calendar_today January 9, 2022

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

person Dr. Gary Hylander

view_list Psalms: Making the Connections ,

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 isdeclared for God’s anointed king (Psalm 18:50). In the ancient Near East, the titleShepherd 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, agrariannations.

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. KingDavid viewed himself as the vassal, the under shepherd to God, his Shepherd. WhenDavid was made king of Israel, the people recalled God’s words to David when hesaid you shall be shepherd of my people Israel. In Psalm 23, David humblyacknowledges God as David’s Shepherd, the one who leads, guides, protects, andrules his people. Truly, God is our cosmic Shepherd-King.

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