Psalm 23: The Great Shepherd

Psalm 23: The Great Shepherd, King Jesus, Yeshua the Messiah

 

Theme: Yahweh / Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah, will meet my every need because I belong to Him. Jesus is the Great and Good Shepherd.

 

Psalm 23:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

 

Psa. 23:1–4 The Divine Shepherd and His Lamb 

 

I. Yahweh / Yeshua provides a covenant relationship with each of His sheep.

 

A. The sheep are owned by the Shepherd.  He leads, feeds, protects, and cares for them as a physician or a mother.

B. The believer is bound in a covenant relationship with God.  He is our master, owner, Lord, Boss. He guides us and provides the church to lead, feed, protect and care for us. “My” Shepherd is the sovereign Holy God of the Bible and I am a sinner.  This is amazing. “The LORD,” Yahweh, is my shepherd.  Think about that. Which person of the Trinity is in view here?  (God the Son, Jesus the Messiah) Notice the placement of this Psalm. From Psa 20:6 – end of Psa 24, Jesus the Messiah has been showing up in every chapter. It would be strange not to find him here. (also see Gen 49:22-26, Joseph’s blessing by Jacob & the info about God)

 

John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.

John 21:16 He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Shepherd My sheep."

1 Peter 5:2–4  shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;  ³ nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.  ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

Hebrews 13:20–21 Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, ²¹ equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

“I shall not want” means I do not lack anything (theme, the rest of the chapter lists God’s provisions for us). Jesus is all your heart needs. You can be fully satisfied in Him. The wicked are never satisfied.

 

² He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

 

II. Yahweh / Yeshua provides for my rest and refreshment. (If I belong to the Shepherd)

 

A. The sheep have rest, food, and water and can relax securely.  Rushing water produces fear.  Gentle brooks, wells, and springs provide shade, rest, and refreshment out of the blazing sun.

B. The believer will have his needs met and can be without fear pursuing joy in the Lord (Matt 6:33).  Rest, relax, and trust in the promises of the Bible.  “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psa 46:10)

 

³ He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 

 

III. Yahweh / Yeshua provides for my restoration and righteousness.

 

A. The sheep are retrieved and revived to health and strength by the good shepherd and guided onto the safe and straight paths (Luke 15:3–7).  The shepherd who guides is always with his sheep.

B. The believer also is being sought after and renewed spiritually by God.  God’s moral law provides the guard rails for our life. This is a work of GRACE, for God’s glory, not based on what we deserve. He changes us from the inside out to live more righteously.  His continual guidance of the believer is consistent with His name, Yahweh, the eternally existent and present One.

 

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 

 

IV. Yahweh / Yeshua provides for my protection in trouble.

 

A. The lost sheep is carried by the Shepherd through the dark and dangerous ravine (Luke 15:5).  The sheep can trust the Shepherd whose rod (a club, a defensive weapon) and staff (walking stick used to control the sheep) are going to help him make it home even in the dark.

 

B. How does God provide for us in the dark and dangerous valleys? (By His presence and providential intervention) Notice in your Bible when is says God is “with someone.”  He was “with” Joseph, Moses, Joshua, the soldiers from the tribe of Judah, the Judges, Samuel, David, Hezekiah, Phinehas the High Priest, Jehoshaphat, and the persecuted and scattered disciples in Acts 11:21 that started the church at Antioch. [Prophets, priests, kings, and NT believers all had spiritual gifts.  Even the soldiers mentioned were supernaturally enabled to beat an enemy stronger than themselves.]  Having God’s power and special presence changes everything.  His grace for the moment can be viewed by outsiders, but they don’t understand it.

 

Psa. 23:5–6 The Divine Host and His guest

 

⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 

 

I. Yahweh / Yeshua will provide for my needs during difficult days.

 

1. The sheep analogy ends here.  David is talking about a Host and His guest

in vs. 5–­6.

B. Not only does God spare him from the dangers of his enemies, but provides from His infinite resources in the worst of situations. The ‘enemies’ are here as captives or like the rich man in hell viewing the believing Lazarus receive comfort (Luke 16:23). The persecutors of God people will one day loose all power and opportunity and receive their just rewards.  They can only witness the victory celebration of the people of God.  Jewish hosts would anoint their honored guests heads with a mixture of olive oil and perfume. The overflowing cup pictures the Hosts gracious and unending provisions for His quests. This is the same care and provision as the “green pastures” and “quiet waters.” The Christian life has many trials and difficulties. But the Bible gives us reason for hope and the promise of God’s provision for us even in and after the dark valleys.  Likewise, this feast on the table does not mean we are only guests for a two hour meal.  To be at God’s table is to live with him just like Jonathan’s son did with King David.  Rest, refreshment, and bountiful provision awaits the real believers in the heavenly mansions (John 14:2–3)

 

⁶ Surely goodness and (Hesed, covenant love) mercy shall (pursue) follow me All the days of my life; And I will (future tense) dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.

 

II. Yahweh / Yeshua will provide for my salvation and shelter.

 

A. David is talking about those who trust in and love God and who are under His covenant love.

B. Yahweh’s covenant love and His good promises pursue after His people.  God’s care is displayed by His provisions, abundance, and protection for his people.  The believer is saved from the control, power, and consequences of sin.  He is secure because of the promise of heaven.  This is an everlasting provision.  How could David dwell in the LORD’s house? The temple has not been built yet.  At the writing of this Psalm, God has a tent, not a house.  This is heaven.  These are words of deep trust, faith, and hope. Does David plan to get to heaven by works? No, blessings and covenant love are graciously bestowed because he belongs to the Shepherd.  Membership has its privileges.  Even for an adulterer and murder? Yes, if they genuinely repent (see Psa. 32 and Psa. 51).  “Length of days” is a more literal translation of “forever,” but the rest of the Bible confirms this truth, and David was thinking of heaven, which is everlasting.

 

Revelation 7:14–17 And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.  ¹⁶ "They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat;  ¹⁷ "for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."