Summary: Psalms 23 is excellent Psalm to keep the setbacks and uncertainties of life in proper focus.

Psalms 23

Text: Ps. 23

A. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." Verse 1

1. My Shepherd- Read John 10:11-14

2. Not Want- Literally, 2637 çÈñÅø [chacer /khaw•sare/] v. I shall not lack,

decrease abate

B. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, Verse 2

1. To lie down- 7257, [rabats /raw•bats/] v. literally- to stretch out, couch

C. "He restoreth my soul: Verse 3

1. Restoreth my soul- to return to, make linear motion back to a point previously departed

a. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, KJV)

b. "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." (Psalm 51:12, KJV)

Same word as in Ps. 23

c. Must read Phil. 4:6-7- be careful for nothing, and peace which passeth understanding…

shall keep- literally- keep in garrison, be a watcher in advance

D. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

1. The rod- for the back of the wolf-

2. The staff- that gently leads me and pulls me back to safety

E. "Thou prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

1. The Hebrew word here is more than enemies, it means also enemies that have been bound

6887, (tsarar /tsaw•rar/] v. AV translates as “enemy” 14 times, “distress” seven times, “bind up” six times, “vex” six times, “afflict” four times, “besiege” four times, “adversary” three times, “strait” three times, “trouble” twice, “bound”

F. “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." (Psalm 23:6, KJV)

1. Not me trying to catch up with the good things, they literally are where I am.