PSALM 23

 

 

Verse 1           What is the Lord to the Psalmist, David?

           

            [A shepherd “tends” (watches over, cares for, manages, serves, looks after) and “leads” – Isa. 40:11.  He “keeps” (watches over, takes care of, protects, defends, feeds, supports) – Jer. 31:10.  He “feeds”, gives health care, restores, rescues, guides, seeks their best, protects from harm, “cares for” (watchful attention, supervises the well-being of) – Ezek. 34:2-8, 12.  He gives confidence, security, and high spirits to – Matt. 9:36.  He is concerned and protects – Jn. 10:11-13.].

 

Why did Jesus come (John 10:10)?

 

Who is the door, and which sheep are saved (John 10:9)?

 

What is Jesus called, and why is He a “good” shepherd (John 10:11, 15)?

 

What is Jesus called (Heb. 13:20), and why do you think He received this title (see Heb. 10:10)?

 

What is Jesus called, and why do you think He’s called this (1 Pet. 5:4)?

 

Why won't the psalmist, David “want” or lack for anything?

 

What does Peter and Paul write in regard to this same subject (2 Pet. 1:2, 3; Phil. 4:19)?

 

What is the Lord to you, and why?

 

(The believer is described as a sheep in John 10, even as David compares himself to one, here, in this passage – Ps. 23:1, 2.).

 

Sheep have 7 areas of helplessness, and these areas have a direct analogy to the believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

1)                  A sheep has  ____  _____  ___  __________ (but we get direction from God’s Word and Spirit – Psa. 119:105; Prov. 6:23; 1 Jn. 2:27).

2)                  A sheep  ________  _______  _________ (but God/Jesus spiritually cleanses us – Rev. 1:5; Acts 15:9; Jn. 15:3).

3)                  A sheep is  __________  ______  _________ (but we can be spiritually healed/restored – 1 Jn. 1:9).

4)                  A sheep is  _____________ (but God protects us – 2 Thes. 3:3; Gal. 5:16; 1 Cor. 10:13).

5)                  A sheep  ________  ______  ______  ____  _______ (but God provides for our sustenance spiritually and physically – 2 Pet. 1:3; Jn. 15:5; Phil. 4:19; Matt. 6:33).

6)                  A sheep is  ________  ____________ (but God’s Spirit gives us boldness/power – 2 Tim. 1:7).

7)                  A sheep’s wool  ______  _____  ________  ____  _____  _______ (and our lives belong to God – 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 2 Cor. 5:15).

 

Do you feel that these are characteristics of you?                                    Why?

 

Verse 2           What does David say the Lord makes or causes him to do?

 

            Has God ever had to make or cause you to rest or relax, because you were running around (over-active, over-worked, etc.) doing more than He intended you to?                     If so, how?

 

What does God “lead” (with care and protection – in the Hebrew) David beside?

[Since sheep are near-sighted, they are always led rather than driven to water; they are led by the voice of the shepherd.  The only time the sheep will not follow the shepherd is when it is sick.  At that time, it will follow anyone.  And when the believer becomes spiritually sick, he does not follow the Shepherd's voice (the Word of God), but will follow any false criterion – emotionalism, false teachers, traditionalism, the world, the sin nature, the devil, etc.].

In what ways does God refresh you physically?

Verse 3           What does God restore for David?

 

Has God revived, quickened, relieved, or renewed your soul (the real you – thinking/perspective, will, and emotions)?

How?

 

What does David say restores the soul in Psa. 19:7?

 

Is your soul (life) revived after reading God's Word?

What does God guide David in, and why?

 

Are you experiencing God's guidance of you in paths that lead to being and doing right?                 In what way(s)?

 

Verse 4           Even though David walks through the valley of the shadow of death (expressive of any great danger we're exposed to), what is true of him, and why?

 

Do you ever fear evil (harm)?                Why (Heb. 13:5, 6)?

 

How might Rom. 8:31 relate to this idea?                          Or Matthew 10:28?

 

What comforts David?

[Sheep would pass under the shepherd's rod and be counted while the shepherd would check to see if each sheep was in good condition – Ezek. 20:37; Lev. 27:32.  It symbolizes special care.  At times, it was also used for discipline, out of love.  The staff was a stick with a prong on the end, used to snag and deliver sheep from ledges, cactus, and other dangerous areas, as well as to drive off wild animals.].

 

What comforts you?                              Why?

 

How does Heb. 12:5, 6 relate to this idea and your attitude?

 

Verse 5           Where does God prepare a table (symbolical of furnishing David with sustenance without trouble or difficulty on His part) for David?

 

Has God ever shown Himself liberally toward you, blessed and provided for you as malicious, envious, or destructive people (toward you) look on with hatred?

 

What was done to David with oil (symbolical of gladness – Ps. 45:7)?

 

Has God poured gladness over your life?                                    When, and in what ways?

 

What overflows (symbol of plenty or abundance) for David?                Is your cup (life) overflowing because of God blessing you?

 

Verse 6           What will follow David all the days of his life?

 

Has God’s grace (i.e., goodness and lovingkindness) been pursuing your life?

 

If so, in what way(s)?

 

Where will David dwell forever?

 

Where will you be dwelling forever?                               And how do you know?

 

Are your thoughts and dreams heavenward even when blessed with abundance here on earth, or do your thoughts and aspirations get all the more caught up with earthly gain and acquisitions with the increase of worldly abundance?

Why?