Studies in the Book of Psalms Lesson 8: Psalm 23 “The Shepherd Psalm”
The Shepherd Psalm A Psalm of David (1 Samuel 17:20, 34-37)
Overview of Psalm 23 David makes use of the metaphors of Shepherd and Host Foreshadows “The Good Shepherd” Jesus Christ (Ezekiel 34:23; 37:24; John 10:11-15; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25) Parallelism that is progressive or synthetic The blessedness of the sheep of the Shepherd as reflected in Psalm 100
Outline of Psalm 23 The Shepherd’s Provision (23:1-3) For Physical Necessities (Luke 12:22-32) For Spiritual Necessities (Ephesians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 6:13) The Shepherd’s Protection (23:4-5) Through the valley of the shadow of death The power of the Shepherd’s protection is symbolized by his rod and staff He numbers His own and cares for them (Leviticus 27:32; [Jer. 33:13]; Ezekiel 20:37; Micah 7:14) He wards off enemies & disciplines His flock (Hebrews 12:5-11). “Rod” is from the Hebrew word shêbeṭ שׁבט also found in Proverbs 13:24, etc. Abundant blessings in the presence of enemies
Outline of Psalm 23 The Shepherd’s Preservation (23:6) Goodness and mercy all my days (Ps. 136) Dwelling in God’s house forever (Ps. 15:1)
(A Psalm of Thanksgiving) Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; Come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations.