23
A Psalm by David [Beloved].
Context: References cite that David [Beloved] grew up as a shepard. This is his personal experience related to his understanding of God as a Shepard.
Possibly, (v1-3) David’s experience of a Shepard and sheep relationship, both training and protecting sheep; (v4-5) David’s experiences of being anointed as future king by Samuel in preference to his brothers, playing music for King Saul, facing Goliath to death, and being chased by King Saul and taking the water jug and spear without harming God’s anointed King; (v6) taking God at His word and trusting Him, pursuing God as his goal. (1 Sam 15:28, 16:1, 16:7-13, 16:14-23, 17:32-37, 17:47, 26:11-20; 2 Sam 7:8; Ps 27:4, 65:4, 84:10, 101:7)
1 *Adonai is my Ro'i [Shepherd Provider]:
I shall lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. †
3 He restores my soul.
He guides me in the 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 runs over.
6 Surely goodness and chesed ·loving-kindness· shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in Adonai’s house forever.
* 23:1 . MP: Good Shepherd’s characteristics. (John 10:11, 10:14-15) † 23:2 . Quoted in Rev 7:17