Psalm 23 Meaning – Line by Line
The 23rd Psalm – most of us can recite it, but what meaning does it hold for you personally? It may be a good idea to craft your own definition of this powerful prayer to read from time to time and to have handy should you need it in an unexpected situation. After having compiled the information for my e-book, Psalm 23 Meaning: 41 English Language Bible Versions with Translation Notes, I wanted to share with you what the 23rd Psalm means to me.
23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd:”
A shepherd’s job is to provide for and protect his flock; conversely this is saying that a sheep is totally dependent on the shepherd for all things. Placing oneself equal to or similar in nature to a sheep is what King David is affirming in the opening of this prayer. He is stating his total dependence on God for all things – wisdom, guidance, protection, supply, etc.
“I shall not want.”
Under God’s care David affirms he will lack no good thing, that all needs will be provided; this is what a good shepherd does.
23:2 “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters”
A green pasture is abundance in expression, constantly renewing, overflowing good. Still waters are peaceful waters. David affirms an abundance of good and the peaceful mind he experiences in this sheep/shepherd relationship.
23:3 “He restoreth my soul:”
Previous tension and worries are dissolved. Restoration of the soul can occur when we “let go and let God.”
“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
We can expect right guidance as we follow the steps revealed to us by our shepherd. The indwelling Christ leads and directs our path.
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.”
Even through the rough times, as we walk through what may temporarily appear as our valley of death, we have the confidence and trust that our Lord and shepherd is present. Knowing this can lessen fear, doubt or worry, thus providing comfort to the troubled mind.
23:5 “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:”
No matter how deep the valley or dark the night, David had full confidence in the ability of the good shepherd to provide for him regardless of what he was experiencing.
“thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.”
The provision will always be more than enough to meet the need!
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.”
David sums up his life in this final verse. Needs will be met, guidance will be provided and forgiveness through mercy are all his because he is determined to depend on the good shepherd for the rest of his life.
So I’ve shared rather generically what this prayer means to me. In my journal I have taken each verse and related it to a personal situation where God’s love did not fail me. Can you do the same – what does the 23rd Psalm mean to you?
Be Blessed
Morgan
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