Title. A Psalm. See App-65 . See note on title of Psalms 22:0 . The LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. The LORD ... my shepherd. One of the Jehovah Titles. See App-4 , "Jehovah-Ro'i". Figures of Speech. Metaphor and Anthropopatheia. App-6 . not want. Because "Jehovah will provide", Jehovah-Jireh. See App-4 . read more
maketh me = causeth me (implying continuance). lie down. We need making so as to feed, and not trample the pastures down. green pastures = choice pastures. Hebrew "pastures of tender grass". leadeth me = causeth me to rest. Hebrew. nahal, to lead flocks. still waters. Hebrew "waters of rests", JEHOVAH-SHALOM. App-4 . read more
PSALM 23THE SHEPHERD PSALMWriters have tried to outdo one another in describing the popularity, beauty, and delight of this little psalm. It is described as perhaps the most popular chapter in the Old Testament, which is undoubtedly the truth.The Davidic authorship of it is generally accepted. "No really valid argument has yet been advanced against it."[1] However, the date of its composition is uncertain. The metaphor of the shepherd which dominates the passage suggests the early life of the... read more
Psalms 23:0. David's confidence in God's grace. A Psalm of David. Title.— לדוד מזמור mizmor ledavid. In this psalm David expresses his confidence in God, who had delivered him from the persecutions of Saul, and settled him in a prosperous condition: whom, therefore, he here compares first to a good shepherd, who carefully feeds and diligently watches over his flock; and, secondly, to a hospitable friend, by whom he was sure of being liberally and splendidly entertained. See the note on Psalms... read more
Psalms 23:2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, &c.— Rabbi Solomon tells us, (most likely upon the credit of ancient tradition,) that, when David went into the forest of Hareth, it became fruitful and irriguous, though it had been before dry, barren, and impassable; and that David alludes hereto in this psalm, where he considers God as his shepherd, who would, in his own time, lead him into fruitful pastures; and till then he was safe under his protection in the most dangerous... read more
1. Christ's relation to His people is often represented by the figure of a shepherd (John 10:14; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4), and therefore the opinion that He is the Lord here so described, and in Genesis 48:15; Psalms 80:1; Isaiah 40:11, is not without some good reason. read more
2. green pastures—or, "pastures of tender grass," are mentioned, not in respect to food, but as places of cool and refreshing rest. the still waters—are, literally, "waters of "stillness," whose quiet flow invites to repose. They are contrasted with boisterous streams on the one hand, and stagnant, offensive pools on the other. read more
David compared Yahweh to a shepherd as he reviewed His blessings on his life (cf. Psalms 28:9; Psalms 80:1). This was a familiar role for David who had been a shepherd of sheep as a youth and who later became a shepherd of God’s people as their king. Other ancient Near Eastern kings also described themselves as the shepherds of their nations. [Note: E.g., King Hammurabi. See James B. Pritchard, ed., Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament, p. 164.] Even some pagan gods were... read more
1. God as leader 23:1-4 read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6
Psalms 23:0 Divine shepherd and hostGod’s relationship with his people is like that of a shepherd to his sheep. He provides what is best for them, refreshes them continually, and guides them in the way that he knows is right. In so doing he proves himself faithful to his own nature as the covenant God of his chosen people (1-3).Despite God’s provision and guidance, there will be dangers along the way. But as a shepherd uses his club (rod) to beat off wild animals, and his crook (staff) to... read more