YEAR 2: WEEK 1 “THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD” PART 1 (Psalm 23)

Psalm 23

The Lord is MY SHEPHERD- ('Jehovah Ra'ah')

CONTEXT: This psalm was written by David, possibly at a time when he was already King and thus looking back on past experiences!!

One pastor writes: “It is rather difficult to ascertain the exact occasion of the writing of the 23rd Psalm. There are those who feel that the Psalm was written when David was a lad tending the sheep, because it is a shepherd's psalm. However, there is evidence that this is not true. For example, in verse 5, he was old enough to have enemies. In verse 4 he was facing the danger of death. In verse 3 he was experiencing rest, and in verse 5 he was experiencing prosperity. These things all point to an older person, or at least one who had reached maturity or adulthood. Probably the 23rd Psalm was written while David was at Mahanaim wondering how the battle was between his forces and those of his son, Absalom, during the civil war caused by Absalom's rebellion. Of course, David was grief-stricken and heartbroken. It may have been the darkest hour of his life and this is where he penned the beautiful words.”

Q. WHAT WAS DAVID’S OCCUPATION BEFORE HE BECAME KING?

David himself was a shepherd (1 Samuel 16:11, 17:15,34) and yet he recognises who the ultimate shepherd is!! You Jesus!!

He uses the analogy of what he knew to relate to your character!! He used aspects of his OCCUPATION to relate to and reflect your character in his life Heavenly Father!!

David also became king and yet the subtle reference to rod=sceptre in vs 4 suggests he sees you God as his King!!!

What is the title of my psalm 23? THE LORD IS MY PHARMACIST!!

Will I submit to your authority as the King of pharmacists, Jesus?

Q. WHAT WOULD THE TITLE OF YOUR PSALM 23 LOOK LIKE?

THE BIGGER PICTURE:

This psalm will also reveal to us two aspects of God. Firstly, in vs 1-4 God is revealed to David and us as OUR SHEPHERD who:

a) PROVIDES for us and satisfies our HUNGER with green pastures and our THIRST with still waters (vs 1-2). (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:25-33)

b) GUIDES us by LEADING us beside still waters and guiding us in paths of righteousness (vs 2-3). See also Proverbs 16:9 and Romans 8:14.

c) RESTORES our soul (vs 3). (Matthew 11:28-29)

d) Offers His PRESENCE! He is with us (vs 4). (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20)

e) PROTECTS and COMFORTS us even in the valley (vs 4). (2 Thessalonians 3:3, 2 Timothy 4:17)

And secondly in vs 5-6, God is revealed to us as OUR HOST in a banquet who PREPARES a table of food for us (vs 5) and anoints our head with oil (see Luke 7:46 which shows us this was something a host was meant to do for guests) and provides for us ABUNDANTLY (my cup overflows-vs 5) in HIS HOUSE (vs 6).

May you get a revelation that the Lord is your SHEPHERD and HOST!