Psalm 23:4
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Today’s Reading: Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18
Psalm 23 is a picture of a shepherd and his sheep. This special relationship depicts the shepherd who is willing to risk his life to protect his sheep. It also depicts the sheep who completely trust their shepherd to lead them and protect them. It is here to provide insight into the relationship that Jesus wants with us. This psalm is probably the most famous of all the psalms as it is commonly spoken at funerals and in times of trouble. Even non-Christians are familiar with the words even if they don’t know exactly the source.
Psalm 23 is also a Messianic psalm filled with prophecy. It is the middle psalm of a trilogy of Messianic psalms. Psalm 22 presents Jesus as the Savior focusing on the cross. Psalm 23 presents Jesus as the Shepherd focusing on our relationship. And Psalm 24 presents Jesus as the Sovereign Lord focusing on his crown.
Psalm 23 begins by defining Jesus as our shepherd. He provides everything we need. The Hebrew word for shepherd puts the emphasis on taking care of the flocks. It has a strong connection with the Hebrew word for “friend.” We will lack for nothing because Jesus is our friend and he will take care of us.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures” is actually better than it sounds. The Hebrew word for “pasture” could also mean “home” or “pleasant place.” The emphasis is on this place being pleasant and comfortable. The shepherd would graze the sheep in the early morning until the sun got hot. He would then lead them to a comfortable place in the shade where they could rest after being fed.
Shepherds would also lead the sheep to still waters. Sheep don’t like turbulent water and are poor swimmers. The shepherd would dam up the water to provide a calm place for the sheep to drink. Neither Hebrew words for “makes” or “leads” in verse two connote force but carry the idea of a gentle leading. The same vibe extends through verse three. He is providing restoration and reassurance leading his sheep down a safe path.
Verse four is probably the most famous verse of this psalm. Again, this verse continues to show the shepherd protecting his sheep even through the “darkest valley.” The sheep show no fear because of the presence of the shepherd. The shepherd’s rod would be used on the enemies if they dare attack the sheep. And the shepherd’s staff would be used if the sheep needed rescue from places of danger.
Preparing a table in the presence of enemies is best understood in context of the customs of ancient cultures. A host would provide a meal for a guest as a sign of protection and honor. Preparing a meal in the presence of enemies further suggests a divine sense of security even amidst adversity. Verse five also points us to Revelation 19:9 where all of the believers are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Lastly, verse six extends this shepherd/sheep relationship for eternity. This psalm could be seen as the words of Christ speaking of God the Father as the shepherd, the words of David speaking of God as the shepherd, or our words speaking of Jesus as our shepherd. Jesus said in John 10:11, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Indeed he is!
Christ in the Old Testament 
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