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Psalm 23[a]

The Lord, Shepherd and Host

A psalm of David.

I

The Lord is my shepherd;[b]
    there is nothing I lack.(A)

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Footnotes

  1. Psalm 23 God’s loving care for the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock (Ps 23:1–4) and a host’s generosity toward a guest (Ps 23:5–6). The imagery of both sections is drawn from traditions of the exodus (Is 40:11; 49:10; Jer 31:10).
  2. 23:1 My shepherd: God as good shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Ez 34:11–16; Jn 10:11–18).

For he is our God,
    we are the people he shepherds,
    the sheep in his hands.(A)

III

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:(B)

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14 [a]Shepherd your people with your staff,
    the flock of your heritage,
That lives apart(A) in a woodland,
    in the midst of an orchard.
Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead,
    as in the days of old;

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Footnotes

  1. 7:14–17 A prayer that God will care for the people as in ancient days (v. 14) is answered (vv. 15–17) when the Lord promises to do marvelous things. The nations shall be afraid and turn to the Lord.

A Final Plea

[a]Yet, Lord, you are our father;
    we are the clay and you our potter:
    we are all the work of your hand.

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Footnotes

  1. 64:7–11 The motifs of father (63:16) and creator (clay and potter, 29:16; 45:9) are adduced to move the Lord to action in view of the damage done to his “holy cities” and “glorious house.”