Scriptural text: Psalm 23; John 10:11-14
Lesson Context:
David first appears in Scripture as a keeper of sheep (1Samuel 16:11). During a war with the Philistines, he continued to be responsible for the care of his father’s flock (17:15, 20). In the role of shepherd, David had fought both lion and bear (17:34-37). It is also relevant to note that “shepherding” is a common metaphor in the ancient Near East, used especially to kings who protect and provide for sub- jects. This goes a long way to help explain the depiction of David. His introduction as a shepherd in 1 Samuel guides readers to anticipate that he would make a good king. (International Sunday School Lessons, KJV 2024- 2025.
l. God’s Shepherd- ing (Psalm 23:1-): A. Provides (v. 1).
1. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Da- vid thought about God, the God of Israel; as he thought about his relationship with God, he made the analogy of a shepherd and his sheep. God was like a shepherd to David, and David was like a sheep to God. In one sense, this was not unusual. There are other references to this analogy between the deity and his followers in ancient Middle Eastern cultures. “In all Eastern thought, and very definitely in Biblical literature, a king is a shepherd.” (Morgan) “I shall not want” means, “All my needs are supplied by the Lord, my shepherd.” “I shall not want” means, “I decide to not desire more than what the Lord, my shepherd gives” (David E. Guzik Bible Commentary).
B. Leads(v. 2). 2a. “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” The Lord as a shepherd knew how to make David rest when he needed it, just as a literal shepherd would care for his sheep. The implication is that a sheep doesn’t always know what it needs and what is best for itself, and so needs help from the shepherd. The shepherd also knew the good places to make his sheep rest. He faithfully guides the sheep to green pastures. Philip Keller (In A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23) writes that sheep do not lie down easily and will not unless four conditions are met. Because they are timid, they will not lie down if they are afraid. Because they are social animals, they will not lie down if there is friction among the sheep. If flies or parasites trouble them, they will not lie down. Finally, if sheep are anxious about food or hungry, they will not lie down. Rest comes because the shepherd has dealt with fear, friction, flies, and famine.
2b. “He leadeth me beside the still waters.” The shepherd knows when the sheep needs green pas- tures, and knows when the sheep needs the still waters. The images are rich with the sense of comfort, care, and rest. One reading holds that the shepherd brings the flock to a natu- ral body of water free of fast-flowing rapids-hence “still.” (International Sun- day School Lessons, KJV 2024-2025).
C. Protects (v. 4):4a. “Yea, though I walk through the valley and the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For thou art with me.” David used this pow- erful phrase to speak of some kind of dark fearful experience. It is an impre- cise phrase, yet its poetry perfect sense.
It is a valley, not a mountain or broad meadow. A valley suggests being hedged in and surrounded. It is a valley of the shadow of death-not facing the substance of death itself, but the shadow of death, casting its dark, fearful outline across David’s path.It is a valley of the shad- ow of death, facing what seemed to David as the ultimate defeat and evil. Notably, David recognized that under the shepherd’s leading, he may walk through the valley of the shadow of death. It isn’t his destination or dwelling place. One can rightly say that we face only the shadow of death because Jesus took the full reality f death in our place. (David E. Guzik’s Bible Commentary)
ll. The Lord Supplies (Psalm 23:5): A. Safety (v.5a).5a. “Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- ence of mine enemies.”
David envisioned the provision and goodness given by the Lord as a host, inviting David to a rich table prepared for him. The second allegory begins, a magnificent banquet is provided by a most liberal and benevolent host; who has not only the bounty to feed me, but power to protect me; and, though surrounded by enemies, “I sit to this table with confidence knowing that I shall feast in perfect security.” (Clarke) David gives a beautiful picture: table suggests bounty; prepare suggests foresight and care; before me suggests the personal connection. The goodness and care suggested by the prepared table is set right in the midst of the presence of my enemies. (David E. Guzik’s Bible Commentary).
lll. The Psalmist’s Future (Psalm 23:6):A. Accompanied by Blessings (v. 6a). “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”