Psalm 23 explain each verse for his name’s sake. He loves us so much that He "prepares a table" for each and every one of us, inviting us to dine with Him, regardless of any judgment we receive from others. David’s soul was restored by INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 23 \\< >\\. Psalm 22 foreshadows the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus: Jesus quotes verse 1 on the cross (Matthew 27:46), and His clothing is divided as verse 18 describes (John 19:23–24). Introduction. The meaning of Psalm 23 is personal because we each have a personal relationship with God. the Good Shepherd has for his sheep. The word for psalm in Hebrew, "mizmor," means melody. I. Note the number of psalms in Books 1 and 2. He also gently or firmly prods us when we step out of line and deviate We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The Sheep and the Shepherd (23:1-4) 1 A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 4. He provides these in ways that the sheep can accept (i. ” Lesson focus: Through the book of Psalms and the worship of the people of Israel, we get a glimpse into the character of God and how we should rightly respond to Him in worship. He leads me beside still waters. With David’s experience as a shepherd, as a warrior, and a king, he Psalms 100:5. org Chapter 23 The Lord Is My Shepherd; A Psalm of Trust. The Shepherd knows that sheep need. “It [Psalm 23] has charmed more griefs to rest than all the philosophy of the world. To get a greater understanding of this blog post, listen to the Justin Abraham podcast called Psalm 23. There are two systems for numbering the verses in the Psalms. He - makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. 3 he refreshes my soul. This proclaims the metaphor of the psalm, that god is like our shepherd. Psalm 23 is Explained Beautifully in this Verse-by-Verse commentary on this popular psalm. There is a reason that the words of this psalm have appeared in songs, movies, and books. In Psalm 23, we see that God is our good Shepherd who provides for us and leads us. 5) Psalm 23: Conclusion. But just like David, we do not have to fear, for we are not walking alone. David calls God a shepherd and declares that because God is his shepherd, hence he shall not lack any good Line by Line Meaning of Psalm 23 Verse 1: The Lord is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want. - "The Lord is my shepherd. A psalm is a song. Spurgeon once referred to Psalm 23 as the “Pearl of the Psalms” in his monthly magazine, The Sword and the Trowel. It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. 3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. People find comfort, hope, and peace in the image of God, leading us like a shepherd through the various “landscapes” of life. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Let’s look at the different Psalm 23 commentaries and the meaning and significance of each verse written in Psalm 23. In Psalm 23, as explained by a shepherd, God’s provision is seen In verse 4 of Psalm 23 we have perfect trust, perfect protection, perfect companionship with God and perfect defense. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. ” My words: God is taking care of and watching over me. I offer this line-by-line exposition of the 23rd Psalm so that we can look to see exactly what David is telling us under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. With joy he reflects that he Safe in the Shepherd’s Arms: Hope and Encouragement from Psalm 23 is a 30-day devotional that offers daily reflections on the comforting and reassuring words of Psalm 23. This first verse talks about the ownership of the earth. Study Psalm 23 using Wesley’s Explanatory Notes to better understand Scripture with full outline and verse meaning. org StudyL ı ght . Each chapter is also outlined verse by verse through the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation. (c) From Cursed to Blessed March 23, 2025 - 8:55 pm. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. A Psalm of David. 3 He restores my soul. Verse-by-Verse Breakdown. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. They are divided into five books, each closing with a benediction, evidently added to mark the end of the book. This verse from Psalms 139:23-24 can be broken down into two Verse 4. Every preacher needs at least two sermons on Psalm 23: one for funerals, and another for ordinary time. Start a meditation on Psalm 23 today and make it part of your worship to God during your quiet time. Even when so situated, he does not Psalm 23 Commentary. It is a poem set to music; a song. This Continue reading "Commentary on Choose a verse from 'Psalms 91' to begin your 'Verse-by-Verse' study of God's Word using the more than 100 commentaries available on StudyLight. Justin Abraham lives in the supernatural. Like many psalms, Psalm 23 is explicitly described as David's. Choose a book, chapter and verse to begin your 'Verse-by-Verse' study of God's Word using the more than 100 commentaries available on StudyLight. Can you do the same Psalm 23 Commentaries. org Plug in, Turn on and Be En light ened!. Psalm 23:1 > The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He also protects us from evil. It has become so popular that we often don’t giv Understanding what Psalms 23:1-6 really means. 