23:title A psalm of David See note on 3:title.

23:1 Yahweh is my shepherd The psalmist portrays Yahweh as a shepherd, a common depiction throughout the ot. The metaphor emphasizes His care for and protection of His people (28:9; Isa 40:11). He is also called the shepherd of Israel (Ps 80:1). Several times, the title is specifically applied to His care of Israel in the wilderness (77:20; 78:52–53).

Names of God in the Old Testament Table

23:2 grassy pastures This emphasizes ideas of nourishment and abundance. As shepherd, Yahweh cares for and provides for the psalmist (Ezek 34:14–15).

quiet The Hebrew word used here, menuchah, emphasizes rest and security. Yahweh provides for all the psalmist’s needs (Isa 32:20).

23:3 correct paths Describing a path of life (Prov 12:28). To be led on these paths is to enjoy Yahweh’s protection (Psa 1:6). See 5:8 and note.

for the sake of his name Yahweh’s protection and care of the psalmist is not only for the psalmist’s sake, but for the sake of Yahweh’s name (or reputation).

23:4 a dark valley The psalmist acknowledges that life will not always be characterized by green pastures and quiet waters (v. 2). He will walk through darkness or gloom (107:10; Job 10:22).

evil The Hebrew word used here, ra'ah, can refer to harm or trouble (Job 2:10). Even in difficult times, the psalmist will not fear any harm.

you are with me The psalmist does not fear because of Yahweh’s presence, which protects him from harm (Psa 138:7; Isa 43:2).

Your rod and your staff Tools used by shepherds to guide sheep. Having sheep pass under a rod was a way of counting them (Lev 27:32). Here, the rod symbolizes Yahweh’s protection and care. Elsewhere, it serves as a symbol of divine discipline (Ps 89:32; 2 Sam 7:14).

23:5 before me a table The psalmist switches from portraying Yahweh as a shepherd to portraying Him as a host. Hospitality in the ancient Near East required more than providing a meal. The host was also responsible for protecting his guest (see Gen 19:8 and note). Since the psalmist, as a guest, enjoys Yahweh’s protection, he can eat safely in the presence of his enemies.

You anoint my head A host customarily anointed his guests’ heads with oil as they entered to eat (Psa 45:7; Luke 7:46).

my cup is overflowing Emphasizing Yahweh’s generosity; He provides more than the psalmist needs.

23:6 Surely goodness and loyal love With Yahweh as his shepherd and host, the psalmist is confident that he will be protected by Yahweh’s unfailing covenantal love (Exod 34:6).

Chesed Word Study

for a very long time The Hebrew phrase used here, le'orekh yamim, literally means “for length of days.” This does not necessarily indicate eternity; it shows the psalmist expects to be Yahweh’s guest all of his life.