is faithful to examine the sheep to determine their needs, and then he does what is necessary to keep them healthy and well. Jesus cares for us in the same way: He examines us and then does what is necessary to keep us growing in Him.

Perpetually wayward sheep are a problem for a shepherd, and it's believed that a shepherd will wrap the sheep and draw it close to him so he can break it's leg. The shepherd then carries the sheep on his shoulders until it heals. During that time the sheep learns to recognize the shepherd's voice and through his gentle care grows to trust him and then obey him. The shepherd knows this relationship can't happen any other way, so I'm guessing it's a kind of ovine 'tough love.'

Hopefully we aren't so stubborn we need to have our legs broken, but sometimes He allows circumstances in our lives so we can adjust our focus to see ONLY Him. Sometimes He needs to “fleece” us to reveal what’s beneath the surface or to remove the things in life that weigh us down. Sometimes He takes us through a valley to protect us from something we can't see. Sometimes He disciplines us with His rod and sometimes He rescues us with His staff, but He ALWAYS has our well-being in mind and is ALWAYS working in our lives to draw us closer to Him. His love for His followers is a testimony to an unbelieving world, and His “Name’s sake” or His reputation is proven in the way He cares for us. It's important to remember that our response to Him during our trials is also a testimony to the world.

It’s interesting to note that in the Old Testament the sheep died as a sacrifice for the shepherd. In the New Testament the Shepherd died as a sacrifice for His sheep and then gave us His Spirit to live within us and give us comfort in any circumstance. I love the outline that Canadian evangelist J.R. Littleproud gave this psalm:

The Secret of a Happy –

Life: every need supplied
Death: every fear removed
Eternity: every desire fulfilled

But these promises are reserved for those who follow Jesus and boldly say, “The Lord is MY Shepherd.” Can you?