Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV)

A Psalm of David

Probably written when he was a King, recalling when he was a shepherd.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; 

A Shepherd is…

The lowest of all works.  The youngest son would serve as shepherd.  God took on the lowest work.

Abel was the first Shepherd.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10)

When Christ was born, the Good News came first to the Shepherds.

I shall not want.

NIV – I lack nothing

The basics we need: Food, Shelter, Protection, Love, Security

Notice the Lord’s Prayer

“‘Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

10 

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

    on earth as it is in heaven.

11 

Give us today our daily bread.

12 

And forgive us our debts,

    as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 

And lead us not into temptation,

    but deliver us from the evil one.’

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Philip Keller (in A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23) writes that sheep do not lie down easily, and will not unless four conditions are met. Because they are timid they will not lie down if they are afraid. Because they are social animals they will not lie down if there is friction among the sheep. If flies or parasites trouble them they will not lie down. Finally, if sheep are anxious about food or hungry they will not lie down. Rest comes because the shepherd has dealt with fear, friction, flies, and famine.

3 He restoreth my soul: 

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he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Proverbs 4:11

I have directed you in the way of wisdom;

I have led you in upright paths.

Proverbs 2:20

So you will walk in the way of good men

And keep to the paths of the righteous.

Psalm 16:11

You will make known to me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Acts 2:28

‘You have made known to me the ways of life;

You will make me full of gladness with Your presence.’

Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Paths-Of-Righteousness

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

The shadow of death (defeat) is casting over us.  Causing us fears.  The Lord is with us.

When the wolves come we know our shepherd.

Fear no evil: 

2 Timothy 1:7 – The Spirit God has given us.

2 Timothy 1:7 World English Bible (WEB)

7 For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Rod and staff provide discipline and correction.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: 

The Message: “You serve me a six course dinner in front of my enemies”

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Jesus head was anointed with oil.

Matthew 26:6–13; Mark 14:3–9; Luke 7:36–50; John 12:1–8

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

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