Here we have one of the most beautiful of Psalms, described as ‘A Psalm to David', and its very content points to David as its author. It likens YHWH to a shepherd Who watches over His sheep. None knew better the needs of the sheep and the duties of a shepherd than David. Indeed he had experienced t... [ Continue Reading ]
‘YHWH is my shepherd; I shall not want.' The idea of a shepherd is of one who cares for and watches over his sheep. Kings liked to describe themselves as shepherds of their people when they were feeling sentimental and wanted to give a good impression. They wanted their people to love them and see t... [ Continue Reading ]
‘He makes me to lie down in pastures of luscious grass, He leads me beside the waters of rest.' The oriental shepherd goes ahead of his sheep, seeking out good pasturage for them. And once he finds it he brings his sheep to rest that they may enjoy it. They are enabled to lie down in ‘pastures of l... [ Continue Reading ]
‘He restores my soul (inner life). He guides me in the right paths (the paths of righteousness) for his name's sake.' Having been led to the pastures of luscious grass, and the rest-giving waters, the sheep are fully restored. In the same way can we be sure that He will continually ‘restore our inne... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Yes, 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.' In the seemingly calm and peaceful mountains of Israel danger ever threatened. There were hidden deep ravines where wild beasts lurked, or into which wa... [ Continue Reading ]
‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You have anointed my head with oil. My cup runs over.' This idea of His full provision now turns the Psalmist's thoughts to a great feast. Jesus regularly depicted what He had come to offer in terms of a great feast. Here the table was p... [ Continue Reading ]
‘Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of YHWH for ever.' And accompanying the shepherd are His two faithful ‘sheepdogs', ‘Goodness'' and ‘Lovingkindness'. Their names reveal the very heart of the Shepherd. For His people are continu... [ Continue Reading ]