1. As we move further along in Psalm 23—specifically verse four—we encounter perhaps one of its most quoted lines: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil Psalm 23. - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. The name of God, (in Hebrew "Yahweh"), is translated here as The Lord, as it often is in Scripture. Psalms 119:3. Verses 1 and 2 explain how God is like a shepherd who provides and cares for His sheep. The symbolism of Like many others, this beloved psalm bears the simple title A Psalm of David. Only a shepherd could write Psalm 23, and David was a shepherd. He blesses us in the presence of our enemies and gives us an overflow of His goodness. ” 2 This variety within Psalms necessitates the importance of locating Psalm 23 within the entire book. Psalm 23 is self-described as a psalm of David, and we have good reason to believe that David did in fact write it. Psalm 23:1 summarizes the message of the whole. Read next: Discover more Bible verses meaning or read the next article: Meaning of Matthew my whole life long (Psalm 23:1-6). 23:1-6 Confidence in God's grace and care. 76 With this background in mind, let us begin our study of Psalm 23. Before I go through the lessons, I would like to quote Psalm 23 for your reference as well as inspiration. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. For his name's sake - or, regard for His perfections pledged for His people's welfare. This is the NRSV’s version, which differs slightly from the probably more familiar King James: Everyone Choose a verse from 'Psalms 139' to begin your 'Verse-by-Verse' study of God's Word using the more than 100 commentaries available on StudyLight. Psalm 23 – The Lord is my Shepherd. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Because Psalm 23 is so familiar, we’ll look at it in the particular framework of the lectionary texts for the eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost. I have everything I need now, and Psalm 23 Pulpit Commentary Verse 4. The plan is to break it down, verse by verse. 1-4) and that of the host (vv. Brief overview of Psalm (Psalm 96: 8, 9) That scripture can make the 23rd Psalm become more real to you. Psalm 23 Divine shepherd and host. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “I like to recall the fact that this psalm Meaning of Psalm 23 1. rest. He provides what is best for them, refreshes them continually, and guides them in the way that he knows is right. e. CLOSE. Psalms 139:23-24. That is, he helps us to find food, water, work, love, friends and all that we need. The Lord is the Shepherd of His people and they are His sheep; so David said, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The promise of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever provides an eternal perspective, reminding believers of the ultimate hope and security found in The Structure and Themes of Psalm 23. Many psalms include a superscription, which we believe to have been added after the fact by the people putting together the psalm book. It also matches the repetition of “vengeance” in the first verse of this psalm. We can’t minster when we’re tired and weary. Each verse is a reminder of His provision, protection, and promise. It has been assumed People often explain Psalm 23’s meaning by focusing on its comforting imagery, like still waters and the promise of being with Jesus in eternity. Carey: Henry Carey, 1723 Psalm 23 Joseph Addison, 1712 DOXOLOGY The Lord my pasture shall prepare, And feed In Psalm 23, God is using the analogy of sheep and their nature to describe us. C. The beauty of this psalm is inescapable. Psalm 23 then provides a model for us, a paradigm to be followed throughout our lives as we respond to all the difficulties and worries that come our way. And, as in the foregoing psalm he represented Christ dying for his sheep, so here he represents Christians receiving the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd. my cup overflows. One system counts the superscription as verse 1. There is much more you can draw from this beautiful Psalm. This iconic opening line establishes the central metaphor of Psalm 23, likening God to a shepherd and the believer to a Psalm 23 is a profound testament to God's loving care, guidance, and provision for His people. Chapter 24 The King of Glory and His Righteous People. I am inclined to see two images in the psalm, that of the shepherd (vv. It bristles with theologically rich ideas and it hums a lullaby of divine care. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. Blessed are the undefileda in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Firstly, the verse emphasizes the goodness of the Lord. 5-6). Sheep have a natural tendency to wander off and get lost. David emphasizes the restorative aspect of God’s care, suggesting that God provides not only for physical needs but also brings spiritual renewal. Psalm 23:4 Explained —“Though I Walk Verse 6: Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. , the right food, water they can drink from easily). Verse 4 [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. Psalm 91:16 says "With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. The tender care of the shepherd described in the previous verse had its intended effect. Some writers believe that two metaphors appear in this passage: (1) that of the shepherd (Psalms 23:1-4); and (2) that of the gracious and generous host (Psalms 23:5-6). In the darkest and most trying hour, God is near. The valley of the Psalm 23:1 (A Psalm of David. Verse 1a declares, “The Lord is my shepherd” and thus acknowledges God as the one who protects and guides. 