Psalm 23: The Crook

By Cody Westbrook

            Psalm 23 is a psalm that is known and loved by many. This beautiful context describes our Lord as a shepherd, and us as His sheep. In David’s day, the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep was of great value. Sheep were a sign of wealth. They were very important to the shepherd because they provided him clothing and substance for sacrifice. But his sheep were also very dependent upon him. The shepherd ruled them, guided them, fed them, and protected them. In turn, the sheep followed him, obeyed him, loved him, and trusted him. In the same sense, the Lord is our Shepherd (John 10:11). He provides for us, guides us, and protects us as we follow Him. Psalm 23 describes this relationship with pristine beauty.

The Lord as a Shepherd (vss. 1-3a)

            The first section of the Shepherd psalm can be summed up in one word – provision. Sheep who are well cared for lack nothing. The shepherd provides every necessity of life for them. Men have exhausted themselves in search of riches, but they are never satisfied. Rulers have scavenged the world in search of conquest, but they are never full. Man, left to his own devices, can never fully satisfy all of his needs. Only the shepherd can provide for the sheep; and only those sheep that follow their Shepherd will truly be complete. God shall supply every need (Philippians 4:19). In Him only can a life of abundance be found (John 10:10).

The Lord as a Guide (vss. 3b-4)

            “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.”  Were ever any words spoken, more comforting than these? Occasionally, sheep would wonder away from their shepherd. In response, the shepherd would strategically use his shepherd’s staff to direct the sheep back into the fold. The wise sheep recognizes that he has no reason to fear because his Shepherd will correct him and guide him to where he should go. Jesus has promised that His sheep have no reason to fear death (John 6:39-40). When the struggles of life abound and the dark clouds gather round us, in life and in death, we have every reason to be joyful. For, if we follow the Shepherd’s guidance, we will gain the victory (1 Corinthians 15:55-56)!

The Lord as a Gracious Host (vss. 5-6)

            Our Shepherd is gracious. Not only will He guide us, but as our Benevolent Host, He will feed us and protect us in the presence of our enemies. Paul wrote that God is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us” (Ephesians 3:20). In Christ there is nothing that we lack because we have all spiritual blessings in Him (Ephesians 1:3). If I follow the Shepherd; I will not want, I will not fear, and I will dwell with Him forever!