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The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide. Holy Bible, New International Reader’s Version®, NIrV® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998, 2014 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Open Psalm 23 on YouVersion

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1A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4Yea, 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.5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Understanding Psalm 23

Verses 1-3: The Lord is my shepherd

What’s happening. A psalm of David, who was a shepherd before he was a king. In Israel, “shepherd” was also a common picture for a king who cares for his people.

What it means. David says the Lord is his shepherd, so he has everything he truly needs. A good shepherd leads to rest, food and water, and keeps the sheep on safe paths. God cares for his people personally and restores them when they are worn out. Jesus later calls himself “the good shepherd” (John 10:11).

Verses 4-6: The valley of the shadow

What’s happening. The second half of Psalm 23. The scene moves from green pastures to a dark valley, and then to a banquet table.

What it means. Life still has dark valleys, but the shepherd walks through them with us, so we need not be ruled by fear. The rod and staff were a shepherd’s tools for protection and guidance. The psalm ends with God as a generous host whose goodness and love follow us every day, and with a home in his presence forever.

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