Psalms 23
Summary for Ps 23:1-28:9: Pss 23–28 a These psalms develop the importance of integrity (25:4-7 b, 12-14 c, 21 d; 26:6 e, 11 f; 27:7-12 g), God’s shepherding care (23:1 h; 28:9 i), God’s guidance (23:2-3 j; 25:5 k; 27:11 l), God’s goodness (23:6 m; 25:7-8 n; 27:13 o), and living in his house (23:6 p; 26:8 q; 27:4 r, 8 s).Summary for Ps 23:1-6: Ps 23 t This psalm of trust and confidence in the Lord has been a favorite of God’s people for generations. It expresses assurance of God’s presence in the midst of adversity. It evokes images of the Good Shepherd (23:1-3 u; see Ezek 34:12 v; John 10:11 w) and of the messianic banquet (Ps 23:5-6 x; see Isa 25:6 y; Rev 19:9 z).
Summary for Ps 23:1-3: 23:1-3 aa People in the ancient Near East commonly viewed their rulers as shepherds. 23:1 ab The Lord promises to take care of his children (34:9-10 ac; Isa 51:14 ad). He demonstrated this ability to Israel in the wilderness (Deut 2:7 ae) and in the Promised Land (Deut 8:9 af).
23:2 ag Sheep rest after they have eaten their fill (Zeph 3:13 ah; see Isa 11:7 ai; cp. Isa 13:20 aj; 27:10 ak).
• The Lord leads the sheep for their own benefit (see Ps 5:8 al).
• Sheep only drink from still water, so the shepherd seeks out peaceful streams for his flock.
23:3 am Cp. 19:7 an; the Lord’s word renews my strength.
• The Lord guides by rescuing his people from evil (23:4-5 ao; see 31:3 ap), bringing them back to himself (5:8 aq; 61:2 ar), caring (48:14 as; 139:10 at), ruling (67:4 au), counseling (73:24 av), protecting (78:53 aw; 107:30 ax; 143:11 ay), and instructing them in wisdom (27:11 az; see Prov 4:11 ba).
• The Lord’s name guarantees the relationship; he guards his reputation against any accusation of his abandoning his people or allowing them to sin (see Pss 25:11 bb; 31:3 bc; 106:8 bd; 143:11 be).
23:4 bf The shepherd used his rod and staff to fend off danger.
23:5 bg A feast demonstrates the Lord’s care and mercy toward his people (see 22:26 bh, 29 bi). Although enemies can watch, they cannot trouble the guests.
• The ritual of anointing the head with oil showed guests honor (92:9-11 bj), hospitality, and refreshment (104:15 bk; 133:2 bl).
23:6 bm The Lord expresses his unfailing love through the goodness of his presence and other benefits that he alone provides (69:16 bn; 86:17 bo; 109:21 bp; see 18:6 bq; 61:4 br). He actively bestows care that is greater than the temporary trials imposed by enemies (7:1 bs).
Psalms 24
Summary for Ps 24:1-10: Ps 24 bt The shepherd of Ps 23 bu, who is also the King of the whole world, takes possession of Zion.Summary for Ps 24:1-2: 24:1-2 bv The kingdom belongs to the Creator, the Great King (cp. 22:27 bw). 24:1 bx The Lord created and now rules the earth and everything in it (see 1 Cor 10:25-26 by). He sees all its people (Ps 33:14 bz), regardless of their status (49:1-2 ca).
24:2 cb God created everything in an orderly and stable manner (see 89:11 cc; 102:25 cd; 104:5 ce).
Summary for Ps 24:3-6: 24:3-6 cf The citizens of the King’s realm include all who seek him. The Lord invites them to enter his presence. 24:3 cg These questions invite readers to look away from their problems with the wicked and to examine themselves (see 15:1 ch).
• God’s holy place is the holy mountain, a reference both to Jerusalem and to heaven.
24:4 ci Those with pure hands have not shed blood or injured relationships between people (see 9:12 cj; 15:2-5 ck).
• Those with pure hearts commit themselves fully to the Lord, as evidenced in strength of character, transparency, and selflessness (51:10 cl; 73:1 cm; see Matt 5:8 cn).
24:10 co The Lord of Heaven’s Armies reigns from his home, the Temple in Jerusalem (84:3-5 cp). He excludes sin and sinners (24:3-6 cq) but protects all who dwell in Zion.
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