Psalm 23
Our study of Genesis introduced us to the mighty Creator God, who spoke the world into being, as well as the personal God who writes his story in us. When the patriarch Jacob was nearing death, he stated that God had been his shepherd “all my life long to this day” (Gen. 48:15). Six hundred years later, when the nation of Israel was well established, King David echoed Jacob’s words in the twenty-third psalm. This psalm is rich in depicting how God cares for his own. In the past two days, we have explored the first three verses. Today, as we conclude this psalm, let’s begin with verse 4.
Psalm 23:4
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.
The shepherd’s schedule was divided into three seasons. In late spring and early summer, the flock was led to the mountains for grazing in the meadows. The shepherd moved to lower elevations in autumn when the snow began to fall. At year’s end, the sheep were returned to the home pens to spend the winter.
In this psalm, the sheep are kept in the home pastures. However, now, in late spring, the shepherd leads the flock to graze on the rich forage of the mountains. A skilled shepherd knows the terrain like the back of his hand. He never takes the sheep to any area he hasn’t scouted. The shepherd understands that the valleys offer the gentlest inclines, rich pastures, and plentiful water—all essential for the long move up the mountain. However, some narrow valleys, with cliffs on either side, cast dark shadows. These valleys make the sheep vulnerable to predators, rockslides, poisonous plants, and storms that cause flash floods. Yet, even in the perilous narrow valleys, the “valley of the shadow of death,” the shepherd’s presence calms all fears.
The rod is the shepherd’s tool, helpful for bringing back a wandering sheep, chasing away predators, and moving the wool aside to check for parasites. At the end of the day, the sheep pass under the shepherd’s rod, and he counts each one to ensure none are missing.
The Good Shepherd is always with us. He promises never to leave us. And even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we know he will be there to welcome us home. Whoever trusts the Good Shepherd will cross from death to eternal life (John 5:24).
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
In the high country, the shepherd found the tablelands, which are known in the western United States as “mesas,” the Spanish term for “table.” The shepherd explored the tablelands for poisonous plants and contaminated water holes. He prepared the area and protected the grazing sheep from wild animals that could threaten the flock.
Just as the shepherd worked hard to prepare the tablelands, the Good Shepherd also labored to make a way for us. Jesus faced temptations just as we do, allowing him to empathize with our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15). He died on the cross for our sins, opening the way to God. The prophet Isaiah noted that, like sheep, we are vulnerable and likely to stray, but “the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:6).
The summer months in the mountains provided ample grazing land but presented numerous threats. Insects known as nose flies would buzz around sheep’s heads, attempting to lay eggs in the moist membranes of their noses. If successful, the eggs would hatch, and worm-like larvae would make their way up the sheep’s nostrils, leading to inflammation and severe irritation. The shepherd created a special ointment to combat nose flies and applied it to the flock’s noses. One shepherd described the suffering caused by nose flies like this:
They will stamp their feet erratically and race from place to place in the pasture, trying desperately to elude the flies. Some may run so much they will drop from sheer exhaustion. Others may toss their heads up and down for hours. They will hide in any bush or woodland that offers shelter. On some occasions they may refuse to graze in the open at all.
All this excitement and distraction has a devastating effect on the entire flock. Ewes and lambs rapidly lose condition and begin to drop in weight. The ewes will go off milking and their lambs will stop growing…. [1]
Summertime is not only a time for flies but also for scabs. Sheep often rub their heads together in a friendly and affectionate way, which permits parasites and diseases to pass between them. Therefore, a healing ointment made from olive oil, sulfur, and spices is applied to their heads.[2]
As summer comes to an end, the flies and scabs fade away. During this period, the sheep are at their fittest and strongest. Thus, David can say, “My cup overflows”—this is the healthiest time for the sheep. Just as the shepherd cares for his flock and anoints their heads with oil, the Good Shepherd anoints us with his Spirit. There are times of abundant blessings in our lives when we can declare, “My cup overflows.”
Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
David concludes this psalm with a strong affirmation of confidence and contentment. The Shepherd will be with us throughout our lives. Do you remember Jacob’s words as he neared death? He stated that God had been his shepherd “all my life long to this day” (Gen. 48:15). Believers have the same assurance for both this life and eternity!
Let’s close with the apostle John’s words in Revelation 7.
Revelation 7:15b-17
[A]nd he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
We can each say with complete certainty—the Lord is my Shepherd! I have everything I need… both now and for eternity.
PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Read Psalm 23. What does it mean for you to think of God as your shepherd? How does this truth bring comfort and guidance in your life?
Talking to God
Thank God for his guidance, care, protection, and his constant presence.
Have Questions?
Please ask our team if you have any questions about today’s reading or teaching. They are here to assist you as you explore God’s Word. Submit your question below, and they’ll reply soon.
LIFE MAP
Go to ronmoore.org/lifemap for an exercise that will help you discover how God is writing his story in you. I have included a life map of Joseph that will serve as an example.
JOB: GOD’S STORY IN OUR SUFFERING—Starting March 3
Are you seeking answers to life’s toughest questions? Join me as we study enduring lessons from the Book of Job and apply them to our lives. Invite another person (or two or three) to join us.
[1] Phillip Keller, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1970), 116.
[2] During mating season, rams butt heads to demonstrate dominance and attract females. This ramming can cause serious injury or death. Therefore, the shepherd applies oil to the rams’ heads to reduce damage during head-butting. With the ointment, their slick heads slide off each other.
Pastor Ron, I have studied the 23 Psalm but your teaching of it brought it to light in such a profound way. I love how God takes a verse that we have read over and over and illuminates it. Again, enjoying your daily teaching as an adjunct to my bible study.