Psalms 23

The LORD Shepherds and Hosts His People

The psalm moves from personal confession of the LORD as shepherd, to restored and guided life, to fearless passage through the valley, to honored fellowship at the LORD's table, and finally to lifelong pursuit by goodness and covenant love in the LORD's house.

World English Bible, Public Domain

The believer's sufficiency is grounded in belonging to the LORD, whose care gives rest, nourishment, and peace.

Psalms 23:1–3

The Lord is a faithful Shepherd who provides perfect rest, restores the soul, and leads His people in the right paths for His name's sake.

1 Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

The LORD restores the inner life and directs His people along righteous paths for the sake of His own name.

3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

The darkest path does not become a God-abandoned path, because the LORD's presence and protection comfort His people.

Psalms 23:4–6

God's presence provides comfort in the dark valley and abundance in the presence of enemies, ensuring a life pursued by mercy and a future in His house.

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.

In the presence of enemies, the LORD welcomes, honors, and abundantly supplies the worshiper.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.

The final horizon is not merely survival but being pursued by goodness and covenant love until settled fellowship in the LORD's house.

6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.

Key Terms

יְהוָה YHWH H3068
רֹעִי ro'i H7462
נַפְשִׁי nafshi H5315
יְשׁוֹבֵב yeshovev H7725
יְנַחֲמֻנִי yenachamuni H5162
שֻׁלְחָן shulchan H7979
טוֹב tov H2896
חֶסֶד chesed H2617

World English Bible (WEB): Public Domain Scripture text · License details