Exposition of Psalm 23.

PSALM 23

Praise the Lord! What a great Psalm this is? God as shepherd and people as sheep! I want to encourage you today to think of yourselves as sheep. This Psalm is a metaphor for our Christian life, let’s break it down verse by verse and see what we can learn about prayer from sheep!

1.      “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD”

a.       Relationship with our Shepherd

Throughout scripture we read about the relationship between God and Man - Father to His Children - Shepherd to His Sheep. These concepts were 1st conceived in the mind of God our Father, They were made possible and practical through the work of Christ. They are confirmed and made real through the graciousness of the Holy Spirit. With the simple statement...the Lord is My Shepherd...it implies a profound yet practical connection between a human and his maker. To think that Christ is deeply concerned about me as a person immediately gives great purpose and meaning to my short journey here on earth. In this psalm David isn’t speaking as the shepherd (although he was one), but instead as the sheep, one of the flock.  David literally boasted of this. Look who my shepherd is, my manager. The Lord is! It’s no accident that God chose to call us sheep. They don’t take care of themselves. They need meticulous attention and care. The behavior of sheep and humans is similar in many ways.

b.       We are Marked

When we come under the leadership of the Shepherd the expectations are clear...we are to live in a different way...we are to be marked. Shepherds mark the ear of their sheep. They use a knife to notch a distinctive mark so that even from a distance it is easy to determine to whom the sheep belongs. There is pain involved...on both sides (the shepherd and the sheep) but from the mutual suffering and indelible lifelong mark of ownership is made. In the OT when a slave chose to become a lifelong member of a home, their owner would place their earlobe on the door post of the home and puncture a hole through the ear. The slave was then marked for life as belonging to that home. The mark of the Cross should identify us with Him for all time. Jesus made it clear when He emphatically stated, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

2.      “I SHALL NOT BE IN WANT”

a.       Meaning of “Want”:

This is a statement of satisfaction with the sheep’s owner and contentment with their lot in life. “Want” may have a broader meaning than we might think. There is a 2nd emphasis on being utterly contented in the Good Shepherd’s care and not craving or desiring anything more. However, it would be absurd to think that the Child of God, or the sheep of the Shepherd that we will never experience lack or need. Think of Elijah, John the Baptist, or the Lord himself...all of them experienced personal lack and adversity. A common fallacy is to believe that if someone is prospering materially, that is a blessing from God. Revelation 3:17 says, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”

b.       Not lacking in Expert care:

So, we know that David wasn’t referring to material or physical things when he said “I shall not want.” He wasn’t saying that we won’t lack in things that we need. But rather that we shall not lack the expert care and management of our Shepherd. Some Christians don’t want the care of their shepherd. They are discontent with His care and control. They look at the green pastures He has given us and yet stand at the fence and look wistfully at the brown, barren land on the other side of the fence, thinking it is better. They are restless and discontent.  But to truly say “I shall not be in want.” is to trust and believe in the shepherd’s care.

3.      “HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES”

Sheep by nature are skittish. They spook or are scared easily. Fear, tension, aggravations, and hunger stop sheep from resting. And a flock that is restless, discontented, always agitated and disturbed never does well...and the same is true for people. But, the sight or presence of the Good Shepherd can instantly calm a flock. They recognize that he brings peace and well being.  Paul writes that, “I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances.”

A Shepherd works hard to provide the best conditions:

Green pastures in Palestine, where David tended sheep and wrote this Psalm, are an unnatural occurrence. They are the product of tremendous labor, time, and skill. Land had to be cleared of rocks, brush, stumps, and roots. The soil prepared, seed planted, and irrigated. If the sheep were going to enjoy green pastures amid brown, barren hills, the Shepherd had a tremendous job to do to prepare it. But He does, and it is worth it. The Holy Spirit calms us and lays us down. Content.

4.      “HE LEADS ME BESIDE QUIET WATERS”

a.      Water is vital to life

People and animals have the same basic need for water. It sustains life and in fact is essential to health and well being. Lack of water can lead to dehydration which weakens the body and can ultimately lead to death. Just like the previous verse, a thirsty sheep is a restless sheep. The physical body has need for water, so Scripture points out to us that the human soul has a need for the water of the Spirit of the eternal God. Christ said “Come to me all who are thirsty.”

b.      Spiritual Water for our Soul

Shepherds know there are 3 Main Sources for Water: Dew, Wells, Streams. Perhaps the best and most reliable source is Dew. Sheep can go for months without “drinking” water if there is heavy dew on the grass each morning. Dew is clean, clear, pure water. Sheep will often get up before dawn to start eating and drinking this pure water. Once the heat of the day has arrived they are well fed and watered and will often lie down and rest. It’s no coincidence that people who are often the most serene, most confident, and able to cope with life’s complexities are those who rise early each day to feed on God’s Word. In the early hours of the morning that we are led beside the quiet, still waters where we imbibe the very life of Christ for the day.

