Holy poetry: A look at Psalm 23

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The Book of Psalms is a poetry book.  It provides expression of praise, worship, and confession to God.  David is known to have written 73 of the psalms, and is thought to be the author to two others.  The psalms were not intended to be records or narrations of historical events.  However, many of David’s psalms correspond to events in his life and are records of his response to these events.  Through them, we can track the growth of his spiritual maturity and ever increasing trust and reliance on God.

Psalm 23 is probably one of the most well-known and memorized Scripture. Though it is not in direct response to an event in David’s life, it defines the care a shepherd has for his sheep and is an expression of worship to the Good Shepherd.  Psalm 23 is often used in situations where comfort is needed and/or in the situation of death/funeral, etc.  In it David wrote using his background and experience as a shepherd himself to depict God as the Good Shepherd caring for every aspect of his flock’s lives.

Sheep are completely dependent on the shepherd.  Sheep may not always make the best decisions and may find themselves in trouble.  We are sheep and God desires to be our Shepherd.  But we are not the frightened, dumb, passive animals we may know from our trips to a farm or petting zoo. No, we have been given freedom of choice and we are made in his image.  Thus, we have the choice to follow him and find our sustenance in him.  Psalm 23 is not about describing the sheep (us) but its purpose is to describe the attributes of the Good Shepherd and his care for us. 

The Good Shepherd provides everything the sheep need, specifically, food, direction, protection, and comfort.  In the green pastures, he offers rest and comfort; in the quiet waters he offers peace and refreshment.  

Even as one goes through the trials and tough times of life, there is no need for fear.  For God leads us, directing our steps with his staff.  He comforts our quelling thoughts, our rash fears, and our grieving hearts.  He watches over us, protecting us and, with the curved end of the staff, pulling us back from the edge of temptation, sin, and confusion to the safety at his side.

Psalm 23 tells us God is our provision.  He fulfills our hungers.  He pours out his anointing oil to cleanse and heal us.  An interesting side note, in Biblical times oil had many uses.  The host at a banquet would wash and dry his guests’ feet and pour oil over his guests’ heads, bodies, and feet.  This was a sign of honor while also refreshing their dry and rough skin with the oil’s nourishment.  Oil is also symbolic of a body being prepared for burial.  So this psalm lets us know that as we follow the Good Shepherd through life, we will be nourished, healed in life, and prepared to meet him in death.

Psalm 23 begins with, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. “ This is a statement of truth, a confession of reliance on God.  This Psalm ends with, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Again, a confession of our Great Hope, to be welcomed in to eternal life on that day when we are called home.  This confession not only encourages our faith, it, also, encourages the faith of those around us.

Psalm 23 speaks to the physical needs, the emotional needs, and the spiritual needs: body, mind, and soul; each need being addressed by our loving Lord, the Good Shepherd.

May we find strength to obey and follow him ever closer as our days pass.  May we find encouragement to overcome our temptations and fears.  And may we, in our hurts and grief, find comfort in his loving presence.