THE SHEPHERD'S PROVISION (vv. 1-3) These verses picture the LORD as the great shepherd of His sheep. It is an intimate portrayal of the LORD as a lowly shepherd. This imagery is clearly fulfilled in the Christ, the good shepherd, who has provided His sheep with salvation & rest. The scenery of vv. 1-3 implies rest.
The Lord is my shepherd: The imagery of the LORD as our shepherd conveys the condescension & care of Christ (Phil 2:7). Verses 1b-3 give greater insight into the work of your savior:
(vv. 1b-3) I shall not want: In Christ, we lack nothing; He has provided all that we need for our salvation & sanctification. Vv 2 & 3 then tell us what Christ has provided: green pastures, still waters, restoration of your soul, & guidance on paths of righteousness. This speaks to the savior's work on your behalf – it is both a saving & sanctifying work.
These verses remind us that God is the sovereign worker in our salvation: He makes me/leads me/restores me/leads me. We are also reminded of the chief end of our salvation & sanctification – the Glory of God. We are led in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
THE SHEPHERD'S PROTECTION (v. 4) David's mode of address changes from the distant “He” to the more intimate “You”. While God is always near, He promises to make His presence especially known to you in pain & trial. The “valley of the shadow of death” represents the crises of this life, including the ultimate crisis of death. Christ is with you, protecting you & sustaining you even in death.
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Rev. Ryce and Janine, his wife of 20 years, were born and raised in the Pittsburgh area and previously served in ministry at Tucson Reformed Church (2010-14) and Springs Reformed Church (2014-22), the Christian & Missionary Alliance (2007-09), and the Evangelical Presbyterian...
