The Book ofPsalms 23Chapter XXIII 23

About this chapter

Psalm 23 — The Lord Is My Shepherd

Psalm 23 is perhaps the most beloved passage in all of Scripture. In merely six verses, David distills an entire theology of divine care. The metaphor of the shepherd (ro'i) would not have sounded romantic to those who first heard it—shepherds were hardy laborers who slept in the open air, defended their flocks against lions and bears, and knew each sheep by name. When David declares, "The Lord is my shepherd," he invokes a God who is moved to action, who intervenes, who protects. The psalm shifts its voice midway through: the first three verses speak of God in the third person ("He maketh me to lie down"), while the final three speak in the second person ("Thou art with me")—as though, in passing through the valley of the shadow of death (gei tsalmavet), the psalmist draws so near that he ceases speaking about God and begins speaking directly to Him. The rod (shevet) served as protection against predators; the staff (mish'enet) guided and rescued fallen sheep. Both bring comfort. The psalm concludes not in pastures, but in a house—the house of the Lord, forever.

Attributed to David, likely composed during a season of danger or flight, possibly from Saul or Absalom. The psalm is at once deeply personal and universally resonant.

Read this when fear grips you, weariness weighs upon you, or you need to remember that you do not walk the valley alone.