Psalms 23:1

Psalm 23:1, "A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want," serves as the foundational declaration of one of the Bible's most beloved and comforting passages. Authored by King David, a former shepherd himself, this verse immediately establishes a profound and intimate relationship between God and His people, depicting the Almighty as a caring, vigilant, and all-sufficient guide.

Context

This opening verse sets the tone for Psalm 23, often referred to as David's Psalm of Trust. It draws upon the familiar imagery of a shepherd and his flock, a metaphor deeply rooted in ancient Israelite culture. David, having spent years tending sheep in the wilderness before becoming king, understood intimately the shepherd's role: providing pasture, leading to water, protecting from predators, and caring for the weak. By declaring "The LORD is my shepherd," David elevates this earthly role to a divine level, asserting that God performs these functions perfectly for His people.

Key Themes

• Divine Provision and Sufficiency: The phrase "I shall not want" (KJV) is a powerful declaration of contentment and complete satisfaction. It signifies that because the LORD is the shepherd, all legitimate needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual—are met. There is no lack, no unmet desire that genuinely serves one's well-being, because the divine Shepherd provides abundantly. This theme resonates with the promise of God's comprehensive care for His children, ensuring they are never truly destitute.
• Intimate Relationship and Trust: The possessive pronoun "my" underscores a deeply personal and exclusive relationship. It's not just a shepherd, but my shepherd. This personal connection fosters profound trust, knowing that the one leading and providing is utterly faithful and good. This intimate bond is central to the believer's walk, echoing the words of Jesus, who identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep.
• Security and Guidance: Implicit in the shepherd imagery is the concept of guidance and protection. A good shepherd leads his flock to safe pastures and still waters, guarding them from harm. This speaks to the believer's security under God's care, protected from spiritual dangers and guided through life's pathways.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is YHWH (Yahweh), the personal, covenantal name of God, emphasizing His eternal and faithful nature. The term "shepherd" (Hebrew: ro'eh) encompasses not just feeding, but also tending, pasturing, guiding, and protecting. It's a comprehensive role of care. "I shall not want" translates the Hebrew lo' ehsar, meaning "I will not lack," or "I will not be in need." It conveys a sense of complete sufficiency and contentment, implying that whatever God provides is always enough and exactly what is needed.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 23:1 offers immense comfort and a call to trust. It reminds us that our primary source of provision and security is not worldly resources, human relationships, or personal effort, but the sovereign LORD Himself. When we acknowledge Him as "my shepherd," we surrender our anxieties and fears, resting in the assurance that He will guide us, protect us, and meet our every true need, both temporal and spiritual. This verse encourages a posture of contentment, knowing that "my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." It invites us to live without striving, but with peaceful dependence on the One who perfectly cares for His flock.