How does Revelation 7:17 connect with Psalm 23's depiction of the Lord? “For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Psalm 23:1-3 “The LORD is my shepherd; I will not be in need. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.” The Shepherd on the Throne • In Psalm 23 the Lord is portrayed as the personal Shepherd of David; in Revelation 7:17 the risen Lamb is the Shepherd of a redeemed multitude. • Both passages show the same divine Person: the Lord who cares, provides, guides, and protects—first in time, then for eternity. • Revelation shifts the scene from earthly valleys to the heavenly throne, but the Shepherd’s heart and actions remain constant. Provision and Refreshment – “green pastures” – “quiet waters” – “restores my soul” – “springs of living water” (cf. John 4:14; John 7:37-38) – No more hunger or thirst (v. 16) Takeaway: What the Shepherd supplies now in measure He will supply then in fullness, forever satisfying every physical and spiritual need. Guidance and Leading Psalm 23: “He guides me in the paths of righteousness.” Revelation 7: “He will lead them to springs of living water.” • The same verb idea—guiding, leading—links the passages. • On earth the Shepherd’s paths may wind through “the valley of the shadow of death”; in glory they end at waters of eternal life (Isaiah 49:10). Protection and Comfort Psalm 23: “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Revelation 7: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” • Earthly comfort through the Shepherd’s staff becomes eternal comfort when every cause for tears is removed (Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 21:4). • The Shepherd’s protective authority (“rod”) now culminates in His sovereign rule from the throne. Identity of the Shepherd • Psalm 23 calls Him “the LORD” (YHWH). • Revelation 7 identifies Him as “the Lamb,” Jesus Christ (John 1:29). • Scripture therefore presents Jesus as the LORD of Psalm 23—the same divine Shepherd revealed progressively from Old Testament to New. A Continuous Shepherd Narrative 1. Genesis 48:15 – God who shepherded Jacob. 2. Psalm 23 – The Shepherd-King caring for His flock. 3. Ezekiel 34:11-16 – God promises to shepherd Israel personally. 4. John 10:11 – Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd.” 5. Revelation 7:17 – The Lamb-Shepherd reigns forever. The storyline never breaks: the One who sought lost sheep in time will shelter them eternally. Living in the Promise Today • Confidence: The Shepherd who meets your needs today guarantees perfect provision tomorrow (Philippians 4:19). • Hope: Every tear He notes now (Psalm 56:8) He will wipe away then. • Worship: The throne scene calls for present-day adoration, joining heaven’s song (Revelation 7:9-12). |
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