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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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A Psalm by David.

1Yahweh is my shepherd:I shall lack nothing.2He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters.3He restores my soul.He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4Even 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.5You prepare a table before mein the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil.My cup runs over.6Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life,and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.

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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