Jehovah, The Psalmist’s Shepherd

This brief Psalm of David is filled with intensely personal
thoughts that are of help to each Christian when in the storms
of life. This Psalm has been a strength in the time of the loss
of loved ones, on the battle field, and in every place where it is
read on earth. It contains sixteen lofty themes, in the one
hundred and eighteen words. It has seventeen personal pronouns
of the first person. Psalm 23 begins:

“The Lord is my shepherd” - expressing our faith.
“I shall not want” - showing our assurance.
“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures”- full contentment.
“He leadeth me beside still waters” - abiding peace.
“He restoreth my soul” - forgiveness of sin.
“He leadeth me in paths of righteousness” - trusted leadership.
“For His name’s sake” - our authority for life.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death” -
blessed confidence in Him.
“I will fear no evil” - established courage.
“For Thou are with me” - close companionship!
“Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me” - restful comfort!
“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies”
God’s providence.
“Thou anointest my head with oil” - abounding favor.
“My cup runneth over” - overflowing joy.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my
life” - blessings to follow.
“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” -
eternal immortality.
—Author Unknown