Psalm 23

Psalm 23

Background of Psalm 23

My shepherd leads me. (1-3)

My shepherd is with me. (4)

My shepherd welcomes me home. (5-6)

My shepherd is Jesus. (John 10:3-4, 10-11)

Application:

1. Submit

2. Grow

3. Choose

For the Next Lesson: Psalm 23

1. Read verse 1. Why is it often difficult to study familiar texts of scripture? How can you read this Psalm as if for the first time? This is a Psalm written by David. In Hebrew, the “Lord” is God’s personal name Yahweh. What is the significance of David calling the Lord “my shepherd?” What do shepherds do? David declared that his needs are met by his Shepherd. What does he mean? Where is David’s contentment and confidence coming from? How can you find joy and rest in God’s shepherding leadership over your life today?

2. Read verses 2-3. Notice each action that God takes for you. What does this tell you about God? What does this tell about your own daily needs? God’s loving care for Israel is on display in this verse (Isa 51:14; Zeph 3:13). Just as Israel was led in the wilderness and into the promised land, God promises to lead your life day by day. How has God led you over this last year? What is the motivation behind God’s gentle leading in verse 3? Why is that significant? How are we tempted to rebel against God’s authority in our life?

3. Read verses 4. Why do the “paths of righteousness” go through the “valley of the shadow of death”? In Hebrew, this phrase means the darkest of dark valleys. What difficulties arise when we struggle to see our shepherd’s guiding hand in our life? David’s psalm turns into a prayer to God during this shadowy walk. What can you learn from his example? What dangers might lurk in this valley as a traveler (Luke 10:30)?

4. Read verses 5-6. The imagery shifts from God as shepherd to God as gracious host. Notice that the “paths of righteousness” sometimes encounter enemies. When in your life have you felt attacked (John 10:10)? God promises a feast during the hardest season of your life. What does that look like (Phil 4:7)? Is it possible to miss out on this “feast” of peace and joy (James 4:2b)? What “goodness” and “mercy” does David have in mind? What is David’s driving motivation according to verse 6 (Phil 3:14)? David longed for continual communion with God. Since believers have the Holy Spirit permanently on this side of the cross, what does it look like to have daily communion with God today (Rom 8:14-18)?