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NASB | Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, to guide and to shield me], [Ezek 34:11-31] I shall not want. |
Bible Question: one time i was at a church meeting and they gave what the true meaning of the 23 psalm could you give me tis meaning? thanks mary jane |
Bible Answer: Hello Wilma62, Welcome to the forum. Since we do not know what the church taught about Psalm 23 to give the same message would be difficult. But, offered below is a commentary from Matthew Henry. "Many of David's psalms are full of complaints, but this is full of comforts, and the expressions of delight in God's great goodness and dependence upon him. It is a psalm which has been sung by good Christians, and will be while the world stands, with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction. I. The psalmist here claims relation to God, as his shepherd (Psa 23:1). II. He recounts his experience of the kind things God had done for him as his shepherd (Psa 23:2, Psa 23:3, Psa 23:5). III. Hence he infers that he should want no good (Psa 23:1), that he needed to fear no evil (Psa 23:4), that God would never leave nor forsake him in a way of mercy; and therefore he resolves never to leave nor forsake God in a way of duty (Psa 23:6). In this he had certainly an eye, not only to the blessings of God's providence, which made his outward condition prosperous, but to the communications of God's grace, received by a lively faith, and returned in a warm devotion, which filled his soul with joy unspeakable. And, as in the foregoing psalm he represented Christ dying for his sheep, so here he represents Christians receiving the benefit of all the care and tenderness of that great and good shepherd." And since we are sheep may I offer a personal view. Permit me a little latitude and envision it from a sheep's viewpoint. "The LORD is my shepherd": I am a sheep and a dumb animal but I follow the one I have trust in. "I shall not want": there is nothing more that I desire but to be with my Shepard. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures": in restful places in which I can dwell safely. "He leadeth me beside the still waters": by the tranquil waters, for He knows that if rough waters were to take me away my wool would get wet and I would drown. He will not put on me more than I can handle. "He restoreth my soul": when I am wearied, worn and exhausted, He takes me into His arms and comforts me, caresses me, whispers His care for me and re-kindles in me life, again. "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.": And when I go from pasture to pasture and I know not what awaits me there, for they are new to me, I will take comfort, because I hear His voice, His guiding words and whistles and I can feel the gentle tapping of His staff keeping me on the path so I will not fall into the ravines. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.": and when I get to those new pastures with their lush greens and the wolves that are there waiting to devour me, there He is, ever watchful, keeping me safe, anointing me with all His kindness. Oh, how I love my Shepard, my joy cannot be contained as my bleetings proclaim. "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.": I am smitten with this Shepard, only good can come from my relationship with Him. I will stay with this Shepard, for who else will care for me like this One and I love Him for it. Hope this helps, terrib |