Series: Psalms: Making the Connections

Psalm 23:1-3: Song of the Shepherd, Part 1

January 09, 2022 | Dr. Gary Hylander
Passage: Psalms 23:1-3

Book One
SONG OF THE SHEPHERD, PART 1
Psalm 23:1-3


The beloved Psalm 23 is positioned within a collection of five kingship psalms
(Psalms 20-24), which flow naturally from Psalm 18, in which ultimate victory is
declared for God’s anointed king (Psalm 18:50). In the ancient Near East, the title
Shepherd was a widely used metaphor for kings, whether it be Israel or elsewhere.
The Shepherd-King was a fitting description for a ruler in the nomadic, agrarian
nations.


In Genesis 48:15-16, Jacob referred to the God who has been my shepherd all my life.
The patriarchs, all of which were shepherds, viewed God as their Shepherd. King
David viewed himself as the vassal, the under shepherd to God, his Shepherd. When
David was made king of Israel, the people recalled God’s words to David when he
said you shall be shepherd of my people Israel. In Psalm 23, David humbly
acknowledges God as David’s Shepherd, the one who leads, guides, protects, and
rules his people. Truly, God is our cosmic Shepherd-King.

 

Note How The LORD, Our Shepherd King, Leads, Protects, And Guides His People

Series Information


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