Reading: Psalm 23
INTRODUCTION
Maybe you learned these verses as a child. Even if you didn’t, I am sure that you have often read or sung this song that is usually referred to as ‘The Twenty-third Psalm.’ You may even have heard it at a funeral; in spite of the fact that it is not a song of mourning but one that celebrates the happiness of having a close relationship with the Lord, of enjoying his provision, guidance and protection throughout all the changing circumstances of life. These six short verses, which are usually read or rhymed off on autopilot, contain details that most people never notice.
Towards the end of last month, October 2026, media outlets reported that Sir Cliff Richard is intending to release a reggae version of the twenty-third psalm later this month, in time for a shot at the Christmas charts. When I read that I thought: ‘Oh, that’s interesting’ and suddenly realised that, because of my own familiarity with the psalm, I had never considered it properly. So I have been doing that for the past couple of weeks and I trust that by the end of this study, you too will have noticed fresh details in verses that you might have previously skipped past.
THE BACKGROUND TO PSALM 23
The Hebrew superscription of Psalm 23 is ‘A psalm of David,’ which could mean ‘A psalm by David’ or ‘A psalm for David.’ Generally speaking, it is thought that David was the author. The title does not include any biographical details relating to the composition of the psalm but many scholars suggest that David drew upon memories of his youth as a shepherd (cf. Psa 78:70-71) when he wrote this psalm at a later stage in life; possibly when on the run in the wilderness of Judah following a coup by Absalom, one of his sons.
Most scholars identify three divisions in Psalm 23. It begins and ends with a section about the Lord and sandwiched between these is a short section addressed to the Lord. The psalm is full of vivid imagery. The most famous is that of the Lord as Shepherd but he is also seen as Guide and Protector during dangerous travel and as a gracious Host offering generous hospitality.
STRUCTURE OF PSALM 23
1-3 PROVISION
4-5 PROTECTION
6 PRESERVATION
THE PLACEMENT OF PSALM 23 IN THE PSALTER
The Book of Psalms is arranged in five main books. Book 1 comprises Psalms 1-41, so Psalm 23 is approximately in the middle of that section. The placement of a psalm can enhance its meaning beyond its own words. This does not mean that its original sense becomes swamped but rather that its position can enable readers to think about it along with what comes before and after. I have listened to many sermons which treated Psalm 23 in sequence with Psalms 22 and 24.
Psalm 23 is a hymn of trust, in contrast with the preceding psalm – Psalm 22 – which is a lament expressing (the Messiah’s) pain and in contrast with the succeeding psalm – Psalm 24 – which is about God’s universal sovereignty and the acclamation of ‘the King of Glory.’ As a child I used to accompany my father to his preaching engagements on Sunday evenings. In his preaching he sometimes linked these three psalms together using the headings: The Cross, The Crook, The Crown. Over the years I have heard others preach a similar sermon but with slightly different headings, for example Cross, Care, Coming; Grace, Guidance, Glory; Provision, Protection, Prospect; Substitute, Shepherd, Sovereign; Sword, Staff, Sceptre; Yesterday, Today, Forever.
Psalm 23 is not quoted in the New Testament but New Testament writers do apply the image of Shepherd to Jesus Christ, for example; the Good Shepherd, Great Shepherd and Chief Shepherd.
THE GOOD SHEPHERD – SPEAKING OF REDEMPTION
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. John 10:11
THE GREAT SHEPHERD – SPEAKING OF RESURRECTION
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Hebrews 13:20
THE CHIEF SHEPHERD – SPEAKING OF REWARD
And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4
EXPLANATION OF PSALM 23
(1-3) PROVISION
(1) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
The psalmist commences with a strong statement of trust by calling the Lord ‘my shepherd.’ The word ‘shepherd’ means ‘someone who feeds or tends.’ Since ‘my’ is personal the expression ‘my Shepherd’ conveys both intimacy and dependence. Sheep are helpless without a shepherd, unable to find food, water or safety alone. A shepherd, however, knows his sheep, feeds, watches over them and guides them to safety.
In the ancient world the shepherd metaphor was commonly applied to kings and rulers, referring to their responsibility to protect and provide for their subjects. In several psalms God is viewed as Israel’s shepherd (74:1; 77:20; 79:13; 80:1), this description also occurs in Isaiah 40:11 and Micah 7:14. The idea can be traced back as far as Israel’s (Jacob) blessing upon his family in the book of Genesis: And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, Genesis 48:15
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. Psalm 80:1
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11
Kings and rulers are referred to as shepherds in 1 Kgs 22:17; Ezek 34:1-10; Jer 23;1-4.
