Psalm 23

A Psalm of David

Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
    for his name's sake.

4 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.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
    forever.

1. What can this psalm teach us about who we are?

2. What is the significance of David calling the Lord his shepherd? (hint: what was David before he became king?)

3. Explain “for his name’s sake” in v.3.

4. How does this Psalm interpret the presence of evil in our lives?

5. Are trials/blessings good indications of our relationship with God? Why?

6. How do we distinguish between what should apply to David only and what can apply to us?