Psalm 23

Psalm 23 has been referred to as “the psalm of psalms,” “the pearl of psalms,” “an idyll of great beauty,” and “a literary gem unsurpassed.” J. Vernon McGee described the psalm in his writings as “sublimely simple and simply sublime.” I think that just about sums it up!

Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most popular passages in the Bible. It appears on paintings, plaques, and pillows. I have seen it on large billboards and even tattooed on people’s bodies. We sometimes sing the psalm in worship services and often quote from it in eulogies. Moreover, on the night of September 11th, 2001, President George W. Bush quoted from Psalm 23 in his address to the nation; and according to Biblegateway, Psalm 23 contained six of the top 10 most popular Bible verses in 2024.

Psalm 23 is not only a very popular passage; it is also a very powerful passage. David, who had been a keeper of sheep, compares himself to one of those dumb and defenseless creatures who must rely solely on God for his protection and provisions. And because God is such a strong and trustworthy shepherd, David can confidently say, “I will fear no evil.” Hence, it is a psalm of the shepherd’s shepherd!

A group of 1st graders took turns telling the class what they wanted to be when they grew up. One boy said, “I’m going to be a lion tamer. They are going to be big and strong, and when I walk into their cage they’ll roar.” The boy then paused for a moment as he thought about what he had just said and added, “But I’ll have my mommy with me.” That kind of illustrates how David felt about God as his shepherd in Psalm 23. So long as He was there with him, everything would be okay!