Psalm 23 - The LORD Is My Shepherd

David's shepherd psalm of quiet trust, comfort, and God's presence through the darkest valley.

Psalm 23: The LORD Is My Shepherd

Psalm 23 pictures the LORD as a shepherd who leads His people beside still waters and restores the soul, a promise stated plainly in Psalms 23:1. Even walking through the valley of the shadow of death, David says he will fear no evil because God's rod and staff bring comfort.


A Psalm of David. HaShem is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul; He guideth me in straight paths for His name's sake.

Yea, 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.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of HaShem for ever.

The psalm closes with a table prepared before enemies, an anointed head, and a promise that goodness and mercy follow all the days of life. See how that provision echoes in <a href="/bible/jps/philippians/chapter-4/19">Philippians 4:19</a>, or read on to <a href="/bible/jps/psalms/chapter-24">Psalms 24</a>.