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The Bible · 501 of 1189

Psalms 23

1.The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2.He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3.He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

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.

5.Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6.Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Asked of Guide

Why does David call the LORD his shepherd in Psalm 23?

David uses the shepherd image to describe intimate, ongoing care: the LORD “maketh me to lie down in green pastures” and leads him “beside the still waters,” showing guidance, provision, and rest. The metaphor collects actions a shepherd performs—leading, restoring, protecting—and applies them to God so the reader feels safe rather than merely instructed.

This chapter centers experience more than doctrine; lines like “thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” show protection during danger, and “thou preparest a table before me” shows honor amid enemies. For a complementary reading on this pastoral intimacy, see Augustine’s Confessions, where memory of God’s guidance is also rendered through personal care and consolation.

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