Psalms 23

A Psalm of David. This Psalm seems to have been composed by David, after God had brought him out of that great distress, of which he complained in the foregoing, and settled him in a prosperous condition: wherein he was confident God would continue him.

Psalms 23:1

JL HE Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. There is no shepherd exercises a more tender and constant care over his flock than the Lord doth over me: and therefore I am confident I shall not want any thing that is necessary, either for my sustenance or for my defence, against those who would bereave me of my happiness.

Psalms 23:2

He maketh vie to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still ivatcrs. For, as a good shepherd leads his sheep in the violent heat to shady places, where they may lie down and feed (not in parched, but) in fresh and green pastures; and in the evening leads them (not to muddy and troubled waters, but) to pure and quiet streams: so hath he already made a fair and plentiful provision for me; which I enjoy in peace without any disturbance.

Psalms 23:3

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in thepatlis of righteousness for his name’s sake. And lest I should lose so great a happiness, his goodness is pleased (for to nothing else can I ascribe it) both to direct and guide me in the right course of pious living, and to reduce me when I go astray; just as a shepherd brings back his wandering sheep from those craggy, untrodden paths, wherein they would loso themselves; and leads them into plain and easy ways, wherein they find rest and safety.

Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley m of tlte shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Which makes me resolve to take a good courage, though I should fall again into the most dismal dangers (as a poor sheep sometimes doth into a deep pit): it shall not terrify me, when I remember that thou art present with me, to protect and defend me: thy royal power nnd pastoral care shall be my support and comfort.

Psalms 23:5

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. But (such is thy extraordinary kindness to me) thou hast not merely provided food, but a feast for me; a most sumptuous feast, which, with great care and order, thou hast set before me, to the astonishment of my enemies: who with shame and grief behold me, whom they lately despised, rejoicing in thy royal bounty towards me, which entertains me even with superfluity of *ill good things.

Psalms 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. And therefore I am bold to hope, that the same bounteous goodness and tender mercy which hath without my desert done all this for me, and pursues me as zealously with its favour as my enemies do with their malice, will still most graciously attend me to the end of my days, and settle me in a quiet enjoyment of his house (as well as my own); where I will never cease to praise his wonderful love towards me, and to give him thanks for all the benefits he hath bestowed upon his unworthy servant.