A Psalm of David.
This introduction identifies King David as the author, a shepherd himself before becoming king. His experiences as a shepherd provide a rich background for the imagery used in this psalm. David's life, from tending sheep to leading Israel, reflects a deep reliance on God, paralleling the shepherd-sheep relationship. The psalm is part of the Book of Psalms, a collection of songs and prayers used in both personal devotion and public worship in ancient Israel.

The LORD is my shepherd;
The term "LORD" refers to Yahweh, the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with His people. The shepherd metaphor is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where shepherds were responsible for the care, guidance, and protection of their sheep. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to describe God's relationship with His people (e.g., Isaiah 40:11, Ezekiel 34:11-16). In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the "Good Shepherd" (John 10:11), fulfilling the role of divine guidance and care.

I shall not want.
This phrase expresses complete trust in God's provision. In the historical context, shepherds ensured their flocks had everything they needed, from food to safety. The statement reflects a deep contentment and assurance that God will supply all needs, as echoed in Philippians 4:19. It also points to the spiritual fulfillment found in Christ, who provides for the deepest needs of the soul (John 6:35). The phrase underscores the sufficiency of God's care, eliminating any lack or deficiency.

1. David
The author of Psalm 23, David was a shepherd before becoming the king of Israel. His experiences as a shepherd provided him with a deep understanding of the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep, which he uses as a metaphor for God's care for His people.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His personal relationship with His people. In this Psalm, God is depicted as a shepherd, highlighting His guidance, provision, and protection.

3. Shepherd
A common occupation in ancient Israel, shepherds were responsible for the care, guidance, and protection of their sheep. This role is used metaphorically to describe God's relationship with His people.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often referred to as His flock. The imagery of God as a shepherd is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to describe His relationship with Israel.

5. Wilderness
The setting for many of David's psalms, the wilderness represents both physical and spiritual challenges. It is a place where reliance on God as a shepherd is crucial for survival and guidance.God's Personal Care
Just as a shepherd knows each sheep, God knows each of us personally and cares for our individual needs.

Trust in God's Provision
The phrase "I shall not want" encourages believers to trust that God will provide for their needs, both physical and spiritual.

Dependence on God
Like sheep depend on their shepherd for guidance and protection, we are called to depend on God in every aspect of our lives.

Contentment in Christ
Understanding that God is our shepherd should lead us to contentment, knowing that He provides everything we need.

Security in God's Presence
The shepherd's presence assures the sheep of safety. Similarly, God's presence in our lives provides us with security and peace.(1) Shepherd.--This image, as applied to God, appears in Hebrew literature first (Genesis 48:15; Genesis 49:24) of his relation to the individual (comp. Psalm 119:176); as the shepherd of His people the image is much more frequent (Psalm 78:52; Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 63:11; Ezekiel 34; Micah 7:14). . . . Verse 1. - The Lord is my Shepherd. This metaphor, so frequent in the later Scriptures (Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 49:9, 10; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:6-19; John 10:11-19, 26-28; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 7:17), is perhaps implied in Genesis 48:15, but first appears, plainly and openly, in the Davidical psalms (see, besides the present passage, Psalm 74:1; Psalm 77:20; Psalm 78:53; 79:14; 80:1 - psalms which, if not David's, belong to the time, and were written under the influence, of David). It is a metaphor specially consecrated to us by our Lord's employment and endorsement of it (John 10:11-16). I shall not want. The Prayer-book Version brings out the full sense, "Therefore can I lack nothing" (comp. Deuteronomy 2:7; Deuteronomy 8:9; and Matthew 6:31-33).

Parallel Commentaries ...


A Psalm
מִזְמ֥וֹר (miz·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4210: Instrumental music, a poem set to notes

of David.
לְדָוִ֑ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

The LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is my shepherd;
רֹ֝עִ֗י (rō·‘î)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

I shall not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

want.
אֶחְסָֽר׃ (’eḥ·sār)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2637: To lack, need, be lacking, decrease


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OT Poetry: Psalm 23:1 A Psalm by David (Psalm Ps Psa.)