Psalm 23:1-2
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6
The good Shepherd and his flock. This is one of the sweetest of all the psalms. That it was written by him who was raised from having care of a flock to be the king on Israel's throne, there is no reason for doubting, spite of all that destructive critics may say. No amount of Hebrew scholarship can possibly let any one into the deep meaning of this psalm. No attainments in English literature will ever initiate any student into the mysteries of a mother's love, and no attainments in... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6
The good Shepherd. Dr. Arnold said that "amongst Christians, all looking upon the Scriptures as their rule of faith and life, there are particular passages which will most suit the wants of particular minds, and appear to them therefore full of an extraordinary measure of comfort and of wisdom." This is true. Most people have their favourite passages of Scripture. But it may be said of this psalm that it holds a peculiar position. It has for more than three thousand years been one of the... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6
The power of reflection. The psalmist looks back over his life, and sings with grateful heart of God's love and care. We may use the psalm as bringing before us some of the changes and contrasts of life. I. YOUTH AND AGE . This psalm breathes the air of youth. It is the echo of the shepherd-life among the hills of Judah. But the psalmist was now old. Still, he cleaves to God. Happy are they who have sought God early, and whose days from youth to age are linked together by natural... read more
Spence, H. D. M., etc.
The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:2
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; literally, in grassy homesteads—" the richer, oasis-like spots, where a homestead would be fixed in a barren tract of land" (Kay). He leadeth me beside the still waters ; rather, waters of refreshment ; ἐπὶ ὓδατος ἀναπαύσεως ( LXX .). read more
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 23:1
The Lord is my shepherd - Compare Genesis 49:24, “From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel;” Psalms 80:1, “Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel.” See also the notes at John 10:1-14. The comparison of the care which God extends over his people to that of a shepherd for his flock is one that would naturally occur to those who were accustomed to pastoral life. It would be natural that it should suggest itself to Jacob Genesis 49:24, and to David, for both of them had been shepherds. David, in... read more
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 23:2
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures - Margin, “Pastures of tender grass.” The Hebrew word rendered “pastures” means usually “dwellings,” or “habitations.” It is applied here properly to “pastures,” as places where flocks and herds lie down for repose. The word rendered in the margin “tender grass” - דשׁא deshe' - refers to the first shoots of vegetation from the earth - young herbage - tender grass - as clothing the meadows, and as delicate food for cattle, Job 6:5. It differs from ripe... read more
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 23:1
Psalms 23:1. The Lord is my shepherd He hath showed himself to be so by his gracious providences toward me; and he hath kindly taken upon himself that office, and condescended to stand in that relation to me, having entered into covenant with me, and thereby engaged to rule, feed, and preserve, and heal me, and do all for me that shepherds do, or are under an obligation of doing for their flocks. David himself had been a shepherd, and, doubtless, well understood, and had carefully performed... read more
Joseph Benson
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 23:2
Psalms 23:2. He maketh me to lie down Not only to feed, but to rest, and enjoy tranquillity, peace, and safety; in green pastures Where there are both delight and plenty. “The loveliest image afforded by the natural world is here represented to the imagination; that of a flock feeding in verdant meadows, and reposing in quietness by the rivers of water running gently through them. It is selected to convey an idea of the provision made for the souls as well as bodies of men by His goodness... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:1-4
God's providential care. "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want" etc. God's care and providence over man are denoted by the following things. I. HE GIVES REST TO THE WEARY . "Maketh me to lie down in green pastures." Man is a combatant; he has a fight to maintain, a work to do; and he shall have seasons to rest from his exhaustion. He is a pilgrim-traveller. He has rest from bodily toil. So also rest from spiritual work. But the rest is spiritual in its kind. Not... read more