> [[psalm-22|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-24|Next →]] --- # Psalm 23 ## The Lord, Shepherd and Host 1 A psalm of David. ^psalm-23-1 ### I The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 In green pastures he makes me lie down; ^psalm-23-2 to still waters he leads me; 3 he restores my soul. ^psalm-23-3 He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, ^psalm-23-4 I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me. ### II 5 You set a table before me ^psalm-23-5 in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me ^psalm-23-6 all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for endless days. \* (Psalm 23) God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (([[psalm-23|Ps 23]]:1] – [4]) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (([[psalm-23|Ps 23]]:5] – [6]). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus ([Is 40:11]; [49:10]; [Jer 31:10]). \* (23:1) My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament ([Ez 34:11] – [16]; [Jn 10:11] – [18]). \* (23:3) Right paths: connotes “right way” and “way of righteousness.” \* (23:5) You set a table before me: this expression occurs in an exodus context in [Ps 78:19]. In front of my enemies: my enemies see that I am God’s friend and guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at banquets ([Ps 104:15]; ([[matthew-26|Mt 26]]:7]; ([[luke-07|Lk 7]]:37], [46]; [Jn 12:2]). \* (23:6) Goodness and mercy: the blessings of God’s covenant with Israel. a. (23:1) [Ps 80:2]; [95:7]; [100:3]; [Dt 2:7]. b. (23:3) [Prv 4:11]. c. (23:4) [Jb 10:21] – [22]; [Is 50:10]. d. (23:5) [Ps 92:11]. e. (23:5) ([[psalm-16|Ps 16]]:5]. f. (23:6) ([[psalm-27|Ps 27]]:4]. --- _New American Bible, revised edition_ (2010, 1991, 1986, 1970) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. > [[psalm-22|← Previous]] | [[psalm-00|TOC]] | [[psalm-24|Next →]]