Psalm 23:3 - The LORD is My Shepherd

Audio Bible

Context

The LORD is My Shepherd
…2He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.…

Cross References

John 10:3-4
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen for his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. / When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.Isaiah 40:11
He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. He gently leads the nursing ewes.Ezekiel 34:15-16
I will tend My flock and make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD. / I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’John 10:14-15
I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me, / just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father. And I lay down My life for the sheep.1 Peter 2:25
For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.Isaiah 49:10
They will not hunger or thirst, nor will scorching heat or sun beat down on them. For He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.Revelation 7:17
For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”Jeremiah 31:9
They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”Luke 15:4-6
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the pasture and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? / And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, / comes home, and calls together his friends and neighbors to tell them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost sheep!’John 16:13
However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.Proverbs 4:11
I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths.Isaiah 42:16
I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light before them and rough places into level ground. These things I will do for them, and I will not forsake them.Psalm 5:8
Lead me, O LORD, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make straight Your way before me.Psalm 31:3
For You are my rock and my fortress; lead me and guide me for the sake of Your name.Psalm 139:24
See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 19:7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Psalm 51:10,12
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me…

Psalm 85:4-7
Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease…

leadeth

Psalm 5:8
Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.

Psalm 34:3
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Psalm 143:8-10
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee…

for his

Psalm 79:9
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

Ezekiel 20:14
But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

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Psalm 23

He restores my soul;
This phrase speaks to the renewal and revitalization of one's inner being. In biblical context, the soul often represents the whole person, encompassing emotions, will, and intellect. The restoration implies a return to a state of spiritual vitality and peace, akin to the shepherd tending to a weary sheep. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God as a restorer, seen in passages like Isaiah 40:31, where those who hope in the Lord renew their strength. The concept of restoration is also echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus offers rest for the weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28-30), highlighting His role as the ultimate shepherd and restorer of souls.

He guides me in the paths of righteousness
The imagery of guidance reflects the shepherd's role in leading sheep along safe and right paths. In ancient Israel, shepherds were responsible for finding paths that led to water and pasture, ensuring the well-being of their flock. The "paths of righteousness" symbolize a life lived in accordance with God's will and commandments. This guidance is not just moral but also practical, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, where trusting in the Lord leads to straight paths. The guidance of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, with the Holy Spirit described as a guide into all truth (John 16:13), further connecting this guidance to the work of Christ in believers' lives.

for the sake of His name.
This phrase emphasizes that God's actions are ultimately for His glory and reputation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a name represented one's character and authority. God's name is synonymous with His nature, and His actions reflect His holiness and faithfulness. The idea that God acts for the sake of His name is seen throughout the Bible, such as in Ezekiel 36:22-23, where God promises to act not for Israel's sake, but to uphold the sanctity of His name among the nations. This underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, where His guidance and restoration are part of His commitment to His own character and promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of Psalm 23, David was a shepherd before becoming the king of Israel. His experiences as a shepherd inform the imagery used in this psalm.

2. Shepherd
A central figure in Psalm 23, representing God as the caretaker and guide of His people, providing for their needs and leading them to righteousness.

3. Paths of Righteousness
Symbolic of the moral and ethical guidance provided by God, leading believers in a way that aligns with His will and character.

Teaching Points

Restoration of the Soul
God is the ultimate restorer of our souls, bringing spiritual renewal and healing. In Hebrew, the word for "restore" (shuv) implies returning or bringing back to a former state, emphasizing God's role in restoring us to spiritual vitality.

Guidance in Righteousness
The paths of righteousness are not just moral choices but a lifestyle aligned with God's will. The Hebrew word for "paths" (ma'galey) suggests well-worn tracks, indicating a consistent and faithful walk with God.

For His Name's Sake
God's guidance and restoration are ultimately for His glory. Our lives should reflect His character and bring honor to His name.

Dependence on God
Just as sheep depend on their shepherd, we must rely on God for direction and sustenance. This dependence fosters a deeper relationship with Him.

Living Testimonies
As recipients of God's guidance and restoration, our lives become testimonies of His goodness and faithfulness to others.

(3) Restoreth my soul--i.e., refresheth, recreateth, quickeneth.

For his name's sake.--God's providential dealings are recognised as in accordance with His character for great graciousness.

Verse 3. - He restoreth my soul; i.e. revives it and reinvigorates it when it is exhausted and weary (see the comment on Is. 19:7, where the same verb occurs). He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness. Which are also "paths of pleasantness and peace" (Proverbs 3:17). For his Name's sake. To magnify his Name as a gracious and merciful God. Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

He restores
יְשׁוֹבֵ֑ב (yə·šō·w·ḇêḇ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

my soul;
נַפְשִׁ֥י (nap̄·šî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

He guides me
יַֽנְחֵ֥נִי (yan·ḥê·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 5148: To guide, to transport

in the paths
בְמַעְגְּלