Psalms 23:2

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He maketh me to lie down {H7257} in green {H1877} pastures {H4999}: he leadeth {H5095} me beside the still {H4496} waters {H4325}.

He has me lie down in grassy pastures, he leads me by quiet water,

He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.

Commentary

Context of Psalms 23:2

Psalm 23 is one of the most cherished and widely known psalms, traditionally attributed to King David, who himself was a shepherd before ascending to the throne. This verse continues the tender and profound metaphor introduced in Psalm 23:1, where the Lord is depicted as a loving shepherd and the believer as a dependent sheep. In the ancient Near East, a shepherd's role was paramount, involving tireless care, protection, and guidance for their flock. Sheep are inherently vulnerable creatures, relying entirely on their shepherd to find food, water, and safe resting places, a relationship that beautifully illustrates God's care for His people.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Provision and Sustenance: "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures" emphasizes God's abundant and faithful provision. Just as a diligent shepherd ensures his flock has lush grazing grounds and a secure place to rest, the Lord provides for all our needs—spiritual, emotional, and physical. These "green pastures" symbolize not only ample nourishment but also flourishing, contentment, and a thriving environment.
  • Profound Rest and Tranquility: The phrase "maketh me to lie down" implies a gentle yet firm leading into a state of deep rest. Sheep will only lie down to chew their cud and truly relax when they feel completely safe, satisfied, and free from fear. This speaks to the profound peace and security found in God's presence, allowing us to release our anxieties and find true spiritual rest, a theme echoed in Jesus' invitation to find rest for our souls.
  • Gentle and Wise Guidance: "He leadeth me beside the still waters" highlights God's careful, steady, and gentle guidance. Sheep are easily spooked by turbulent water and will not drink from it. The shepherd meticulously leads them to calm, clear, and refreshing sources of water, symbolizing spiritual refreshment, inner peace, and the quiet leading of the Holy Spirit. This imagery contrasts sharply with the chaos of the world, offering a haven of tranquility and vital restoration.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase for "green pastures" is deshe' mar'eh, which conveys the idea of fresh, lush, and verdant grazing grounds—a place of rich sustenance and vitality. "Still waters" comes from the Hebrew mei menuchot, which literally translates to "waters of quietness" or "waters of rest." This emphasizes not merely the absence of turbulence, but the profound sense of calm, peace, and security that enables the sheep to drink without fear, which is essential for their well-being and survival.

Practical Application

In our fast-paced and often stressful modern lives, this verse offers immense comfort and a powerful invitation to trust. It serves as a beautiful reminder that our Heavenly Shepherd is intimately involved in our lives, actively providing for our needs and leading us to places of true rest and spiritual nourishment. When we feel overwhelmed, anxious, or weary, this passage encourages us to "lie down" in His peace, trusting His unfailing provision and His perfect guidance. It calls us to surrender our worries and allow Him to lead us to the "still waters" of His presence, where our souls can be refreshed and restored, much like the living water that Jesus offers to those who believe in Him.

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Cross-References

  • Revelation 7:17 (81 votes)

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • Revelation 22:1 (57 votes)

    ¶ And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

  • Ezekiel 34:13 (35 votes)

    And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

  • Ezekiel 34:14 (35 votes)

    I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and [in] a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.

  • Psalms 46:4 (30 votes)

    [There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.

  • Revelation 21:6 (26 votes)

    And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

  • Revelation 22:17 (23 votes)

    And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.