The middle psalm of the Messianic Trilogy portrays the Messiah as “Shepherd.” A “Christian” reading of Psalm 23 is quite appropriate since Jesus portrayed himself as the shepherd of his sheep (Jn.10:11) and other NT writers joined this chorus. He is the Good Shepherd, the Great Shepherd, and the Chief Shepherd (Heb.13:20; 1Pe.2:24; 5:4).
Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. Its peace is not escape and its contentment is not complacency. It displays a readiness to face deep darkness and imminent attack, and the climax reveals a love focused on no material goal but rather the Lord himself.
While I normally use the ESV translation, the Authorized Version is simply too familiar and beloved to be replaced by any newer version.
23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
23:4 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.
23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
23:6 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.
Although Psalm 23 is often read at funerals, its message applies to the days of your life right now (v. 6). The Savior who died for you also lives for you and cares for you, the way a shepherd cares for the sheep (John 10:1-18). If you can say, “The LORD is my Shepherd,” you can also say, “I shall not want:”
The Shepherd feeds us and leads us. Sheep must have grass and water to live, and the shepherd finds those essential elements for them. God meets the everyday needs of your life as you follow Him (Ps.37:25; Phil.4:18). Never worry!
If we wander, the Shepherd He seeks us and restores us, as He did with David, Jonah, and Peter. When we need to know which way to go, He shows us the right path and then goes before us to prepare the way. Even in the places of danger, we need not be afraid. (Note the change from “He” in vv. 1-3 to “You” in vv. 4-5.) He is with you! At the end of the dark valley, He has a special blessing for you: you drink of the refreshing water of life, and you receive the Spirit’s anointing. The Shepherd is there to care for every hurt and heal every bruise.
The words “goodness” (tov) and “mercy” (hesed) characterize God’s dealings with His people. These rich covenantal blessings will never be taken away from his new covenant people. “To length of days” is the special way of expressing this promise (v. 6). The Christian understanding of these words does no violence to them. “Neither death, nor life, … will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom.8:38-39).
One day, you will look back at your life and see that it was only “goodness and mercy,” and that includes the valley experiences. If life is difficult today, just keep following the Shepherd like a needy sheep; He will never lead you where He cannot care for you.