The first section of this Psalm concerns the Lord as Shepherd of His sheep, and reveals God's care of David (and the Lord's followers) in three important ways:-
1. As supplier of needs
2. As leader and guide
3. As a guardian
1. As supplier of needs - Psalm 23 verse 1-3. Notice David's testimony in the first sentence "I lack nothing" (Ps 23:1, NIV). He then develops this image of how God has provided for him:-
(a) He has rested in "green pastures" - this probably refers to new grass. Sheep need plenty of grass to feed from, and once they have eaten, they "lie down" content to rest.
(b) David has been led to "quiet waters" - this is probably not a stream but a well-spring with fresh water to drink from. So David has been given food, rest and water from the Lord - the essential components of life and well-being.
2. As leader and guide - Psalm 23:3. David confesses that the Lord is his guide - an idea that is developed elsewhere in the psalms. For example, Psalm 119:101 (NIV) "I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word" and a little later in this psalm (verse 105) "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path". Notice the link in both psalms between "right paths" (Psalm 23:3) and God's guidance. If the sheep keep following the shepherd's leading, they are safe. Once they stray off, they risk danger and destruction.
3. As a guardian (Psalm 23 verse 4, CEV) "I may walk through valleys as dark as death, but I won't be afraid. You are with me, and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe". David testifies that even in his darkest and most dangerous hours, God has never abandoned him. We see this as a promise to the Jews in the Old Testament (for example, Isaiah 43:2 NIV) "When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you" and to Christians in the New Testament "lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world". (Math 28:20, ASV) Indeed, Christ personifies himself as the "Good Shepherd" who would lay down his life for his sheep (John 10:14).
The second section of Psalm 23 is a celebration. David has been invited to an extravagant banquet where the Lord is his host. Here there is a shift in David's thinking - in the first section of the psalm, God has provided for his needs. In the second section, there is an abundance of provision and blessing, with an overflowing cup and a great feast (Psalm 23:5). Although these verses concern David's earthly life, there is also a glimpse into eternity "and I will live forever
in your house, LORD". (Ps 23:6, CEV) Here there are also parallels with the words of Jesus concerning his disciples ultimate heavenly destination - "My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?" (John 14:2)
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