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Inspired by the Holy Spirit, King David writes the 23rd Psalm as an informed Shepherd. It is packed with theology on death, fear, protection, and the providence of God. God is the Shepherd, and Christians are His sheep. As His sheep, we depend entirely on His guidance, comfort, and supply for daily life. Peaceful rest is made available through the Shepherd as He cares deeply for His sheep's physical and spiritual needs. He is indeed the great Comforter.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Psalm 23).
Despite ever-present dangers from surrounding enemies, the Shepherd's tender love and care are never lacking. As a gracious host sets the table with the finest meal, the Shepherd locates an array of pasture lands adequate for both the sheep's protection and provision. The Psalmist wants the reader to know that even though enemies swarm, the Shepherd is still attentive to the needs of His sheep. Christians, too, should understand that Satan is always lurking with his cunning wiles, "seeking whom he can devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
Every shepherd is attentive to pesky nasal flies, this horrific enemy that plants its eggs in sheep's noses. After hatching in the nasal passage, the larva crawls towards the brain, burrows into the flesh, and causes inflammation, infection, blindness, and sometimes even death. Sheep will bash their heads on trees, the ground, or a rock, seeking relief from the aggravation and pain. Keller says sheep may even jump off cliffs to escape the torment. Only the Shepherd can "anoint" the sheep's "head with oil" (v.5). He rubs a concoction of oils on the sheep's snout as a deterrent to nasal flies.
As His sheep, we have more than we need, and therefore our "cup overflows;" His care is more than enough (v.5). In a single phrase, David recognizes his position under the Shepherd's tender love and care: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" (v.6). Keller says David makes a boastful statement and "reassures himself that he is ever under sound, sympathetic, intelligent ownership. What more need he care about?"
The most extraordinary provision that the Shepherd ever made was offering the ability for His sheep to "dwell" with Him forever (v.6). This act of selfless love was demonstrated by the Shepherd on Calvary's cross when He died for the world. Jesus said, "I am the good Shepherd. The good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11). He loves sheep so much that he died for their past, present, and future sins. After placing your faith and trust in His perfect sacrifice, sheep are assured a place with Him forever. Is He your Shepherd? Are you fully satisfied in His perfect care?
(Some reflections are noted from W. Phillip Keller's book: A Shepherd's Look at Psalm 23.)
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