“Songs of Messiah—The Shepherd” (Part 1)

We now move into the second of three weeks where we are examining the trilogy of messianic psalms found in the Hebrew hymnal—the book of Psalms. Last week we considered Psalm 22, and saw Christ the sacrifice. This week we move to Psalm 23. The 23rd Psalm is one of the most familiar pieces of literature in the western world. From a child’s earliest days in Sunday School, they hear the Shepherd’s psalm and its comforting words of care and provision. This is the pearl of the psalms, of which Alexander Maclaren said, “The world could spare many a large book before this sunny little psalm.”

When you look in the context of the psalter this song of the gentle Shepherd takes on even greater significance, for it stands as the centerpiece of a trilogy of psalms on the role of Messiah…

• Psalm 22- Christ’s role as Savior, picturing His death on the Cross
• Psalm 23- Christ’s role as Shepherd, picturing His care for His flock
• Psalm 24- Christ’s role as Sovereign, picturing His millennial reign on the throne of His father, David

This is a wonderful reminder of the significance and intimacy of His care for us, and it should be a great encouragement to us. Some even see in this psalm two great metaphors…

The Lord as Shepherd (vv.1-4)

The Lord as Host (vv.5-6)

These combine together to give a wonderful display of the fullness of His care for the sheep of His pasture. Watch as David unfolds this beautiful song…

His Full Provision (vv.1-3)

It starts with a declaration, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” Immediately, we are struck by how much more intimate and personal this is than David’s usual approach. He frequently uses metaphors to describe God that set Him apart, words like “king,” “shield,” “rock.” Now he employs the image of a shepherd’s care—and what a difference! In the ancient world, the shepherd lived with the flock and was everything to it—guide, physician, protector, provider. That is comprehensive care!

It also shows a sense of mutual possession and identification, for I am His sheep, but He is my Shepherd. It exposes a two-way pledged relationship that dares to link what “The Lord is…” to what “I shall” (or shall not) do. He, as our Shepherd, is our full Provider—how does He provide?

“Green Pastures”- grassy meadows, for as a good shepherd, He seeks to provide for and meet the needs of His flock. Spurgeon saw this as picturing an abundant supply on which to feed, others see it as a place of quiet rest. In fact, both are probably true, for David, as a former shepherd, would understand the need of the flock for both. It is a place of rest, but the fact is that sheep don’t lie down until they have been well-fed!

“Quiet Waters”- literally, “waters to rest by.” It compares to the phrase “the resting place” sought for the ark of Israel in Numbers 10:33. Sheep are frightened by turbulent or stagnant water, but can draw rest from the still, quiet waters of the resting place. Where is yours?

“Spiritual Restoration”- there are a couple of possible thoughts here in the phrase, “He restores my soul.” Consider them…

• A straying sheep brought back (as in Isa. 49:5)
• The personal renewal of a person’s heart and life (as in Isa. 58:12)

Again, it may be a combination of the two, with the restored sheep being illustrative of the renewed life (cp. to Luke 15, the lost sheep and the 99). The key is that….

• Rest, and restoration, do not come from running away from God (Psalm 55:67- “And I said, ‘Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.’”- Ps 55:6).
• Rest is found in running to Him, for He is able! (“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”- Matt 11:28).

“Paths of Righteousness”- these are the paths that lead to right living, and that is absolutely necessary because our conduct as a flock reflects on Him as our Shepherd. That is why all this is done “for His Name’s sake.” The paths that we choose to walk do reflect on Him, so for the sake of the name of Christ we need to walk right paths!

Ezek. 36:22-32 draws out this powerful implication of the phrase “for His Name’s sake.” Ezekiel’s conclusion? In order to uphold His Name, He will make new men and women of us, people whose ways will be His own. It is the OT equivalent of Paul’s words, “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Cor 5:17). In the new life we receive from Him are the new paths that we now walk as His children, His representatives—His flock in the world. We are to walk those paths—refreshed and encouraged by His loving care—for the sake of the Name!

Wednesday we’ll see the next part of David, the shepherd-king’s song of praise to the good, great and chief Shepherd—Christ Himself.