Psalm 23 is one of the most recognized passages within the Bible, and certainly the most recognized psalm. It has been read aloud during multiple events, and been read silently by many. It has found its way into blockbuster movies, television shows, and radio broadcasts. It can be found in print in newspapers, magazines, novels and the very book from which it originates. It is safe to say that it has given peace and comfort to thousands, perhaps millions, throughout history.
One event rises above all others in linking each reading or recitation of this Psalm 23, however, and that is the funeral. Its link to the passing of a loved one is undeniable, and it has been used in this capacity for hundreds of years. The concept of being led through the valley of death by a loving and caring shepherd is a wonderful thought for many bereaved. It has the ability to bring that sense of comfort to the many friends and family members that survive the passing of a loved one, and this too is undeniable.
So often has it been utilized for the purposes of comfort in the face of death that many forget that it is, above all, a psalm for life. This article will examine the 23rd Psalm and its impact upon those living; but most of all, why it should be kept close at hand for all that life has in store.
Psalm 23 is traditionally held to have been composed while David, future king of Israel, was on his way to meet Goliath. This is of vital importance when studying this psalm. How often do people face seemingly insurmountable odds in every day life? Perhaps bills are coming due faster than the paychecks are coming in; maybe a family’s one mode of transportation has broken down; or perhaps someone is staring into the ugly face of racism or some other aggressive form of bias. This psalm was created in the same time of trial, and though the details of the situation were different, the overall application remains unchanged.
The first verse reads “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” This was a radical idea at the time of its composition, as David’s people held shepherds to be a rather low social class, albeit necessary. Suggesting that the Lord was a shepherd may have been insulting, were it not for the general understanding of how much a shepherd cared for his flock.
A shepherd placed his own comfort and needs aside for the wellbeing of his sheep, and made certain that they always had their needs provided for above his own. Because of this fact, David follows the shepherd statement by saying “I shall not want.” David saw himself as one sheep under the Lord’s care, and being in such a position meant that he never went without his basic needs.
In the second verse, David states “he makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still waters.” A sheep’s diet was comprised mainly of grass in David’s day, and dried or withered grass would not do. Moreover, as part of a sheep’s digestive process, lying down after eating was necessary. For these reasons, a shepherd would travel with his flock over great distances to make certain they had the very best. Thus, the image of lying down in green pastures portrayed the care of the Lord. David saw himself not only as a sheep under the Lord’s care, but a sheep that was well provided for.
The second part of this verse also plays a central role in the meaning of the 23rd Psalm. Sheep are easily frightened, so much so that rushing water had the potential to cause a herd to flee in terror. Knowing this, a shepherd was careful to bring them to drink from still pools of water, or gently flowing streams. David suggests with this illustration that he is a sheep well fed, and for whom his nature is accounted.
Verse three proceeds to say “he restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” David’s people saw sheep as being soulish creatures; that is to say that these animals had the ability to feel happy or sad, depressed and lethargic or energetic and playful. A shepherd took great care to speak and sing to his sheep, and to spend a little time showing affection to each one. In doing this, the shepherd “restored” the soul of his sheep. Likewise, David suggests that the Lord does the same.
A shepherd’s reputation for excellent sheep was important. Apart from economics, the behavior of his sheep would allow him to bring his flock onto land owned by others; or it could discourage landowners from granting him grazing rights. This was done not only through the showering of affection upon his sheep, but also through discipline; the very reason a shepherd carries with him a shepherd’s crook, also referred to as a rod and staff. The straight portion was used to strike rocks or trees to get the attention of the flock, and to guide them gently when they began to split up. The crook was used to catch a lone sheep and return it to the fold. The second part of the third verse, then, is suggesting that the Lord guides his sheep in good behavior through varied means.
There was another use for the shepherd’s crook, and this is part of the fourth verse: “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.” It was not uncommon for a shepherd to be forced to lead his flock through treacherous land to reach a fertile grazing ground. These areas were often populated by a number of predatory animals; animals that would like nothing better than an easy meal.
A well disciplined flock, when being led through such an area, would often huddle in tight to one another and closely follow the shepherd’s guidance. This allowed the shepherd to use his crook to stave off hungry predators. The sheep would not fear the approaching beasts so long as their shepherd was close by. Likewise, David says that even in the valley of death he fears no evil, for the simple fact that the Lord his shepherd walks beside him.
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over” proclaims the fourth verse. There were times when an excellent grazing area was located at the center of lands patrolled by predators. At these times, the shepherd remained on high alert, keeping his flock grazing tightly together, and ever watching the boundaries of the fields. Should a predator attempt to charge, the shepherd would often make an example of it, which encouraged other predators to simply watch from the sides as the flock ate its fill.
A shepherd would also use a type of oil to discourage parasites from pestering his sheep. He would first pour the oil upon the heads of his sheep, where they were most sensitive, then work it into their fleece and down to their skin. The use of the phrase “my cup runs over” is metaphorical for the care, compassion and kindness David envisions himself receiving at the hands of his shepherd.
The fifth and final verse of Psalm 23 brings the full illustration together. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” David proclaims here with great certainty that the Lord’s care; his goodness and mercy; will be attending to him his entire life. There will never be a need that is not met, a challenge unconquered, or a trial that he cannot pass through. Moreover, he sees himself as a sheep in his shepherd’s flock forever; suggesting that in David’s mind, even death itself cannot separate him from the Lord’s care.
The 23rd Psalm is not only a passage that brings comfort in times of loss. It is a passage that can bring comfort and reassurance in all season of life; in all circumstances; and in all situations.