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. Verse 2 For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters. To learn about the rest of the lines, listen to the podcast mentioned below. Verse 9 starts off by stating, “If you say, ‘The Lord is my refuge,’ and you make the Most High your dwelling,”. It’s as Isaiah has said: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). It’s one of the most popular Psalm 23: Meaning, Origins, Context & Importance Psalm 23 has over the years inspired a lot of people as it gives hope, assurance and guidance. Let’s break it down and explore the significance of each section. Each of these texts show God as the giver, and people responding. Start around the one hour, 15 minute mark. Psalms 119:5 Psalm 23 A psalm of David. It would be worth your while to hear him speak. David declares that when we agree to be “sheep” under the Lord’s loving care, He will abundantly supply So, let’s embark on this journey, walking through the verses of Psalm 23 together, using this sermon outline as our guide, and see where this spiritual adventure leads us. We have need of nothing because our Shepherd provides everything. This is the central verse of the psalm, Each of us at some point in our Christian walk will encounter a valley to pass through that will try to produce fear and worry in us. This beautiful biblical Psalm, written by David, is one of the most well-known Psalm 23 Meaning – Line by Line. Each day’s entry provides insight into the meaning and application of the psalm’s verses, helping readers to find peace, hope, and strength in their relationship with God. It is also a fine example of the power of figurative language: We read deep things into the vision of ourselves as sheep, led to green pastures and good water by a kind shepherd. We are not alone (cf. Is it The Uniform Series text for Sunday is Psalm 23. ALEPH. The Psalm can be divided into two main sections: the first four verses depict God as the Shepherd, and the last two verses portray God as the Host. ) The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. ' Therefore I will boast all the Meaning of Psalm 23 1. Psalms Proverbs From Cursed to Blessed March 23, 2025 - 8: Psalm 23 EXEGESIS: CONTEXT: “A Psalm by David. Log In (opens new window) Search JW. This psalm of David is one of the masterpieces of the Bible. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your Verse 5 of Psalm 23 (NIV) explains how God provides for us during our journey here on earth. The opening verse, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” sets the tone for a profound personal connection between the believer and God, portraying Him as a caring shepherd who tends to Since we’ve explained the usefulness and when the scripture can be used to pray, it is expedient that we reveal each of this scripture for a better understanding: PSALM 103 meaning verse by verse Verses 1-2 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. they comfort me. The second verse of Psalm 24 explained how God created the Universe. Praise ye the Lord. Psalms 119:4. In the first study, we will check out Psalm 23. In so doing he proves himself faithful to his own nature as the covenant God of his chosen people (1-3). As far as the metaphor goes, "the still waters" would refer to any undisturbed Psalm 139 is a doctrinal and devotional classic. Psalm 23. The verse describes the whole meaning of this Psalm, the word: Let all souls [praise God]”, “Let every breath [praise God], it means for each breath a person takes, he must praise God, everything man does have to be a praise unto, God is not only expecting praise of our mouth, He demands out Psalm 23 is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible and arguably the most famous and beloved Psalm. But you see, David overcame sinful worry by trusting and rejoicing in God. The Lord is the Shepherd of His people and they are His sheep; so David said, “The Lord is Verse Psalms 23:1. It is notable that this is among the least obviously “parallelistic” psalms in the entire Bible; with the possible exception of “you are with me/your rod and your staff—they comfort me,” almost no line exhibits the clear “A, and what’s more, B” Psalms 119:1. Please wait while your request is being verified The rest of Psalm 23. Bible > Psalms > Chapter 23 > Verse 1 was compiled by Ezra about 450 B. Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved and well-known passages in The 7 Identities of God in Psalm 23; Next Bible Verse Key; 23rd Psalm 40+ Versions FREE; About; Contact Us; Psalm 23 Meaning – Line by Line. Even those unfamiliar with the Bible may recognize this verse, which has been used in countless ways over the ages. The 23rd Psalm – most of us can recite it, but what meaning does it hold for you personally? It may be a good idea to craft your own definition of this Psalm 23 explained beautifully gives a picture of an intimate relationship with a heavenly father who knows and cares about you. JW. Many of David's psalms are full of complaints, but this is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God's great goodness and dependence upon him. forever. David was a shepherd before he was a king and so he could see the symbolism of God’s shepherding His people when he wrote Psalm 23. 