Psalms 23:1-2
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse isn't just about God providing what we need; it's about His role as shepherd actively preventing lack. It's not simply hoping for the best, but a profound declaration of confidence that because the LORD is actively guiding and caring for us, we will inherently be complete and lack nothing essential.
David, likely reflecting on his own experiences as a shepherd and now as king, opens this psalm with a profound declaration of trust. He isn't just speaking about God's care for the nation of Israel, but about a deeply personal relationship where God actively guides and provides. This foundational statement sets the stage for the entire psalm, establishing a tone of unwavering confidence that anticipates future needs being met.
David calls God 'my shepherd.' This isn't just a comforting image; it's a declaration of covenant relationship.
A Shepherd's Obligation
When David, a former shepherd himself, calls God 'my shepherd,' he's drawing on a deep understanding of what that role entails. A shepherd wasn't just a tender of sheep; they were a covenant protector and provider.
What does it truly mean to 'not want'? It's more than just having your needs met; it's about divine sufficiency.
Beyond Basic Needs
The phrase 'I shall not want' goes beyond simply having enough to survive. It speaks to a profound contentment and completeness found in God alone.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Israel, signifying His eternal, self-existent, and faithful nature.
ro'eh · Hebrew Noun
One who tends, guides, protects, and provides for a flock, frequently used in Scripture to describe God’s relationship with His people and the role of spiritual leaders.
Jesus directly uses the shepherd metaphor for Himself, calling Himself the 'good shepherd' who lays down His life for the sheep, reinforcing the intimate and sacrificial relationship described in Psalm 23.
Isaiah 40:11This passage describes God's gentle and powerful shepherding, gathering the lambs and carrying them, which echoes the tender care implied in Psalm 23 and assures believers of God's personal attention.
Romans 8:28This verse promises that 'all things work together for good' for those who love God, which is a profound expansion of 'I shall not want,' highlighting that even difficult circumstances are part of God's providential care for His flock.
1 Peter 5:4Peter refers to Jesus as the 'Chief Shepherd,' a title that connects directly to the 'LORD' being the shepherd in Psalm 23, emphasizing the ultimate authority and care provided by Christ for His followers.
Philippians 4:19This verse assures believers that God 'will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory,' which is a direct fulfillment and explanation of the Psalmist's declaration, 'I shall not want.'
clarkePsalms 23:1: "A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
The Lord is my shepherd - There are two allegories in this Psalm which are admirably well adapted to the purpose for which they are produced, and supported both with art and elegance. The first is that of a shepherd; the second, that of a great feast, set out by a host the most kind and the most liberal. As a flock, they have the most excellent pasture; as guests, they have the most nutritive and abundant fare. God cond…
pulpitPsalms 23:1: "<> The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Verse 1. - The Lord is my Shepherd. This metaphor, so frequent in the later Scriptures (Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 49:9, 10; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:6-19; John 10:11-19, 26-28; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 2:25; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 7:17), is perhaps implied in Genesis 48:15, but first appears, plainly and openly, in the Davidical psalms (see, besides the present passage, Psalm 74:1; Psalm 77:20; Psalm 78:53; 79:14; 80:1 - psalms which, if…
The verse isn't just about God providing what we need; it's about His role as shepherd actively preventing lack. It's not simply hoping for the best, but a profound declaration of confidence that because the LORD is actively guiding and caring for us, we will inherently be complete and lack nothing essential.
David, likely reflecting on his own experiences as a shepherd and now as king, opens this psalm with a profound declaration of trust. He isn't just speaking about God's care for the nation of Israel, but about a deeply personal relationship where God actively guides and provides. This foundational statement sets the stage for the entire psalm, establishing a tone of unwavering confidence that anticipates future needs being met.
David, likely reflecting on his own experiences as a shepherd and now as king, opens this psalm with a profound declaration of trust. He isn't just speaking about God's care for the nation of Israel, but about a deeply personal relationship where God actively guides and provides. This foundational statement sets the stage for the entire psalm, establishing a tone of unwavering confidence that anticipates future needs being met.
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"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters." — The verse isn't just about God providing what we need; it's about His role as shepherd actively preventing lack. It's not simply hoping for the best, but a profound declaration of confidence that…
