Meditation

Hi there,

Today's verses are among the most well-known in the whole Bible and need little introduction. However, they aren't the first reference to God as a shepherd in the Bible. In fact, it's one of the most often repeated metaphors.​

It first appears in Genesis 48:15 when Jacob states;

“May the God before whom my fathers
Abraham and Isaac walked faithfully,
the God who has been my shepherd
all my life to this day,¹⁶ the Angel who has delivered me from all harm
—may he bless these boys.

Elsewhere in the Old Testament, God is often described as a shepherd. For example:

• Psalm 80:1 — “Shepherd of Israel”

• Isaiah 40:11 — God tending His flock

• Ezekiel 34 — God declaring He Himself will shepherd His people

...but only here in verse one of Psalm 23 is the name Jehovah-Rohi explicitly used.

The metaphor describes God’s relationship to His people in deeply personal terms. A shepherd guides, provides, and protects, leading the flock to what they need and guarding them from what would harm them. God, the shepherd, is never distant. He is watchful, always protecting and providing.

At the same time, the image says something about us. Sheep are dependent and prone to wander, needing constant guidance.

So the metaphor is both comforting and clarifying, pointing to God’s steady care while also reminding us we need to hold fast to him.

Today's text is Psalm 23

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
​² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
​³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.

⁴ Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.​

⁵ You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Encouragement

¹⁰ See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.

¹¹ He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.

Isaiah 40:10-11​

Andy

God’s Word In Your Hand

This study is inspired by a remarkable artwork I found on godsfingerprints.com. You can learn more about the background and purchase it here.

(Links are not affiliate links, and I am not compensated for any purchases.)

​Andy

God's Word In Your Hand

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