Psalm 23:1-4
Psalm 23:1-4 is a beautiful passage that depicts God as a shepherd, host, and protector. The psalm is also a wonderful reminder of how much our lives can be improved when we live in faith.
1. The metaphor of shepherd and host is a powerful one, and it is used throughout the Old Testament to describe God.
Sheep are one of the most vulnerable animals in the world. They are helpless without a good shepherd, and they often get lost, are injured, or even killed if left unprotected. In this psalm, David identifies himself with a flock and celebrates God’s leadership, protection, and guidance.
2. The psalmist calls God a shepherd because he knows that God provides refreshment and guidance to his life, as well as protection from danger.
The psalmist also calls God a shepherd because he knows God provides food and water for his life, and that he will never be without these things.
3. The psalmist calls God an honorable host because he knows that God provides hospitality to his life, as well as protection from trouble.
The Hebrew word for “host” is nekro, meaning “to come in, to welcome, or to make sacred.” This imagery is used in a number of passages, including Genesis 18:4 (the patriarch Abraham received guests into his tent and treated them with dignity), Exodus 33:17, and Matthew 19:27.
4. The psalmist knows that God protects his life because he lives in the temple, where God is present and can be seen.
The word for “protection” here means “to shield, to cover, or to defend.” This image of protection was a common way for Jews to identify God and his covenant with them.
5. The psalmist knows that death is not the end of life because God’s presence is with them and will always be there.
The psalmist knows that even in the most difficult of times, God is there for him and will always be there.
6. The psalmist knows that he is not abandoned by God when he leaves the temple and returns to the world.
The language of death is often frightening, but it is not the end of life as we know it. It is a journey that will eventually lead us to our heavenly home and a new life with God.
7. The psalmist has confidence in the Lord because he has lived and worked in trusting obedience to God.
The psalmist has confidence because of the goodness and mercy of God, who leads us by His own strength into all truth and grace.
8. The psalmist knows that his life is full and blessed because of the sustaining, loving presence of God.
The shepherd provides green pastures for the sheep, still waters to drink, and safe paths for the sheep to travel from one grazing place to another. The shepherd provides protection from dangers, and the sheep can rest in comfort because the shepherd will lead them to their grazing places in the night.
