Psalm 23 - The Lord is my Shepherd

Song Page for Psalm 23

Lyrics

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.¹

Bible Commentary

1 The figure representing Jehovah as a shepherd and His people as sheep, is common in the Scriptures. To understand and appreciate the beauty and meaning of the imagery, one must know the hazardous nature of the Judean wilderness, and the intimate life the shepherd and his sheep, especially the devotion that springs up between them during the many hours of solitude that they spend together. The statement I shall not want displays absolute trust in God.² 2 The Good Shepherd leads His sheep beside the still waters only the better to prepare them for the strenuous activities of the open road. God grants hours of refreshment to enable men the better to meet the hard battles of the daily round of affairs.²

3 To restore the soul is to revive it or bring it back from its errors and wandering³. Those familiar with the rough terrain of Judea know how easy it is to waste time and suffer serious mishap when traversing the highlands, with deep rocky ravines, if they do not find the right path. If we permit, God always leads us in the right way, although at the time that way may not seem easy. God's guidance is a revelation to men of His character.²
4 The valley of the shadow of death is a ravine overhung by high precipitous cliffs, filled with dense forests, and well calculated to inspire dread to the timid, and afford a covert to beasts of prey⁴. Even in the darkest and most trying hour God is near. The Christian needs nothing more than the consciousness of God's presence. The rod and staff are token's of shepherd's presence. He uses them to guide his sheep and ward off ravenous beasts that infested the pasturelands. The shepherd provides rest, refreshment, nourishment,
fellowship, guidance, deliverance from fear, comfort, security, victory over enemies.² 5 Jehovah is even more than a shepherd - He is a king, lavishing upon His guests the bounties of His table. He also provides comfort and gladness. Since God is the host, His child can partake at His feast without concern for his enemies, for he knows that their plots to injure him must come to nought.² 6 David gladly anticipates Gods' guidance in the future and is confident that he will continue to be a guest in God's house all the days of his life and receive His material and spiritual blessings.²
References and notes 1. King James Authorized Version 2. SDA Bible Commentary Vol 3 pgs. 685-687 3. John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible - http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries 4. Jamieson, Fausset, Brown - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible- http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries 5. Catholic Encyclopedia - www.newadvent.org/cathen/12533a.htm Song Reviews for Psalm 23 Simple, melodious and meditative The music is simple, melodious, and meditative. The words are clear and easy to follow. Definitely a great witnessing and teaching tool. - Karen H. Florida, USA Sept 25, 2007 Like the beat I like the beat along with how the singer ...tries to get the message across. Even though it's a psalm that is sing in every language it touches my heart. - Winsome B. Toronto , Canada Aug 7^th, 2007 I prefer this version I know two songs with this psalm and it does not tell what is in the bible, I prefer this one. I like it. - Jane S. (Barbados) 13 May 2007 Exquisite Psalm 23 is exquisite. The Spirit of the Lord rests upon my heart when I hear this magnificent work! well done. - Natalie B. (Quebec, Canada) April 4^th, 2007 Beautiful and moving You rendition of psalm 23 is just about the most beautiful and moving I've ever experienced. - Jonathon M. (Illinois, USA) 15 May, 2006 Gave me such peace What a true "God" song! I just wish I could have written it myself. This song was truly inspired of God. It gave me such peace! Thank you. - Stephanie B. (Texas, USA) 13 March, 2006 I especially loved Psalm 23 Listened to the CD tonight and the songs were beautiful. I especially loved Psalm 23. Thank you for being so diligent in your follow-up. - Jenny C. (Davison, MI USA) 8 February 2006 Fantastic Song "This is a FANTASTIC song my friend and your voice is a angel for sure. The music is balanced just right in this production and over all this song RULZZZ. I congratulate you on a fantastic production, god bless. - Topatoya" (ic-musicmedia.com) 22 March 2005 Music to Psalm 23 This passage is beautifully and lovingly sung. The vocals are sweet to the ears and the music is soothing to my spirit. I Praise the Lord for you and with you. - danoo (USA) 30 December 2004