Psalm 23

1650 psalter

The Righteous One’s Experience of the Leadings of the Shepherd

Universally, probably the most well-known and most sung psalm in the whole of the Psalter. Of the metrical version it is said that it has passed through so much revision and honing, that it cannot be bettered. David’s experience of shepherding is used by the Holy Spirit to poetically describe the pastorship and sufficiency of the Great and Good Shepherd.

Such is the sufficiency and provision in Christ, and of Christ, that there is no fear of want. He makes, He leads, restores, comforts, prepares, anoints, so that everything is provided. Such goodness and mercy will persist, until by His grace we are brought finally to the house He has prepared for us, in which we shall eternally dwell.

Pastor Jeff O’ Neil

Recommended Tunes: Crimond

Psalm 23

¹The LORD’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.
²He makes me down to lie
In pastures green: he leadeth me
The quiet waters by.

³My soul he doth restore again;
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
Ev’n for his own name’s sake.

⁴Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale,
Yet will I fear none ill:
For thou art with me; and thy rod
And staff me comfort still.

⁵My table thou hast furnished
In presence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.

⁶Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me:
And in GOD’s house for evermore
My dwelling-place shall be.