Psalm 23 of David is the best-known psalm and the favorite biblical passage of many students of Christianity and also for every esoterist because it protects, guides, and blesses when this psalm is recited in profound meditation. It alludes a powerless sheep being tended by an unfailingly careful shepherd (the inner being). In a world of dangerous ditches, ravenous wolves and poisonous snakes we need more than intellectual explanations…
God took David from tending his father’s sheep and made him a shepherd of Israel because David was able to care for this flock with a tender heart and great skill. That tells us volumes about not only the kind of shepherd God chooses but the kind of shepherd he is. God is a zealous protector of his sheep, training us to hear his voice, leading us into pleasant pastures, and even walking with us through the darkest valleys. And he is extravagant in his goodness. He doesn’t just feed us; he prepares a feast in the presence of our enemies. He doesn’t just bless us; he fills our cup to overflowing. He doesn’t just offer his goodness and love; he pursues us with them.
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Because the Prophet had proved the great mercies of God at divers times, and in sundry manners, he gathereth a certain assurance, fully persuading himself that God will continue the very same goodness towards him forever.
A Psalm of David.
1 The Lord is my shepherd, [a]I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to rest in green pasture, and leadeth me by the still waters.
3 He [b]restoreth my soul, and leadeth me in the [c]paths of righteousness for his Name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I should walk through the valley of the [d]shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
5 Thou dost prepare a [e]table before me in the sight of mine adversaries: thou dost [f]anoint mine head with oil, and my cup runneth over.
6 Doubtless kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall remain a long season in the [g]house of the Lord. -Psalm 23
Source of Psalm: 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
Plain English Version:
1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3
he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [1] 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 love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
