INTRODUCTION: One of the most powerful biblical pictures of Jesus Christ is as our Shepherd. The Father is identified as a Shepherd in the Old Testament (Psalm 80:1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
See All...; Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
See All...). The Messiah is prophesied to be the Shepherd to come (Genesis 49:24But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
See All...; Ezekiel 34:23-24 [23] And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. [24] And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.
See All...; Zechariah 11:16For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.
See All...: Zechariah 13:7Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.
See All...). In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
See All..., 14), that Great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
See All...), the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls (1 Peter 2:25For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
See All...), and the Chief Shepherd who shall appear (1 Peter 5:4And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
See All...). Here in Psalm 23, we see Him as the Good Shepherd who cares for the sheep.

1. HE FEEDS THE SHEEP (Psalm 23:1-2 [1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
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1. His Provision Is Personal (Psalm 23:1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
   See All...) – “my shepherd.”
1. He is “The LORD” – compare Exodus 12:3-5 [3] Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house: [4] And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb. [5] Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
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1. A lamb (Exodus 12:3Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house:
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2. The lamb (Exodus 12:4And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take it according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.
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3. Your lamb (Exodus 12:5Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
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2. He personally cares for His sheep – John 10:14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
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1. He knows His sheep.
2. He is known of His sheep.
3. Note: The Jewish people, when out of fellowship with the Lord, were described as sheep having no shepherd (1 Kings 22:17And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.
   See All...; Matthew 9:36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
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2. His Provision Is Sufficient (Psalm 23:1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
   See All...) – “shall not want.”
1. Double meaning of want
1. To lack in basic needs (Deuteronomy 15:7-8 [7] If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: [8] But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
   See All...); this is how the word is commonly used in scripture.
2. To desire that which is not provided; absence of this kind of want is also supplied by our Shepherd, but is commonly referred to as contentment in scripture (Philippians 4:11-13
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2. Our Shepherd supplies our needs (Psalm 34:10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
   See All...; Psalm 37:3-4 [3] Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. [4] Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
   See All...; Psalm 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
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3. Our Shepherd satisfies our longings (Colossians 2:9-10 [9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. [10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
   See All...; 1 Timothy 6:6-9 [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
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4. Note: David’s lack of want is based solely upon the fact that the Lord is his Shepherd. Had the Lord not been his Shepherd, he would have wanted as any other individual would.
3. His Provision Is Satisfying (Psalm 23:2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
   See All...) – “maketh me to lie down.”
1. We find rest (“lie down”) in our Shepherd (Matthew 11:28-30 [28] Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
   See All...).
2. We receive provision (“green pastures”) from our Shepherd (Isaiah 49:9-10 [9] That thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Shew yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. [10] They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
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3. Note: Just as the Lord “restoreth” the soul, He is also a Shepherd who “restoreth” physically with “green pastures” and “still waters.”
4. His Provision Is Peaceful (Psalm 23:2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
   See All...) – “beside the still waters.”
1. Anything other than “still waters” could prove dangerous for sheep. Sheep could feel safe pasturing next to these waters.
2. The Lord provides peace for His people.
1. His is our peace (Ephesians 2:14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
   See All...) as the God of peace (Romans 15:33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
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2. We have peace with God (Romans 5:1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
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3. We have the peace of God (Philippians 4:7
   See All...; Colossians 3:15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
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2. HE LEADS THE SHEEP (Psalm 23:3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
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1. To Restoration – “restoreth my soul”
1. A renewal of strength (Isaiah 40:31But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
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2. A renewal of the inward man (2 Corinthians 4:16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
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2. To Righteousness – “the paths of righteousness”
1. By the leading of our Shepherd (John 10:3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
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1. Into the land of uprightness (Psalm 143:10Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
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2. With the wisdom of God (Proverbs 8:20I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:
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2. For His name’s sake (Psalm 31:3For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
   See All...); Note: The Lord often works for His own name’s sake.
1. He will not forsake His people for His name’s sake (1 Samuel 12:22For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.
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2. He pardons iniquity for His name’s sake (Psalm 25:11For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.
   See All...; Psalm 79:9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.
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3. He leads His people for His name’s sake (Psalm 31:3For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
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4. He delivers for His name’s sake (Psalm 106:8Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.
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3. HE PROTECTS THE SHEEP (Psalm 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
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1. Through the Deepest Trials
1. Through the valley of death (Job 10:21-22 [21] Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; [22] A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.
   See All...; Job 24:17For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
   See All...; Luke 2:29Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
   See All...); Note: It is thought that the Jews understood this practically as the road to Jericho (consider the parable of Luke 10:30-37 [30] And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. [33] But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, [34] And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. [35] And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. [36] Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? [37] And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
   See All...). It is a narrow road at points, and one that would have been dangerous for a shepherd and his sheep.
2. Without the fear of evil (Psalm 3:4-6 [4] I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. [5] I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. [6] I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
   See All...; Psalm 27:1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
   See All...; Psalm 46:1-2 [1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
   See All...; Psalm 118:6The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
   See All...; Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
   See All...; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 [8] We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; [9] Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
   See All...); Note: Fear (except the fear of God) and faith conflict. One cannot possess both at the same time.
2. By His Continual Presence (Joshua 1:9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
   See All...; Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
   See All...) – “for thou art with me”
1. Regardless of what might befall the believer, there is safety in His presence.
2. Perhaps this was the same consideration of Moses (Exodus 33:15And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
   See All...).
3. By His Balanced Care
1. The comfort of God’s care
2. The means of God’s comfort
1. The rod of correction (Hebrews 12:6-11 [6] For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. [7] If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? [8] But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. [9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? [10] For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. [11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
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2. The staff of deliverance (Exodus 12:11And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD's passover.
   See All...; 1 Samuel 17:40And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
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3. The word comfort means strength that can be carried with you. Understanding this demonstrates that both God’s deliverance and His chastening is meant to provide strength for the believer.
4. HE BLESSES THE SHEEP (Psalm 23:5-6 [5] Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. [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.
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1. In the Presence of Enemies (Psalm 23:5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
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1. He prepares a table (Psalm 31:19Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
   See All...; John 10:9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
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2. He blesses in times of affliction (Psalm 3:1-6 [1] Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. [2] Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. [3] But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. [4] I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. [5] I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. [6] I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
   See All...).
2. By the Anointing of God (Psalm 23:5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
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1. The anointing of the head with oil (Psalm 45:7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
   See All...; Psalm 92:10But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.
   See All...; Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
   See All..., 3)
2. The running over of the cup (Psalm 133:1-2 [1] Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! [2] It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
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3. In the Days of Our Lives (Psalm 23:6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
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1. Goodness shall follow (Exodus 33:19And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
   See All...; Psalm 27:13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
   See All...; Psalm 65:11Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
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2. Mercy shall follow (Psalm 25:7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
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3. All the days of your life (Philippians 1:21
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4. In the House of the Lord (Psalm 23:6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
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1. To dwell in the house of the Lord (John 14:1-3 [1] Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. [2] In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
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2. To dwell with the Lord forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
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CONCLUSION: It was the utmost sense of praise for David to claim the LORD as his Shepherd. To do so was not only an exaltation of the LORD, but it was also a statement of humility for David. Just as his sheep depended upon him for their every need, he needed the Lord and was not ashamed to say so.