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. The LORD 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 leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shades 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 my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

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.

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/wbt/philippians/chapter-4/19">Philippians 4:19</a>, or read on to <a href="/bible/wbt/psalms/chapter-24">Psalms 24</a>.