The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, 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. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. David, the author of this song, portrays God as a Shepherd guarding His flock, proudly proclaiming himself under God's personal care as his Protector and Provider. He expresses confidence that he would lack nothing to support his body and life, comparing himself to a lamb contentedly grazing, resting, and drinking under the Shepherd's watch. David, aware of his sin, knows that God redeemed him and gave him life, finding joy in forgiveness. He shows no fear even in the face of death, drawing peace of mind from God's presence. God promises to bless even amidst enemies, supplying needs exceedingly abundantly. Following God's way, David looks forward to a full physical life and, ultimately, abundant, eternal life in God's Kingdom.

God's Word often uses vivid metaphors drawn from the natural world to teach profound lessons, and Psalm 23 exemplifies this through the imagery of sheep and their shepherd. In this psalm, David, who was intimately acquainted with shepherding, portrays himself as a sheep under the care of the Lord, his Shepherd. He declares with pride in verse 1, "The Lord is my Shepherd," emphasizing a personal relationship of trust and dependence. This statement lays the foundation for the entire psalm, contrasting the care of the Lord with other masters, and highlighting the sheep's boastful confidence in having the best Shepherd. David's words reflect the perspective of the sheep, expressing contentment with the statement, "I shall not want." This does not imply a life free from privation or hardship, as David himself endured many struggles, but rather an assurance of receiving the most expert care and management available in the universe. Sheep require constant attention due to their vulnerability to predators, diseases, and their tendency to wander, and their well-being depends entirely on the shepherd's dedication. Similarly, the Lord provides unwavering care, guidance, and protection to His flock, ensuring their needs are met despite challenges. The psalm underscores the Shepherd's tender concern and sacrificial attitude, paralleling the care a good shepherd shows by risking his life for the sheep. This care is personal and intimate, as the Shepherd knows each sheep individually, fostering a relationship of trust and loyalty. David's boast in having the Lord as his Shepherd stems from recognizing the awesome power and loving character of the Creator, who, despite managing a vast creation, remains deeply aware of and concerned for each individual under His care.

Psalm 23 begins with a powerful declaration of trust and pride in the care of the Shepherd. The sheep, aware of the superior attention and provision it receives, boasts to others, saying, The LORD is my Shepherd. This reflects a recognition of being deliberately chosen by the Creator, the wisest and most powerful Being, to be part of His flock. As the focus of His attention, the sheep experiences the best in guidance and spiritual provision, never lacking proper management despite temporary hardships. The psalm continues with the imagery of the Shepherd making the sheep lie down in green pastures, illustrating the need for rest and security. Sheep will not lie down unless free from fear, tension within the flock, pests, and hunger. The Shepherd ensures these conditions are met, providing peace and care so the flock can thrive. Similarly, the Shepherd leads the sheep beside still waters, satisfying their deep thirst and offering refreshment and vitality, essential for their well-being. Further, the psalm speaks of restoration with the line, He restores my soul. This refers to the Shepherd's tender care in rescuing a sheep that has become cast down, unable to stand due to being on its back. The Shepherd searches for the lost sheep, kneads its body to relieve built-up gas, and carries it back to the flock, showing a balance of concern and affection. This act reveals the Shepherd's deep care, ensuring the sheep's survival and return to safety. Finally, the psalm describes the Shepherd leading in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Sheep, creatures of habit, can ruin pastures by overgrazing if left to themselves. The Shepherd prevents this by keeping the flock moving between pastures, ensuring fresh grass and avoiding parasites. This constant movement reflects the Shepherd's diligent management, guiding the sheep to maintain their health and vitality through disciplined care.

Psalm 23, renowned and cherished among many, holds profound daily application for our lives. Beginning in verse 4, the psalm shifts to a personal dialogue between the sheep and the Shepherd, as the sheep declares, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me." This intimate conversation reflects a transition from home base to the spring and summer pastures, set against a backdrop of mountains, rushing rivers, and high meadows, environments familiar to David, the psalmist, who knew of predators and harsh weather. The journey to a closer relationship with God is not an easy ascent but a walk through valleys of deep gloom, encompassing daily trials, frustrations, and fears. The sheep's confidence lies in the Shepherd's presence, as it states, "I will fear no evil for You are with me." These shadowed areas, though daunting, are necessary paths to the top, where God's presence offers strength and refreshment, likened to water in the valleys, fostering life and fruitfulness for others through shared experiences. In verse 5, the psalm illustrates the Shepherd's care as the sheep faces enemies and irritations, such as flies, in the high tablelands. The Shepherd prepares the mesa beforehand, ensuring the sheep can eat without fear, and anoints the sheep's head to protect against pests, symbolizing comfort amid daily aggravations. The rod and staff further comfort the sheep, with the rod serving as a tool of correction and defense, ensuring peace within the flock, and the staff guiding and drawing the sheep into intimate relationship, reflecting gentle guidance. The psalm concludes with the sheep's contentment and commitment, stating, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." This reflects a full cycle of a year, returning to the home ranch, with the sheep utterly satisfied and desiring to remain in the Shepherd's presence always, showcasing a deep trust in the Shepherd's continual care and management.