The Bible – Old Testament
Psalms
Index
Int. 1. 2. 3. … 22. 23. 24. … 149. 150.
Chapter 23
1
1 A psalm of David. 2 The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2
In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
3
3 you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
4
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
5
5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6
6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
1 [Psalm 23] God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (⇒ Psalm 23:1-4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (⇒ Psalm 23:5-6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (⇒ Isaiah 40:11; ⇒ 49:10; ⇒ Jeremiah 31:10).
2 [1] My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (⇒ Ezekiel 34:11-16; ⇒ John 10:11-18).
3 [3] The right path: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”
4 [4] A dark valley: a different division of the Hebrew consonants yields the translation “the valley of the shadow of death.”
5 [5] You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in ⇒ Psalm 78:19. As my enemies watch: my enemies see that I am God’s friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from oliv oil, used especially at banquets (⇒ Psalm 104:15; ⇒ Matthew 26:7; ⇒ Luke 7:37, ⇒ 46; ⇒ John 12:2).
6 [6] Goodness and love: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel.
Index
Int. 1. 2. 3. … 22. 23. 24. … 149. 150.