Psalm 23, A Shepherd's Song

A psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, 
he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul. 
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Note the parallelism in verses 1-3 (and throughout the psalm.)

David, the shepherd, sees God's actions as similar to his own past actions taking care of vulnerable and simple sheep.

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.

Rod and staff are a shepherd's tools.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 
You anoint my head with oil; 
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

At the end of the psalm, the shepherd/sheep metaphor ends and the Shepherd is a divine Friend, who sets a table and lavishes gifts on the undeserving David.

This is the ancient "Good Shepherd" psalm, long recited by Christians in times of trouble.  It is beautiful in its calm simplicity.  The sheep unknowingly walk through dangerous valleys while an alert shepherd protects them; the sheep look for good food and good days and they are provided.  But David is more aware of the Shepherd than any sheep could ever be, and so he is grateful and commits to staying close to God.

For next time: Read Psalm 24.

I will post on Psalm 24 on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.