The Book of Psalms

Psalm 23

Psalm XXIII · Vol. II, p. 1000

David's confidence in God's care and goodness.

Margin referencesNotes ↓

A psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my ^ashepherd;¹ I ^bshall not want.

A.M. cir. 2983. B.C. cir. 1021.

a Ps.80.1. Is.40.11. Je.23.4,5. Eze.34.23,24. Jn.10.11,14. 1 Pe.2.25.

1 My shepherd, rather 'my feeder,' though it does not exclude the idea of leading and protection.—C.

b Ps.34.10; 84.11. Mat.6.33. Phi.4.19.

2 He^c maketh me to lie down in green pastures:² he leadeth me beside the still waters.³

c Eze.34.14. Job 34.29. Re.7.15-17. Is.40.11.

2 Heb. pastures of tender grass.

3 Heb. waters of quietness.

3 He^d restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

d Ps.119.176; 5.8; 31.3. Pr.8.20. Ho.14.9.

4 Yea, though I walk through the ^evalley of the shadow of death, ^gI will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod⁴ and thy staff they comfort me.

e Job 3.5; 10.21,22; 24.17. Ps.44.19.

g Ps.3.6; 118.6. Is.41.10; 43.1,2.

4 Rod, afflictions, Mi. 6. 9. Staff, support, Eze.29.6. These equally comforted Christ, and so do they equally comfort his disciples, Job 1. 21. He.12.2,6,11.—C.

5 Thou ^hpreparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest⁵ my head with oil;⁶ my cup ⁱrunneth over.

h Is.25.6. Job 36.16. Ep.5.19. Jn.10.9,10.

5 Heb. makest fat, Am.6.6. Mat.6.17.

6 Acknowledging and constituting him prophet, priest, and king, by the anointing of the Holy Spirit.—C.

i Ps.16.5; 43.4. Ep.3.19,20. 2 Co.4.17; 5.1.

6 Surely ^jgoodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: ^kand I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.⁷

j Ps.103.17; 89.28; 130.7. Ro.5.20,21.

k 2 Co.5.1-7. Phi.1.23. 1 Th.4.17.

7 Heb. to length of days.

Notes

Ver. 1. This is an exquisite spiritual pastoral, and is a characteristic ode of the shepherd-king. The imagery, taken from shepherd life, is graphic and appropriate. The Good Shepherd leading his flock to the best pastures, to the brink of the quiet waters, along safe paths. His watchful care dispels all idea of fear; and permanent peace is finally secured. P.

Ver. 3. There are no paths of righteousness but those trodden by Christ, Ro. 3. 10; 5. 17, 19; therefore the speaker is Christ, for he walked in righteousness. C.

Reflections.—O the advantages, the pleasures, of experimental godliness! God, whose knowledge and care are infinite—God, who is all and giveth all—is his people's Shepherd! What can they then want when all the fulness of God is opened for their supply! He makes them to rest and feed in the pastures of his ordinances and promises; and leads them, for their refreshment, to the still waters of his gospel truth, gracious influence, redeeming blood, and everlasting love. He restores their souls when under disease or decay, and, moved by his own blessed grace, leads them in Jesus and his word as their way, and enables them to perfect holiness in his fear. Amidst all the pains and the fears of death, his gracious presence, his drawing and sealing influence, and his supporting promises, are their sufficient encouragement. Amidst their unnumbered enemies of lusts, of devils, and of men, not only necessaries, but even abundant comforts, are allowed them. The mercy and goodness of God, in streams of spiritual and temporal blessings, attend the faithful, till at last they are for ever filled with all the fulness of God in his heavenly temple.