1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 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.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my
head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 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.1
Bible Commentary
1 The figure representing Jehovah as a
shepherd and His people as sheep, is common in the Scriptures. To understand and
appreciate the beauty and meaning of the imagery, one must know the hazardous nature
of the Judean wilderness, and the intimate life the shepherd and his sheep, especially
the devotion that springs up between them during the many hours of solitude that they
spend together. The statement I shall not want displays absolute trust in God.2
2 The Good Shepherd leads His sheep beside the still
waters only the better to prepare them for the strenuous activities of the
open road.
God grants hours of refreshment to enable men the better to meet the
hard battles of the daily round of affairs.2
3 To restore the soul is to revive it or bring it back
from its errors and wandering3. Those familiar with the rough terrain of Judea know how
easy it is to waste time and suffer serious mishap when traversing the highlands, with
deep rocky ravines, if they do not find the right path. If we permit, God always leads
us in the right way, although at the time that way may not seem easy. God's guidance is
a revelation to men of His character.2
4 The valley of the shadow of death is a ravine overhung by high
precipitous cliffs, filled with dense forests, and well calculated
to inspire dread to the timid, and afford a covert to beasts of
prey4. Even in the darkest
and most trying hour God is near. The Christian needs nothing more than the consciousness
of God's presence. The rod and staff are token's of shepherd's presence.
He uses them to guide his sheep and ward off ravenous beasts that
infested the pasturelands. The shepherd provides rest, refreshment,
nourishment,
fellowship,
guidance, deliverance from fear, comfort, security, victory over
enemies.2
5 Jehovah is even more than a shepherd - He is a
king, lavishing upon His guests the bounties of His table. He also provides comfort
and gladness. Since God is the host, His child can partake at His feast without concern
for his enemies, for he knows that their plots to injure him must come to nought.2
6 David gladly anticipates Gods' guidance in the future
and is confident that he will continue to be a guest in God's house all the days of
his life and receive His material and spiritual blessings.2
References and notes
1. King James Authorized Version
2. SDA Bible
Commentary Vol 3 pgs. 685-687
3. John Wesley's Explanatory Notes
on the Whole Bible -
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries
4.
Jamieson, Fausset, Brown - Commentary
Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible- http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries
5.
Catholic Encyclopedia
-
www.newadvent.org/cathen/12533a.htm
Song Reviews for Psalm 23
Simple, melodious and meditative
The music is simple,
melodious, and meditative. The words are clear and easy to follow.
Definitely a great witnessing and teaching tool.
-
Karen H. Florida, USA
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Sept 25, 2007
Like the beat
I
like the beat along with how the singer ...tries to get the message
across. Even though it's a psalm that is sing in every language it
touches my heart.
-
Winsome
B.
Toronto , Canada
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Aug 7th, 2007
I prefer this version
I know two songs with this psalm and it does not tell what is in the
bible, I prefer this one. I like it.
- Jane S. (Barbados)
13 May
2007
Exquisite
Psalm 23 is exquisite. The Spirit of the Lord rests upon my heart
when I hear this magnificent work! well done.
-
Natalie B.
(Quebec,
Canada)
April 4th, 2007
Beautiful and moving
You rendition of psalm 23 is just about the most beautiful and
moving I've ever experienced.
-
Jonathon M. (Illinois,
USA)
15 May, 2006
Gave me such peace
What a true "God" song! I just wish I could have written it myself.
This song was truly inspired of God. It gave me such peace! Thank
you.
-
Stephanie
B. (Texas,
USA)
13 March, 2006
I especially loved Psalm 23
Listened to the CD tonight and the songs were beautiful. I
especially loved Psalm 23. Thank you for being so diligent in your
follow-up.
- Jenny C. (Davison, MI USA)
8 February 2006
Fantastic Song
"This is a
FANTASTIC song my friend and your voice is a angel for sure. The
music is balanced just right in this production and over all this
song RULZZZ. I congratulate you on a fantastic production, god
bless.
- Topatoya" (ic-musicmedia.com)
22 March 2005
Music to Psalm 23
This passage is beautifully and lovingly sung. The vocals are sweet
to the ears and the music is soothing to my spirit. I Praise the
Lord for you and with you.
- danoo (USA)
30 December 2004
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