Playing this Page

Psalm 23 Lesson

NIV Bible

Dianne Fox © 8/2009-2012

The sixth Messianic Psalm of David Sevenfold Ministry:

As we enter the lesson concerning my favorite Psalms we will read each verse and learn deeper meaning of this very special chapter. I hope you will enjoy learning or renewing your understanding of what the Shepherd is.

The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

(1) The Shepherd is someone taking care of everything a flock of sheep needs.

He makes sure the sheep has enough food and water it needs to nourish them.

and to keep them healthy. The Shepherd seeks shelter to protect his sheep from the weather such as a thunder storm that could drive the flock over a cliff or into a swollen stream of water. The sheep is always protected from any dangerous animal or thief. This is the John 10 of the Old Testament. As this verse suggest we experience a more joyful life in which the Shepherd protects us (His Sheep) from harm.

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters;

(2) When the worry of this world over takes us it is hard to hear the voice of the Lord telling us to slow down. To step away from what ever is causing you to be distracted so much you can not hear the voice of the Lord. He will give you directions if we could listen and hear Him. When I was working I would get caught up in meeting dead lines and teaching the workers how to do their job. It never failed I would become ill and have to spend time at home to recuperate. During that time God would finally get through to me and I rested (beside the still water).

He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness

for His name sake.

(3) Restoring your soul is a promise from God. He will lead you to all things He has promised to give you in His word. He will indeed lead you into the right paths if we allow Him to.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.

(4) The good shepherd is forever watching his flock, leading the way around and through danger. He never leaves his sheep to the elements. There are always times when a thief comes to rod, steal and to kill to get at the shepherds flock. Doesn’t this remind you of satan comes into our lives to rob, steal and kill you and your loved ones? The fact is satan doesn’t care if you loose your joy and happiness. He wants you to join him in the lake of burning fire. It is a never ending battle against satan and we praise the Lord for loving us so much for the Father who sent His only begotten Son to give His life for our sins. We have the word of our testimony and the whole armor of God to stand against the wilds of satan.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies

You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

(5) The Father has prepared a full table of food to feast of in the presence of the enemy. We will feast in safety while the shepherd watches, fights and protects. Our heads will be anointed with oil and we will have plenty of wholesome drink.

Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

(6) This is an Old Testament prophecy which will be completely filled in all who go into the house of the Lord forever. We, being adopted into the Olive tree, will be at home at last. (Romans 8:15-16) For you did not receive a spirit that you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.