c.       “HE RESTORES MY SOUL”

a.      Cast Down

It may seem a strange statement to say, “He restores my soul.” It could be assumed that anyone in the Good Shepherd‘s care would never become so distressed in soul as to need restoration. But this does happen. David knew what it was to be downcast, bitter, and feeling hopeless. Psalm 42:11 David cries out, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God.” There is an exact parallel to taking care of sheep.  Shepherds are intimately acquainted with the habits of sheep and the significance of a “Cast” sheep, or “Cast Down.” A cast sheep is on that has turned over on its back and cannot get up again by itself. A cast sheep is a pathetic sight. Lying on its back and flailing its feet in the air. This is a serious situation however.

b.       The Shepherd Rescues Us

As the sheep lies there struggling to get up again, gases begin to build in the stomach, this eventually cuts off circulation to the legs. During hot, sunny weather, the sheep can die in a few hours. If it's cool or rainy, it may survive a few days. This reminds of the magnificent story of the Good Shepherd that leaves the 99 sheep to go and find the one sheep that was cast down or lost. The shepherd is deeply concerned about the missing sheep. He knows that the sheep may only have a matter of minutes before it is too late. If found upside down the shepherd would tenderly roll the sheep back over on it’s side. If it had been down long the shepherd would lift her back to her feet and rub her limbs to restore blood flow. Slowly the animal regains her strength and equilibrium, walking slowly and steadily, before finally dashing off to join the others.

Sometimes we are tempted to believe that when we fail, get stuck, or are cast down that God is upset or mad at us.This is not so. Our owner, our Shepherd, is pleased to rescue and restore us. He wants us to be content and healthy. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the father threw a party when His son came home. Christ tenderly restoring Peter’s soul after Peter denied Christ is a classic picture of the Christ coming to restore one of His own. I am reminded of the simple pageantry of this rescue when I repeat the simple statement, “He restores my soul.”

d.      “HE GUIDES ME IN PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE”

a.      Stay Moving

Sheep are creatures of habit. They will follow the same trails, eat from the same hill, and pollute their own ground until it is ruined. A Good Shepherd knows this and for the good of the sheep and his land keeps the sheep on the move. This was David’s idea when he wrote that God guides him in paths of righteousness. There is a deliberate, predetermined plan of action on God’s part. At the exact right time He will move us to new pastures.

b.       Be Willing

This doesn’t mean that we are happy to removed from our comfortable, known surroundings. We are stubborn like sheep. Isaiah 53:6 - We all, like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way. We as humans like the idea of self determination. We like to plot our own course...to our own detriment.  Christ tells us in John 10:10 that, “I have come that they (you) may have life, and have it to the full.” We must rid ourselves of our pride and be willing to allow our all knowing Shepherd to place us in the best spot, for our own good, and the good of the Kingdom.

e.      “EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF SHADOW OF DEATH I WILL FEAR NO EVIL”

a.      To get to the Mountain top we must go through the Valley

We are halfway through this chapter and we see a change in the language used. It becomes more personal. The words “I” and “You” are used. We are often afraid to go through life’s valleys. They typically represent something bad happening to us. But without going through the valleys we cannot get to the mountain top. Christ assures us that we will go through valleys, that we will have struggles in life. “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The question isn’t “Will I go through hard times?” but rather, “When I go through hard times how will I react to them?” In the summer, Shepherds take their flocks to the hill country and mountain pastures. They gradually work their way up the mountain taking advantage of the freshwater and new greens. As fall approaches they work their way back down and return home.  When Samuel came to anoint David king of Israel, his brothers had to be sent up into hill country to get him, because he was tending his father’s flock.

b.       The Good Shepherd is prepared and knows the way

David knew the dangers, difficulties, and delights of these long treks into the high country.  He didn’t take his flock places he hadn’t previously visited. He would go ahead and look over the country with great care. He knew the dangerous spots: where rock slides could occur, where rivers were high, where poisonous plants resided, where predators roamed. Nothing took him by surprise. He was fully prepared to safeguard his flock and he was with them at all times! He did all of this to get his flock to better pastures. His flock learned to trust David. The younger ewes looked to the older sheep who had traveled with their Shepherd in previous years. Seeing the older generation follow the Shepherd gives courage to the younger

