“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation. Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies. You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full. Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life.”
— Psalms 23:1-6
Obviously, one of the most well known and loved psalms. Will add notes in subsequent readings.
David mixes metaphors between v. 1-4 and 5-6. Sheep don’t have feasts prepared, and the oil may be a way to honor guests at the banquet—not healing an injured sheep.
The opening line is the point of the poem. God provides everything so the Psalmist, and by extension, those who follow Him, do not need anything. He leads, guides, protects, calms, reassures.
All of this is for the sake of His name/reputation/glory.
I like other translations that emphasize deep dark valleys, not just “death.” Not sure if we need to emphasize the word “must” in v. 4, whether God is leading us through it, because of v. 2, or if life just brings us to a dark valley. There are several examples we can put here. Fear is completely natural and human. It’s also crippling.
Power of His presence is huge. This is what dissipates fear. (True in parenting, too.)
Rod and staff were always taught to me as being disciplinarian, but NET says it carries idea of protection and emotional security. This makes much better sense, and I’m not just saying that to buck what I’ve been taught. Some quick research shows that the idea of breaking sheep’s legs is not only debatable but some would say— insane. This idea made popular from a book back in 80s or 90s and “went viral.” Carrying a huge sheep does seem a bit counterintuitive.
Linked to idea of God’s presence (you are with me), which may be the most important idea in the song.
The Lord’s house in OT is pretty much always referring to the temple (or tabernacle for David). David thrilled to gain favor in the middle of so many enemies and to be able to worship his God all his days.