Sermon Central
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[224]. A Message From A Poem - Psalm 23
Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 10, 2025 (message contributor)
[224]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - PSALM 23
This is yet another poem or song or hymn based on the most famous chapter in the bible. The language of this Psalm in the AV/KJV is superb in the language of the 17th century, so much so, that I am going to quote the AV translation of this Psalm:-
Psalm 23
Verse 1 – {{The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Verse 2 - He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Verse 3 - He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Verse 4 - 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.
Verse 5 - Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Verse 6 - 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.”}}
The Psalm begins with a true statement. The LORD is the Shepherd – My Shepherd. From that there are 13 outcomes and facts from that statement, beginning with “I shall not want.”
There is nothing profound about the poem. It is nothing more than the substance of the Psalm expressed in a poetic form.
David was a shepherd from his very early years and as such learned the ways of the sheep and how to care for them. It was easy for him to apply the care of his sheep to the Lord’s care for the sheep of His fold. The Lord Jesus said He is the Shepherd of the Sheep. He is also the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), and the great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20), and the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
The shepherd and sheep is one of the prominent images of scripture.
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PSALM 23
Jehovah is the Shepherd who will keep
The trusting ones He’s taken to His care.
He makes, and leads, restores, and guides the sheep.
No other Shepherd can with Him compare.
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Beside the restful waters He will lead.
The thirsty ones to drink, He gathers there.
Green pastures are the sweetest ones indeed,
To lie down in the Shepherd’s special care.
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Sometimes death’s shadow in the valley nears,
But I will feel no evil in that case.
The Shepherd’s rod and staff will quell my fears.
Prepared, Your table is, before My face.
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With healing oil You do anoint my head.
My cup is overflowing my life through.
With lovingkindness and goodness I’ll tread,
And in God’s house forever, dwell with You.
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13 July 1999 (about) R.E.Ferguson 10-10-10-10 ABAB
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