Psalm
23:1-3 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not
want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He
leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
A psalm of
confidence
The image of "shepherd" arouses emotions
of care, provision, and protection. A good shepherd is personally concerned with
the welfare of his sheep. Because of this the designation "my
shepherd" is further described by various aspects of God's care: "lie
down, leads, restores, guides"; and by the resulting tranquility, "I
will fear no evil."
The shepherd's care is symbolized by the
"rod" and the "staff." A shepherd carried a rod to club
wild animals and a staff to keep the sheep in control. These two represent
God's constant vigilance over his own and bring "comfort" because of
his personal presence and involvement with his sheep. The "green
pastures" are the rich and verdant pastures, where the sheep need not move
from place to place to be satisfied. The fields, even parts of the desert,
would green during the winter and spring. But in summer and fall the sheep
would be led to many places in search of food. God's care is not seasonal but
constant and abundant. The sheep have time to rest, as the shepherd makes them
to "lie down." The "quiet waters" are the wells and springs
where the sheep can drink without being rushed. Through these means, God renews
the sheep so that they feel life in his presence is good and worth living.
The nature of the shepherd's care also lies in
guidance. He leads his own in the "paths of righteousness."
"Righteousness" here signifies "right" in the sense of
"straight," i.e., the paths that bring the sheep most directly to
their destination. He does not unnecessarily tire out his sheep. Even when the
"right paths" bring the sheep "through the valley of the shadow
of death," there is no need to fear.