I know of nothing which so stimulates my faith in my heavenly Father as to look back and reflect on His faithfulness to me in every crisis and every chilling circumstance of life. Over and over He has proved His care and concern for my welfare. Again and again I have been conscious of the Good Shepherd’s guidance through dark days and deep valleys. All of this multiplies my confidence in Christ. It is this spiritual, as well as emotional and mental, exposure to the storms and adversities of life that puts stamina into my very being. Because He has led me through without fear before, He can do it again, and again, and again. In this knowledge fear fades and tranquility of heart and mind takes its place. So when asked how we go through the valleys, the tough times of life? We say “With Christ I face them calmly. With His gracious Spirit to guide me I face them fearlessly.”

f.        “FOR YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME.”

a.      Rod: Symbol of Strength and God’s will

In many places around the world Shepherds still carry the same equipment that David carried. A rod is a long, crude club and was an extension of the Shepherd’s arm. It is a symbol of strength, power, and authority. It was used to protect both the Shepherd and his flock, but also to discipline and correct any wayward sheep. Recall that when God sent Moses to free His people from bondage in Egypt that God gave Moses a rod. Through Moses’ rod Pharaoh learned of God’s power and the people of Israel witnessed reassuring miracles.

b.      The rod was an extension of God’s mind and will.

Just as David’s sheep were comforted by David’s rod, so today we are assured and comforted by God’s word. This is because scriptures are God’s rod! Other uses for the rod: The rod is used to discipline or correct a wayward sheep. If they wander off or get close to something dangerous, a well thrown rod encourages the sheep to hurry back before they eat something bad or walk into a dangerous situation. The Shepherd uses his rod to examine and count the sheep. He would walk the sheep under his rod to part the wool on a sheep so that he can examine them for hidden problems. These things are done for our own well being but we are often frightened to undergo close scrutiny. Instead these actions should bring us comfort. Finally, the rod is used to protect both the Shepherd and his flock. David killed bears and a lion. It is common to “beat the brush” to discourage snakes from disturbing the flock. It was the rod of God’s Word that Christ, our Good Shepherd, used in His own encounter with the Serpent -- Satan. There is no substitute for Scripture when coping with the difficulties of this world!

c.        Staff: Symbol of Compassion and the Spirit of God

The staff is unique and only good for sheep. It will not do for cattle, horses, or hogs. It is essentially a symbol of concern and compassion that a Shepherd has for his flock. While the rod is symbolic of the Word of God the staff is symbolic of the Spirit of God. It works to gently correct the sheep and us. It is used in 3 ways: Drawing sheep together - much like the Holy Spirit brings us together for fellowship Staff is used to pull sheep close to the Shepherd - The Holy Spirit draws us close to Christ. The staff is used for guiding sheep - Christ tells us that His Spirit will guide us and lead us to truth. We are comforted when we feel protected, corrected, and directed by our Shepherd.

g.      “YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES.”

In many countries around the world the place where Shepherds take their flock in the summer is a large mountain with a flat top. Many languages use the Spanish word “Mesa” which means table, or a word in their own language that also means table. David may have been actually been referring these types of mountain top ranges when he penned this verse!

a.      The Good Shepherd goes before us to scout the location.

He looks for things like poisonous weeds and works diligently to remove them before his flock arrives. Parallel: We like sheep, feel like we have to taste and sample things that are around us. We know that things around us are destructive and dangerous, yet we want to try them anyway. Then we remember that our Master has been here and gone before us, He has anticipated our desires and even experienced them Himself, and is praying for us so that we might not succumb. Think of the night Jesus was arrested. He told Peter that he would be tempted by Satan and that He, Jesus, was praying that Peter’s faith would not fail.

b.       The Attentive Shepherd keeps an eye out for predators.

All throughout the valley and the mountain top there are predators that wish to dine on the flock. Only the alertness of the Shepherd, who stands in full view of the enemies, can prevent them from falling prey to attack. Our enemy, Satan, is described as a “roaring lion” and yet we may never notice his presence, only the aftermath of an attack. We would be wise to stay close to Christ, for it is the distant sheep, the roamers, who are more likely to fall prey. If we have the common sense to stay near Jesus, he can more easily protect us. We do this by spending time daily reading His word. Spending time talking to Him.  This Shepherd spends considerable time and effort preparing. There is considerable self-sacrifice. “Delivering men from their own utter selfishness, their own stupidity, their own suicidal instincts as lost sheep unable to help themselves required to shedding of blood and life.”

h.      “YOU ANOINT MY HEAD WITH OIL; MY CUP OVERFLOWS.”

a.      Fly in the ointment:

David is recounting an entire year in the life of a sheep. Going from the home ranch, to the green pastures, up through mountain valleys, and into the high tablelands of summer. Sometimes despite being exactly where God wants us to be, we still have to deal with irritants. In English we would say there is a “fly in the ointment.” To a Shepherd, summertime is is fly time. This can cause serious problems for sheep and other animals. Sheep are especially troubled by the Nose Fly. These flies attempt to lay their eggs in the nasal cavity of sheep. A few days later small worm like larva hatch and begin moving into the sheep’s head, where they burrow into the flesh. This of course causes intense irritation.

