The LORD
The term "LORD" in this context is derived from the Hebrew word "Yahweh," which is the personal name of God revealed to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal existence and His covenantal faithfulness to His people. In the context of Psalm 23, it emphasizes the personal relationship between God and the believer, highlighting His role as a covenant-keeping God who is intimately involved in the lives of His followers.

is my shepherd
The imagery of a shepherd is rich with meaning in the biblical context. In ancient Israel, a shepherd was responsible for the care, guidance, and protection of the sheep. The Hebrew word "ro'eh" conveys the idea of one who tends, feeds, and leads. This metaphor portrays God as a caring and protective guide, who knows His sheep intimately and provides for their every need. The shepherd's role is not just functional but relational, indicating a deep, personal connection between God and the believer.

I shall not want
The phrase "I shall not want" speaks to the sufficiency and provision of God. The Hebrew word "chaser" means to lack or be in need. In this context, it conveys the assurance that with the LORD as our shepherd, we will not lack anything essential. This is not a promise of material wealth but a guarantee of God's provision for our spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. It reflects a deep trust in God's ability to provide and care for His people, echoing the sentiment found in Philippians 4:19, where Paul assures that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.

1. David
The author of Psalm 23, David was a shepherd before becoming the king of Israel. His experiences as a shepherd provided him with a deep understanding of the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep, which he uses as a metaphor for God's care for His people.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His personal relationship with His people. In this Psalm, God is depicted as a shepherd, highlighting His guidance, provision, and protection.

3. Shepherd
A common occupation in ancient Israel, shepherds were responsible for the care, guidance, and protection of their sheep. This role is used metaphorically to describe God's relationship with His people.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, often referred to as His flock. The imagery of God as a shepherd is frequently used throughout the Old Testament to describe His relationship with Israel.

5. Wilderness
The setting for many of David's psalms, the wilderness represents both physical and spiritual challenges. It is a place where reliance on God as a shepherd is crucial for survival and guidance.God's Personal Care
Just as a shepherd knows each sheep, God knows each of us personally and cares for our individual needs.

Trust in God's Provision
The phrase "I shall not want" encourages believers to trust that God will provide for their needs, both physical and spiritual.

Dependence on God
Like sheep depend on their shepherd for guidance and protection, we are called to depend on God in every aspect of our lives.

Contentment in Christ
Understanding that God is our shepherd should lead us to contentment, knowing that He provides everything we need.

Security in God's Presence
The shepherd's presence assures the sheep of safety. Similarly, God's presence in our lives provides us with security and peace.(1) Shepherd.--This image, as applied to God, appears in Hebrew literature first (Genesis 48:15; Genesis 49:24) of his relation to the individual (comp. Psalm 119:176); as the shepherd of His people the image is much more frequent (Psalm 78:52; Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 63:11; Ezekiel 34; Micah 7:14). . . . Verse 1. - The Lord is my Shepherd. This metaphor, so frequent in the later Scriptures (Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 49:9, 10; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:6-19; John 10:11-19, 26-28; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 7:17), is perhaps implied in Genesis 48:15, but first appears, plainly and openly, in the Davidical psalms (see, besides the present passage, Psalm 74:1; Psalm 77:20; Psalm 78:53; 79:14; 80:1 - psalms which, if not David's, belong to the time, and were written under the influence, of David). It is a metaphor specially consecrated to us by our Lord's employment and endorsement of it (John 10:11-16). I shall not want. The Prayer-book Version brings out the full sense, "Therefore can I lack nothing" (comp. Deuteronomy 2:7; Deuteronomy 8:9; and Matthew 6:31-33).

Parallel Commentaries ...


A Psalm
מִזְמ֥וֹר (miz·mō·wr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4210: Instrumental music, a poem set to notes

of David.
לְדָוִ֑ד (lə·ḏā·wiḏ)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

The LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is my shepherd;
רֹ֝עִ֗י (rō·‘î)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7462: To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with

I shall not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

want.
אֶחְסָֽר׃ (’eḥ·sār)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2637: To lack, need, be lacking, decrease


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OT Poetry: Psalm 23:1 A Psalm by David (Psalm Ps Psa.)