시편 Chapter 23

Translation: ESV

1

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Key Message

Confessing that God is shepherd is trusting that he fills every need — and this trust is the basis of stability in every situation of life.

▸Psalm 23 is the most beloved poem in all of Scripture.

Psalm 23 is the most beloved poem in all of Scripture. 'The LORD is my shepherd (ro'i)' contains everything — expressing the relationship between God and the believer as that of shepherd and sheep. Because God the shepherd guides, the declaration 'I shall not want' is a confession of faith that all needs will be met. This is not that there is no lack, but the trust that whatever is needed will surely be provided.

Related Verses

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
2

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.

Key Message

God knows our actual needs and meets them in the most appropriate way, and his leading gives us true rest.

▸'Green pastures (ne'ot deshe)' refers to a lush place where sheep can eat and rest, and 'still waters (mei menuhot)' are calm waters — not rushing currents — where sheep can drink at ease.

3

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

Key Message

God's guiding us is not because of our merit but for his own name — his faithfulness — and this is grace.

▸'He restores my soul (nafshi yeshobev)' means breathing life back into a withered and weary soul.

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.

Key Message

Even in the most frightening and dangerous situations, God's presence being with us is the only power that overcomes fear, and that presence consists of love and protection.

▸'The valley of the shadow of death (gei tsalmavet)' signifies the most dangerous situation, shrouded in deep darkness and the shadow of death.

5

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

Key Message

God treats the believer honorably before their enemies, and his blessing overflows abundantly.

▸From the shepherd image through verse 4, verse 5 transitions to the host-guest image.

6

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

Key Message

God's goodness and love follow all of life, and the believer's final destination is to dwell eternally in God's presence.

▸The climax and conclusion of Psalm 23.