Sheep will deliberately beat their heads against rocks and trees seeking relief. Thankfully there is an antidote. A mixture of herbs and oil that is smeared over the sheep’s nose and head. Immediately there is a change in the behavior of the sheep. They are content. In the same way we are anointed with God’s gracious Spirit. He alone makes it possible for us to react to aggravations and annoyances with quietness and calmness. This is not a once-in-a-lifetime treatment for the sheep. Several times each summer the Shepherd will need to reapply this salve. We may need to ask for daily this anointing of the Spirit upon our minds. The presence of the Holy Spirit produces joy, contentment, love, patience, gentleness, and peace.

b.       Contamination:

Sheep also deal with Scabs during the summer. This is an infection found on the head of sheep. This disease is spread through a flock when sheep affectionately rub heads together. The Old Testament speaks of the sacrificial lamb being without blemish. The lamb should be free from Scab.  In a very real and direct sense scab is significant of contamination, of sin, of evil. Again the only antidote is the oil salve. In the Christian life most of the contamination that enters us comes through our minds. We are shaped and molded by our environment, by those with whom we keep company. You cannot be exposed to such contacts without coming away contaminated! Phil. 4:8 instructs us in this matter: “...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.”

c.        Butting Heads:

Part of the lifecycle of sheep is procreating. To attract females, the males or rams, fight each other. They butt heads! Apparently this is attractive to the females, but the Good Shepherd sees it as a danger as well. The rams often injure themselves in this show and sometimes the result is death. To combat this the Shepherd smears their heads with grease! We Christians tend to fight each other a lot. If we don’t see eye to eye we want to knock the other person down. Just before Christ was crucified the disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest. Jesus told them that the Spirit was coming and they would be known for their peace and love for one another. The anointing presence of the Holy Spirit can actually control our personality. The attributes of peace, joy, longsuffering, and generosity become apparent. This is the overcoming Christian life. It is the life in which a Christian can be content with whatever comes his way - even trouble.

d.       Cup of Agony:

This last portion of this verse deals with the Overflowing Cup. It is often viewed in this context as so much good happening that David couldn’t contain it all. And this is true. Christ also spoke of a cup. In His agony while praying in the Garden of Gethsemane Christ asked that His cup of suffering would be taken from Him. Had it not overflowed with His life poured out for men, we would have perished.

i.        “SURELY GOODNESS AND LOVE WILL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE”

a.      A boast and exclamation of confidence

The emphasis of the psalm up to this point has been about the care given by the Shepherd. It has stressed the the welfare of the sheep under loving management. Now a brave and simple statement sums this up: “Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life”! This is a boast and exclamation of confidence in the One who controls our destiny. This can be an easy phrase to recite when things are going well. But what about when your body is breaking down? when you lose a job? When you can’t pay your bills? When your friends turn against you? In these times can I still declare, “Surely...yes...surely...goodness and love will follow me all of the days of my life”? There are times when it seems that God is leading us down a dead end path. But in the end it turned out for our benefit and well being. We are tempted to panic, to run our own way.  When we keep faith and stay with Christ we can later look back and see that good came of the chaos.

b.       Passing on goodness and mercy

There is an outflow of goodness and mercy from the Shepherd. The question becomes how can this pass through us and benefit others? Sheep can have a destructive effect on the land where they live, but under proper management they can a benefit instead. Sheep manure when spread over the pasture can provide enormous benefit to the soil. Sheep eat all sorts of weeds and other undesirable plants that would otherwise take over a field. They can be extremely beneficial to the land. They leave something better than when they arrived. Do we do the same thing? When we leave someplace do people feel that they have been blessed by our time with them? Isaiah 52:7 reads: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace…” The Christian life is a two-way proposition - We receive blessings from God and we pass them on to others.

j.        “AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER”

a.      Joyous affirmation

The Psalm is closed with joyous affirmation! The sheep is so completely satisfied with his care and life, that there is no desire for a change.

b.       Where is home?

The word “Home” has a deeper meaning than you may expect. David, as the sheep, is so deeply satisfied with his care and his life, that he wants nothing more than to stay with his family, the flock of the Good Shepherd. Other versions of the Old Testament use the word ‘presence’ in this last phrase, “I will dwell in the ‘presence’ of the Lord forever.” We know that our Shepherd is ever-present, and His sheep want to be in full view and near their owner at all times. The Shepherd’s constant alertness, awareness, diligence, and excellent care eliminates many of life’s difficulties and dangers while providing a sense of security and serenity. Our Christian walk and life should be the same, living ever aware of God’s presence. Through eternity He will attend to our needs and concerns.