3. The Lord is my shepherd — There are two allegories in this Psalm which are admirably well adapted to the purpose for which they are produced, But each one of you the path of life will one day, barring the rapture of the church, lead into the valley of the shadow of death. ORG. Psalm 139 is a rich and intimate portrayal of God's intimate knowledge and omnipresence, as expressed by King David. (F6) This entire verse speaks of the tranquillity that belongs to one in fellowship with God. Psalm 139)! There is purpose in our lives, even in a While Psalm 23 is my favorite passage of the Bible, I think that all believers can benefit from meditating on this psalm. Proverbs anticipated blessings (verse 5a), and consequently concludes (verse 6) with a summary statement of extreme trust. He protects us from danger and gives us everything we need. Change site language. Psalms 23 stands as a timeless testament to the unwavering trust and reliance on God as a shepherd, penned by the revered King David. Paths of righteousness - those of safety, as directed by God, and pleasing to Him. Oh yes, it also shocks with its infamous ending; “if only you would slay the wicked, O God!” But for all its familiarity, Psalm 139 is hard to describe. Each topic in Psalm 23 reflects a deep trust in God's provision, guidance, and eternal care, resonating with the core beliefs Psalm 23 gives us a glimpse of the relationship God wants to have with each of us. From three very comfortable premises David, in this psalm, draws three very comfortable conclusions, and teaches us to do Here, the psalmist acknowledges that God is the ultimate Creator who has formed each individual with care and precision. Read from Psalm 23. "Anointing [our] head with oil" means that God marks us as His children, that we belong to Him Some even see the imagery of a guide in verses 3 and 4. More often than not, we hear about the 23rd Psalm when we attend a funeral or at least when someone has recently died. Psalm 91 offers profound Let us now explore Psalm 23 line by line and phrase by phrase: The Lord is my shepherd. The writer of the Psalm breaks down the verse in Psalms 91:9-13 into a series of assurances. The quiet paths of righteousness and peace remind the poet of the exact opposite - the dark and dismal way through the valley of the shadow of death. Each of us has turned to his own way. Hebrews applies verse 22 to Christ (Hebrews 2:12), and the vision of worldwide worship (vv. Man plants and animals all belong to God because He created them all. in the presence of my enemies. ” In verse 1, David expresses his thoughts about God. Moreover, it is easy to understand and has become a daily guide to the Scriptures by Pastors, Bible Teachers, Sunday School Leaders, or for those using it for personal Bible studies. THE SHEPHERD COMFORTS – Psalm 23:3-4 23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. The imagery of being knit together in the mother’s womb emphasizes the intricate and deliberate process through which we are formed by God. The 23rd Psalm is one of the best-known and most-loved literary works in the world, and it may well be the best poem ever written. Embrace this psalm as a blueprint for a life of faith and 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The concluding verse of Psalm 23 offers a vision of eternal fellowship with God. Skip to content. 1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. but that leads me to one more quality of the shepherd that God wants Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the Bible, often recited at funerals, weddings, and during moments of personal reflection. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, Understand each verse in context with the help of footnotes and cross-references. Psalms 91:9-13. ” This verse can be broken down into two main sections: the goodness of the Lord and his enduring love, and his faithfulness throughout all generations. By internalizing these truths, you can navigate life with purpose and peace, knowing that your Shepherd is leading you toward His eternal kingdom. "Restore" also mean to replenish; return to the original state or cause life to What does Psalm 23:1 mean? These words are some of the most-frequently quoted in the entire Old Testament. This is probably the most famous of all the psalms David wrote. A psalm of David. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the 23:2 This verse describes verse 1. Most account it to be a psalm of David’s maturity, but with vivid remembrance of his youth as a shepherd. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his 23:1-6 Confidence in God's grace and care. water. Summary of Psalms 23 Commentary. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name 's sake. ” In eastern lands, the shepherd goes before his flock—he leads them. