Psa 23, Isa 40:11, Eze 37:24, Joh 10:11, Rev 7:17 | JFB | STEP | 1. Christ's relation to His people is often represented by the figure of a shepherd ( ; ; ; ), and therefore the opinion that He is the Lord here so described, and in ; ; , is not without some good reason.

‏ Psalms 23

PSALM 23

Psa 23:1-6. Under a metaphor borrowed from scenes of pastoral life, with which David was familiar, he describes God's providential care in providing refreshment, guidance, protection, and abundance, and so affording grounds of confidence in His perpetual favor.

1. Christ's relation to His people is often represented by the figure of a shepherd (Joh 10:14; He 13:20; 1Pe 2:25; 5:4), and therefore the opinion that He is the Lord here so described, and in Ge 48:15; Psa 80:1; Is 40:11, is not without some good reason.

2. green pastures--or, "pastures of tender grass," are mentioned, not in respect to food, but as places of cool and refreshing rest.

the still waters--are, literally, "waters of "stillness," whose quiet flow invites to repose. They are contrasted with boisterous streams on the one hand, and stagnant, offensive pools on the other.

3. To restore the soul is to revive or quicken it (Psa 19:7), or relieve it (La 1:11, 19).

paths of righteousness--those of safety, as directed by God, and pleasing to Him.

for his name's sake--or, regard for His perfections, pledged for His people's welfare.

4. In the darkest and most trying hour God is near.

the valley of the shadow of death--is a ravine overhung by high precipitous cliffs, filled with dense forests, and well calculated to inspire dread to the timid, and afford a covert to beasts of prey. While expressive of any great danger or cause of terror, it does not exclude the greatest of all, to which it is most popularly applied, and which its terms suggest.

thy rod and thy staff--are symbols of a shepherd's office. By them he guides his sheep.

5-6. Another figure expresses God's provided care.

a table--or, "food," anointing

oil--the symbol of gladness, and the overflowing

cup--which represents abundance--are prepared for the child of God, who may feast in spite of his enemies, confident that this favor will ever attend him. This beautiful Psalm most admirably sets before us, in its chief figure, that of a shepherd, the gentle, kind, and sure care extended to God's people, who, as a shepherd, both rules and feeds them. The closing verse shows that the blessings mentioned are spiritual.

‏ Isaiah 40:11

11. feed--including all a shepherd's care--"tend" (Eze 34:23; Psa 23:1; He 13:20; 1Pe 2:25).

carry--applicable to Messiah's restoration of Israel, as sheep scattered in all lands, and unable to move of themselves to their own land (Psa 80:1; Jr 23:3). As Israel was "carried from the womb" (that is, in its earliest days) (Is 63:9, 11, 12; Psa 77:20), so it shall be in "old age" (that is, its latter days) (Is 46:3, 4).

gently lead--as a thoughtful shepherd does the ewes "giving suck" (Margin) (Ge 33:13, 14).

‏ Ezekiel 37:24

24. David--Messiah (See on Eze 34:23, 24).

‏ John 10:11

7-14. I am the door of the sheep--that is, the way in to the fold, with all blessed privileges, both for shepherds and sheep (compare Joh 14:6; Ep 2:18).

‏ Revelation of John 7:17

17. in the midst of the throne--that is, in the middle point in front of the throne (Re 5:6).

feed--Greek, "tend as a shepherd."

living fountains of water--A, B, Vulgate, and Cyprian read, (eternal) "life's fountains of waters." "Living" is not supported by the old authorities.