The Shepherds Song Psalm 23 Mark Foreman NC3 v Two common fallen tendencies: depersonalization and autonomy. Ø We tend to depersonalize the Lord: sterilize him & distance ourselves through time, doctrine or business resulting in loss of intimacy. Ø We tend to live independently from God: not dependent as a creature or child. Ø This Psalm fights against both by using the Shepherd metaphor. David a shepherd as a boy. He understood the needs of sheep He understood the heart of a shepherd. We are the sheep (weak, defenseless, & trusting). God is the shepherd (providing, protecting, and loving). Compares himself to weak, defenseless, foolish, trusting sheep. Compares the Lord to a providing, protecting, loving, joyful shepherd. v Opening Declaration (23:1) Ø Yahweh The Tetragrammaton. As distinguished from any other gods of ultimate concern. Ø my shepherd (Psa 78:52; 80:1; Isa 40:11; Jer 31:10; Eze 34:11-13; Joh 10:11; 1Pet 2:25) Everything flows from this one picture. This is a most comprehensive & intimate metaphor. not the usual, more distant king or deliverer. not the impersonal rock or shield. The shepherd lives with and for his flock (Psa 80:2; 77:21; 95:7). This is not a deistic comment, he takes care of everything because He's God. Nor is it the statement of providence alone. These are the words of someone who personally walks with and lives under the daily care of God. My: Amazing nearness to God. Ø Not want (Psa 34:9, 10; Phil 4:19; 1 Tim 6:6) Because of this one reality, there is no wanting. Sometimes wanting can consume like a cancer. It is as if little "want cells" are invading and circulating in my soul consuming my attention on great and small things.
It is only God who is the antidote to this plague. He bonds himself to the "wants" neutralizing them. Contentment is a rare thing these days but it does exist. and particularly among Christians who have truly discovered the Shepherd. When Christ goes from distant Savior of our sins to the intimate Shepherd of our souls it is truly a wonderful thing. I only want more of Him (see Mat 6). v The Shepherd s Provision and Guidance (3rd Person) (2-3) Ø He makes me lie down in green pastures (Psa 65:11-13; Ezek 34:14). He makes a certain sound to command them to lie. green or grassy meadows unlike the hireling looks for & provides the best physical & spiritual Ø he leads me beside quiet waters (lit. waters of rest) Leads (Rev 7:17) throughout the day the shepherd is looking or heading for water. the coveted hour of the day quiet- still wells, fountains, cisterns, dammed spots are safest. rivers & waterfalls are dangerous for sheep the Shepherd knows where & leads there. (see Rev 7:17) Ø he restores (retrieves & revives) my soul (Psa 19:7) This may picture the straying sheep brought back or spiritual renewal cf. Is. 49:5; Psa 60:1. repent or convert He bringeth it back; from its errors and wandering (Wesley). If sheep stray into periouls places or private land. or spiritual renewal refreshing the soul Isa 58:12 The two, can be combined: retrieving & reviving. It is the life of the soul David primarily writes of here. "My soul" could replace all the "me's". My soul rests in His meadow, my soul is guided by His waters, my soul is guided by His righteous path. soul means life and affects the spiritual, mental, & physiological. The soul at a minimum is the life in me and at a maximum, is equaled with heart. It is my inner life. NC3 2
Lord- thank you that you do this for my soul. Take us there more often, keep us there. Make us a people restored. Ø He guides (Psa 5:8; 31:3) me in paths of righteousness (Psa 85:13; Prov 4:11; 8:20) for his name s sake The paths we take affect our souls. The paths can be dangerous, but he chooses the right paths. One path may lead to a prcipice and another the right path. primarily moral, loving, ethical, righteous not simply right directionally This Shepherd has moral & loving intent. That is what His Name (nature) stands for. v The Shepherd s Protection and Nurture (2nd Person) (4-5) Ø In the darkest hour I am fearless because of your presence (4a) Even though... even in the worst situations. Walk through the valley (Job 10:21, 22) Shadow of death (29x in OT). valley s often have a name. many times superlative for deep darkness. but the lit. is shadow of death. whether a crises (darkness) or the ultimate crisis (death), fear is absent. The lack of fear is the uniqueness here (Psa 3:6; 27:1) You replaces the more distant He. His presence is our ultimate comfort, not the situation (Psa 16; Isa 43:2) Ø And because your power is always present protecting me (4b) The rod was a club worn at the belt used for defending (Lion club in Africa). The staff or crook was for guiding & control & discipline. Discipline is security. We must be protected from others & ourselves (Rom. 8:31-39; 2 Cor. 12:9f). Comfort here refers to the calming effect in threatening situations (NET). But, even in the supposition of the distress, there are four words which lessen the terror: It is death indeed that is before us; but, [1.] It is but the shadow of death; there is no substantial evil in it; the shadow of a serpent will not sting nor the shadow of a sword kill. [2.] It is the valley of the shadow, deep indeed, and dark, and dirty; but the valleys are fruitful, and so is death itself fruitful of comforts to God s people. [3.] It is but a walk in this valley, a gentle pleasant walk. The wicked are chased out of the world, and their souls are required; but the saints take a walk to another world as cheerfully as they take their NC3 3
leave of this. [4.] It is a walk through it; they shall not be lost in this valley, but get safely to the mountain of spices on the other side of it. (Matthew Henry). Ø Not only, am I protected, but I am abundantly nurtured and provided for (5) Some think the metaphor changes to friend but not necessarily. This turns from protection to nurture & intimacy. To prepare is to spread (Psa 78:19). All eating was on the ground (sheep & men). Looks for poisonous plants or snakes in the grass. To eat and drink with a friend was a sign of intimacy and mutual loyalty. (Exo. 24:8-12; 1 Cor. 11:25). Ø You anoint (Psa 92:10; Luk 7:46) This could be the anointing of a friend or sheep (heeling, protecting, restoring). Sheep would have their wounds anointed at the end of the day. cup of water to the thirsty v Concluding Hope (6) Ø Goodness and love will hotly pursue me (Psa 25:7, 10) Love is the covenant word (hesed), mercy, loving-kindness, steadfast love. His judgments pursue the wicked (Psa. 83:15), love and goodness pursue us. This is the only place in the entire OT where either of these nouns appears as the subject of this verb PAdDr (radaf, pursue ). to chase him, but ironically God s goodness and faithfulness (which are personified and stand by metonymy for God himself) pursue him instead. The word pursue is used outside of its normal context in an ironic manner and creates a unique, but pleasant word picture of God s favor (or a kind God) chasing down the one whom he loves (NET notes). Ø Dwell- Intimacy with God is my destiny (Psa 27:4-6) God s dear friend, guest and family forever. Come and see John 14: Make our home with your. Rom. 8 nothing can separate us... Mat. 22:32 Ø All the days of my life... forever NC3 4
Ø Our two tendencies (depersonalization and independence )are overcome. To depersonalize the Lord. To live independent of the Lord. v Thinking It Through Ø Are you in want? What is it that you are wanting? Is it something that the shepherd can provide? Ø Is Jesus your shepherd? Whom do you turn to for provision and comfort? Ø Have you learned to go with him to the grassy meadows and still waters where he can restore your soul? Where would that be for you? What would it include? Ø How does he lead you in the right paths? Have you learned that his no s are as much out of love as His yes s? Ø What is the darkest valley you have ever experienced in your life? Ø Do you believe that goodness and mercy are following you? Read Rom. 8:28? Ø Read John 10:11. Have you made Jesus your personal Shepherd? Will you become vulnerable & allow Him to be your loving, providing, & protecting God? NC3 5