USB ~ Psalms 23

The Lord, Shepherd and Host

1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd;† there is nothing I lack. a

2 In green pastures he makes me lie down; to still waters he leads me;

3 bhe restores my soul. He guides me along right paths† for the sake of his name.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, c I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.

5 †You set a table before me in front of my enemies;† You anoint my head with oil;† d my cup overflows. e

6 Indeed, goodness and mercy† will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORDf for endless days.

Footnotes

†. Psalm 23 God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1-4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5-6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).

†. 23:1 My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Ez 34:11-16; Jn 10:11-18).

†. 23:3 Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.”

†. 23:5 You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in Ps 78:19. In front of my enemies: my enemies see that I am God’s friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets (Ps 104:15; Mt 26:7; Lk 7:37, 46; Jn 12:2).

†. 23:6 Goodness and mercy: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel.

23:1 Ps 80:2; 95:7; 100:3; Dt 2:7.
23:3 Prv 4:11.
23:4 Jb 10:21-22; Is 50:10.
23:5 Ps 92:11.
23:5 Ps 16:5.
23:6 Ps 27:4.