Psalm 23 is by far the most widely known psalm in the bible. It is taught by churches and Sunday schools across the country. It is quoted, reprinted, and spread throughout the Christian Community. However, the meaning behind the psalm is often overlooked.
             Most of us can quote the lines of Psalm 23, but few of us have examined the meaning behind its' powerful message. The opening verse says, "The lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Initially in the psalm a metaphor is used to illustrate the care the lord gives to his people. He is compared to a shepherd looking over his flock. A shepherd's only job at that time was to protect his flock. Without his flock, the shepherd had nothing. It is also said that God's only job is to protect and love his people. The shepherd must provide for, guide, and look after the sheep. The psalm illustrates that the lord will do this for his people. The psalm also illustrates that the lord, is your lord. It says, "The lord is my shepherd," not "The lord is a shepherd." The lord belongs to everyone who will have him. He does not choose his flock; his flock may choose him.
             "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters." The second verse goes more into depth of the care the shepherd gives to his flock. Jerusalem is a barren, arid landscape. Therefore it is important for the shepherd to find sustenance and water for his flock, which the he does. The shepherd does the best he possibly can for his flock. The landscape in the psalm is described as pleasant. The grass is green and the water is calm, not raging, violent, or quick. The shepherd presents to his flock a pleasant, soothing landscape in which to live.
             The third verse looks into the healing powers of the lord. "He restoreth my soul; he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Here the lord, both l...