Psalm 23

A psalm of David

This is the best known and most popular of all 150 psalms. A psalm of King David, it reflects his experience as a shepherd who cared for his sheep. God cares for us far more than we ever dreamed . He prepares a table before us. He anoints our head with oil. He restores our soul. Because of the Twenty-third Psalm’s comforting words of God’s protection in the face of death, it is frequently read at funerals. Here is a beautiful example of the power of poetry and metaphor to express spiritual truths.

The LORD is my shepherd;
    I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
    he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
    he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
     I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
     thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me
    in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
    my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
    for ever.