“The Lord is my shepherd” – why does that phrase bring us so much comfort? Because we are confident that the Lord will provide for us, just as shepherds make sure their sheep have enough food to eat and water to drink (verse 2). But in the days that David was taking care of his flock in the semi-arid land of Israel, shepherds had to lead their sheep from mouthful to scant mouthful – so the sheep had to stick close to the shepherd, relying on his knowledge of the terrain, if they wanted to survive.
In the same way, sheep look to their shepherds for protection from the predators who threaten them with the shadow of death (verse 4). But shepherds keep their sheep safe with their rod and staff – implements that were just as useful to drive off enemies as they were to keep the sheep in line, prodding them out of dangerous situations.
No, David doesn’t have in mind the lazy sort of existence that livestock enjoy here in southwest Mississippi, where the plentiful rains make their pastures lush and the sturdy fences help keep them safe from accidents. Instead, David is confident that the Lord will bless him with abundance, pouring a cup that runs over and setting a bountiful table for him – but that this will take place in the presence of his enemies (verse 5).
In short, David doesn’t expect God to put an end to all his troubles in this life, but that God will somehow protect him and provide for him in spite of them. So, we need to stick with our Shepherd, following His lead, and taking as much comfort from His correction as we do from His provision. Then we can be sure of His faithful, steadfast, covenant-keeping love – both in this life and in the life to come.
Psalm 23 (NASB)
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
