Psa 23:1-4 CSB A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have what I need. (2) He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. (3) He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. (4) Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
The psalmist employed the figure of a shepherd to recall the blessings he enjoyed from the Lord. The metaphor was a natural one for David, the shepherd-king. It was also a common metaphor in the ancient Near East, as many kings compared themselves to shepherds in their leadership capacity. The prophecy of the coming Messiah incorporated the same, and Jesus identified Himself as that expected “Good Shepherd”. He is also called the “Great Shepherd” and “the Chief Shepherd”. Because the Lord was David’s Shepherd, his needs were met.
