Psalm 23:1-6 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.… I. GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE NOURISHMENT. One of the first duties of an Eastern shepherd was to provide ample pasture for the flock, to lead them hither and thither that plenty might be found. The Lord, as David's Shepherd, would make provision for his necessities. And not for David only, but for all His people "the Lord will provide." We have here — 1. A repudiation of naturalism. The advocates of this system maintain that though God made the world and its noblest inhabitant — man, He now feels no interest in the work of His hands. "He is so great," say they, "that it would be beneath Him to notice the little things of earth or the concerns of man." The love, compassion, and Fatherly goodness of God are here ignored. A meagre view of the Divine character is this. God is a Shepherd, and will never neglect His flock. 2. A truth to which God has pledged Himself God cares for less important creatures than man: the blade of grass, the lily, the sparrow (Matthew 6:24-34). II. THAT GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE PROTECTION. It was as really the duty of the shepherd to protect his flock from harm, as to supply them with food. He would even expose himself to danger for the safety of his flock. David did when he grappled with the lion and the bear. God protects His people. 1. The good have enemies — (1) Numerous. (2) Cunning. (3) Powerful. 2. The Great Shepherd is engaged to protect them. (1) He protects their bodies. He gives "His angels charge," etc. (2) He gives spiritual protection. He is — to change the figure — a "Shield," "a wall of fire," etc. God is "more than all" who are against His people. III. THAT GOD GIVES HIS PEOPLE REST. God, as a Shepherd, will give His followers rest. 1. Here. From storm within, and from oppression, etc., without. 2. Hereafter. He will take His own to be in His presence forever.Learn — 1. The importance of being "the sheep of His pasture." Only those who are such have any claim to this provision, protection, and rest. 2. The value of trust in Him who has condescended to sustain to us these gracious relationships. (John Hill.) Parallel Verses KJV: {A Psalm of David.} The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. |
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