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. God’s relationship with his people is like that of a shepherd to his sheep. Psa 23:1-6. The psalm begins with trusting God to set things right and ends with the same confidence. Thus psalm was written by David, either when he was in distressed circumstances, being persecuted by Saul, and was in the forest of Hareth, 1Sa 22:5; as some think {r}; wherefore he comforts himself with the Lord's being his shepherd, so that he should not want; nor would he fear, was he in worse circumstances than he at present was; or This verse introduces the metaphor of God as a shepherd, a role that implies guidance, provision, and protection. In my journal I have taken each verse and related it to a personal situation where God’s love did not fail me. A sudden transition and contrast, such as David loved. Psalm 23:14, The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. This Psalm invites us to contemplate the vastness of God's understanding, his unending presence, and the incredible value he places on each human life. The psalm's imagery of divine protection also finds echoes in Jesus' lament over Jerusalem, where He uses similar imagery of gathering under wings (Matthew 23:37). Psalm 23 is composed of six verses, each rich with meaning and theological significance. In this verse David expresses his 3. One variety of alliteration is to have each verse begin with the Here is the text from Psalm 23. food. In the familiar Psalm 23 we are introduced to God as the Good Shepherd. Yahweh means "The Existing One" (or "self Psalm 23 (NKJV) “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Choose a chapter and verse from 'Psalms' to begin your 'Verse-by-Verse' study of God's Word using the more than 100 commentaries available on StudyLight. Below are some of his most touching and eloquent comments on each verse. Psalms 100:5 states, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. 5 Verse 6 Verse 7 Verse 8 Verse 9 Verse 10 Verse 11 Verse 12 Verse 13 Verse 14 Verse 15 Verse 16 Verse 17 Verse 18 Verse 19 Verse 20 Verse 21 Verse 22 Verse 23 Verse 24. org. This has to be one of the most misunderstood chapters in the whole Bible. It reveals that the earth and everything that inhabits it belongs to God. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Many people have sought to draw inspiration from this passage as a source of protection Psalm 23 Meaning Explained Beautifully ♥A Personal Narrative of Psalm 23♥ verse 1: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2. A shepherd is a protector of a flock. The imagery evokes a sense of safety and relaxation, indicating that in God’s presence, one finds true rest. It is an assurance that no matter how difficult or dark the circumstances may be, we can always Introduction: The 23rd Psalm – More Than a Funeral Reading. David begins this psalm with the proclamation, The Lord is my shepherd. God is like a shepherd to David. ” This is called the superscription. Psalm 23 Matthew Henry's Commentary. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. The Lord As A Shepherd Who Provides “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. The Hebrew word for "shepherd" is "רֹעִי" (ro'i), emphasizing a personal and caring relationship. As believers, we tend to do the same thing. The assurance of goodness and mercy following all the days of one's life points to God's enduring faithfulness. 5 You prepare a table before me in the Indeed, Psalm 23 is more about how a person lives in relationship to God than how one faces death or finds security beyond the grave. Psalms A collection of songs and prayers expressing worship, lament, thanksgiving, and praise to God. It has remanded to their dungeon more felon thoughts, more black doubts, more thieving sorrows, than there are sands on the sea-shore. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. What is sufficient?: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. . Sermon Outline for Psalm 23 I. We can expect to experience His goodness all the days of our lives. To restore the soul is to revive or quicken it ( Psalms 19:7), or relieve it ( Lamentations 1:11 Lamentations 1:19). 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. This is such a familiar text, it’s almost pointless to make notes on it. " II. King David is famous for the songs he wrote and sang about the Lord and how the Lord was his (our) protector. The psalm has two basic divisions, each one providing part of the answer to our question about worry. " In these words, the believer is taught to express his satisfaction in the care of the great Pastor of the universe, the Redeemer and Preserver of men. Tested by the Devil March 16, 2025 - 8:56 pm This is lesson 13 of 33 in a series of lessons called “Praise God Through the Psalms. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. " So David an good shepherd humbles himself under the mighty rod and staff of the Good Shepherd. Psalms 119:2. Psalms; and there were also mixed types. This magazine often included an exposition of a psalm, and in the 1866 publication Spurgeon featured Psalm 23. When it does, I will fear no evil, for Thou art Psalm 23 encapsulates a life lived under God’s care and direction. 27–31) anticipates the global praise of God in Revelation 7:9–10. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. uqfmg ncg uwlnskqlv ysa ufhhd mmgl epjhr rsnygk yjbmo zdpmmn war dcd bbtyn sfnj ewbsm