Bible Commentaries
Psalms 23

Verse 1

Title. A Psalm. See App-65 . See note on title of Psalms 22:0 .

The LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah.

The LORD ... my shepherd. One of the Jehovah Titles. See App-4 , "Jehovah-Ro'i". Figures of Speech. Metaphor and Anthropopatheia. App-6 .

not want. Because "Jehovah will provide", Jehovah-Jireh. See App-4 .

Verse 2

maketh me = causeth me (implying continuance).

lie down. We need making so as to feed, and not trample the pastures down.

green pastures = choice pastures. Hebrew "pastures of tender grass".

leadeth me = causeth me to rest. Hebrew. nahal, to lead flocks.

still waters. Hebrew "waters of rests", JEHOVAH-SHALOM. App-4 .

Verse 3

restoreth = bringeth back, as in Psalms 19:8 , JEHOVAH-ROPKEKA. App-4 .

soul. Hebrew. nephesh.

leadeth. Hebrew. nahal, to guide, conduct.

paths of righteousness = righteous paths. JEHOVAH-ZIDKENU. App-4 .

name's = own. See note on Psalms 20:1 .

Verse 4

Yea = Moreover.

through. Not into; but "through", and out of it, into resurrection life.

valley, &c. = a valley of deep shade: may include (but not necessarily) death's dark valley.

evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 .

Thou art with me. JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH. App-4 .

rod and . . . staff = club and . . . crook. The only two things carried by the shepherd; the former for defense, the latter for help. The club for the sheep's enemies, the crook for the sheep's defense. A lesson for pastors to-day.

comfort = gently lead. Same word as "leadeth" in Psalms 23:2 .

Verse 5

preparest = settest in order.

table. Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject), App-6 , for what is on it. So that I may feast while He fights. JEHOVAH-NISSI. App-4 . The figure of the sheep is continued: for the "table" of Psalms 23:5 answers to the "pastures" of Psalms 23:2 .

enemies = adversaries.

anointest. JEHOVAH-MEKADDISHKEM. App-4 . Still referring to the sheep and the Shepherd's care: for the figure of the "sheep" is carried right through the Psalm.

cup: i.e. the Shepherd's cup of water for the sheep.

runneth over. See note on Psalms 73:10 .

Verse 6

mercy = lovingkindness, or grace.

follow = = follow after, or closely. In Hebrew present put for future.

for ever = evermore. Hebrew "to length of days".