‘The Lord my Shepherd’ is one of the compound names of God using YHWH (often translated as Yahweh, the Lord, Jehovah). See COMPOUND NAMES OF YHWH
Let us bear in mind that David was going through difficult circumstances (probably fleeing for his life) and yet he expresses great confidence. It is as if he was saying to his enemies: ‘I am not afraid of you because my shepherd is the Lord.’ The one who protects David is the self-existing, formidable God of eternity who is the Creator of everything.
‘I shall not want’ – the meaning of the English word ‘want’ has changed over the centuries. Children say the word ‘want’ a lot: ‘I want toys, sweets, money etc.’ Teenagers definitely say it. Adults also want things – a pay rise, success, new car etc. In the modern sense ‘want’ means ‘wish for’ or ‘desire’ but that is not what it means in the context of Psalm 23 where it means to lack some necessity. David testifies that because the Lord is his shepherd he will not lack any necessity – the remainder of the psalm is a commentary on this opening statement in v.1: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack any necessity.’ Thus David declares his exclusive loyalty to and reliance upon the Lord before spending the rest of the psalm telling us why that is so.
David knew the Lord as his shepherd. I wonder, do you know him personally as your shepherd? ‘I shall not want’ does not mean that whoever trusts him will possess every comfort or escape every hardship. It does not guarantee worldly prosperity but it does mean that the Lord will provide all that is necessary. This he has done particularly in relation to salvation. In John 10:11 the Lord Jesus Christ identified himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. He willingly laid down his life on the cross to purchase our salvation.
Do you know him? Or do you know about him rather than knowing him? You may know that he is a shepherd but can you say with assurance; ‘The Lord is my shepherd?’ ‘ My’ is a small word that makes a big difference. You cannot truly claim that he is your shepherd until you first receive him as your saviour.
(2) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
The metaphor continues in verse 2 where the shepherd is seen as the provider of rest, refreshment and right paths. He leads the way and the sheep follow. The verb ‘make to lie down’ is that normally used for causing or allowing a flock to lie down (cf. Song of Songs 1:7). There is no suggestion of forcing the animals to rest; they do so out of trust and submission to the shepherd who watches over them. The ‘green pastures’ and ‘still waters’ depict provision that brings peace. The sheep can rest because because the shepherd brings them to a place of safety that also has good nourishment. They eat in lush pastures and then it is time to drink where quiet waters run. This imagery tells us that Lord’s provision is continual – the verbs in these verses (maketh, leadeth, restoreth) are present tense. The Lord is not exercising emergency rescue, his provision of care, nourishment and rest is ongoing.
The shepherd leads his flock to a place where they can rest and be refreshed. The Devil, however, only provides dry places and no rest- When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. Luke 11:24
(3) He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
He restoreth my soul may be translated as ‘my life he brings back.’ The verb ‘restore’ means to return something to its original state or to proper condition. The psalmist views himself as a sheep, perhaps one that has wandered in unfamiliar and hostile territory and become exhausted, whom the shepherd causes to come back and then gives the strength to continue.
As the Lord’s metaphorical sheep sometimes all is not well in our Christian lives. We can feel dispirited and become exhausted; by things like opposition from the world, difficult circumstances, secret sin or coldness of heart. When we look to him (I see a hint of repentance here), then the Good Shepherd revives us through his word, the Bible. C. H Spurgeon wrote: When the soul grows sorrowful he revives it; when it is sinful he sanctifies it; when it is weak he strengthens it.
PLAN – he leadeth me – the shepherd not only revives the sheep but also guides him, leading him in the right paths. In the New Testament parable of The Good Shepherd Jesus said: he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. John 10:3-4
PATHS – in the paths of righteousness – This phrase shows that the revival or renewal has a direction: the Lord leads in right paths. The shepherd doesn’t just offer comfort and care but he guides towards that which is just and good. The word for ‘paths’ is tracks – wagon tracks. The shepherd leads the sheep along proven, safe routes.
PURPOSE – for his name’s sake – The ground of this revival and guidance is God’s own character (represented by his name). It is not due to the sheep’s personal merit or activity but the result of the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness. The sustaining help comes from God alone and as God’s character is revealed by it the sheep come to know him even better.
And the LORD passed by before him [Moses], and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. . . Exodus 34:6-7
4-5 PROTECTION
(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.
‘Yea’ or ‘indeed’ says the psalmist, intensifying what he says, ‘even though I walk through a death-dark (i.e. very dark, darkest) valley, I will fear no harm.’ In the first instance this is not a reference to death but to high risk, dangerous situations we encounter throughout life. Psalm 23 does not pretend that the journey of life is always safe and peaceful. At times we will travel through dark valleys. We do not know how long those episodes will last for the psalm does not include a timetable, Thankfully it says ‘through’ not ‘in.’ Walking ‘through the darkest valley’ is a vivid image of danger, grief and distress. Note that the darkest valley is not avoided but it is walked through; and the dark shadow implies that the sun is still shining above it.
