Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
The ancient Israelites were a pastoral people. David had been a shepherd and could relate the care of God towards his children to that of a Shepherd to his flock.
The following commentary by Adam Clarke on Psalm 23:1 really drives home the impact of this oft-quoted verse.
How does a Shepherd care for his flock?
1. He leads them out and in, so that they find pasture and safety.
2. He knows where to feed them, and in the course of his grace and providence leads them in the way in which they should go.
3. He watches over them and keeps them from being destroyed by ravenous beasts.
4. If any have strayed, he brings them back.
5. He brings them to the shade in times of scorching heat; in times of persecution and affliction, he finds out an asylum for them.
6. He takes care that they shall lack no manner of thing that is good.
I shall not want – How can they? He who is their Shepherd has all power in heaven and earth; therefore he can protect them. The silver and gold are his, and the cattle on a thousand hills; and therefore he can sustain them. He has all that they need, and his heart is full of love to mankind; and therefore he will withhold from them no manner of thing that is good.
Commentary on the Bible, by Adam Clarke [1831].
Text Courtesy of Internet Sacred Texts Archive.
- Everyday Same-Same on Lagos Streets - December 20, 2022
- Oro Festival Story - November 24, 2022
- Journey to University - July 1, 2022