At the mention of the dark valley David now addresses the Lord directly with a statement of utmost confidence and assurance: ‘You are with me!’ Note the change. Before this it was ‘He, He, He, now it is Thou, Thy, Thy.’ David is no longer talking about the shepherd, he talks to the shepherd. He is sure of the divine presence with him in the darkest valley, not just at the green pastures and beside peaceful waters. He will not surrender to fear because the Lord is present and the shepherd’s rod and staff give comfort and assurance. These items are the shepherd’s tools. With the rod (crook) he steers and with the staff (club) he protects from predators and enemies.
(5) Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Still talking to the Lord David now seems to leave aside the metaphor of the Lord as shepherd and shifts the imagery to that of the Lord as a gracious and bountiful host, although the theme of protection continues with the presence of enemies. A prepared table, anointed head and overflowing cup suggest welcome, honour and abundance. The host does not provide just the bare minium, the anointing with oil and the overflowing cup emphasise the idea of generous hospitality. In Ancient Near Eastern culture what more could the weary traveller want?
– a table laid out with good food.
– head moistened with soothing olive oil. (cf. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Luke 7:44-46
– an overflowing cup.
The enemies remain in view but the host cares for the guest even in the face of threats. A host was obliged to protect his guests. This image is a picture of safety, security and joy.
6 PRESERVATION
(6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
The psalmist David draws the conclusion from what he has just said that divine care and kindness will accompany him throughout life. He will certainly be pursued by God’s goodness (that which enhances life) and mercy (loyal love) for as long as he lives. He wants to remain close to God and looks forward to returning (the word translated ‘dwell’ means ‘to return’) to the security and harmony of the Lord’s sanctuary for many long days. In the first instance this verse is about David’s life here and now, not a prophecy of his future after death. Fleeing from and pursued by his enemies he was confident that the Lord his shepherd would protect, guide him and eventually lead him back to Jerusalem to worship in the Tabernacle that was pitched on Mount Zion.
Notice that the psalm begins and ends with ‘the Lord:’ The Lord is my shepherd (v.1) and the house of the Lord forever (v.2).
SUMMATION
Psalm 23 is mostly written from the viewpoint of a sheep who expresses intimacy with and loyalty to his shepherd. He confidently asserts that his shepherd is the Lord who will provide all that he needs. The psalm teaches about trust through images of care: the shepherd provides, restores, guides and protects. He leads through green pastures, is present in the darkest valley, and leads the sheep to its destination which is life in God’s presence. The psalm also views the Lord as a generous host who welcomes the traveller in spite of opposition. Goodness and mercy accompany him throughout life and guide him to ultimate security in God’s presence.
The ‘Twenty-third Psalm’ has remained a favourite down through the centuries because it paints a true-to-life picture. The psalmist does not pretend that life is anything other than what it is – a journey that takes us through green pastures and dark valleys alike. The psalm does not promise believers an absence of difficulties and hardship but it does promise the presence of the Shepherd who leads, guides, protects and preserves his flock through every circumstance.
This is good news for today, we live in a society that is frightened by uncertainty and anxious about provision. This psalm encourages all to put their trust in the Lord, to rest in the One who supplies everthing that we truly need, who restores our weary souls and leads us along right paths. The darkest valley is real but so are the rod and staff that comfort us. The enemies are real but so is the table prepared for us. Beyond the green pastures and the vale of death’s dark shadow lies the final horizon – the sheep safely home and living in the presence of the Lord forever. We do not know what tomorrow holds but whatever it brings the Christian can face it with confidence: ‘The Lord is my shepherd’ – and that means everything.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
SERMONS
Pastor David Johnston, 1-26-20, The Valley of the Shadow of Death: Psalm 23:4, Temple Baptist Church, Laurens, South Carolina
Pastor David Johnston, 11-10-24, The Secret of a Protected Life: Psalm 23:4-5, Temple Baptist Church, Laurens, South Carolina
Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). God always cares by Charles H. Spurgeon. [online] Gospelweb.net. Available at: https://gospelweb.net/SpurgGodAlwaysCares/SpurgeonPsalm23.htm [Accessed 15 Nov. 2026].
ELECTRONIC RESOURCES
Huston, R. (2026). Sir Cliff Richard bids for 5th Christmas No1 with reggae version of Psalm 23. [online] Premierchristian.news. Available at: https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/cliff-richard-punts-for-another-christmas-hit [Accessed 15 Nov. 2026].
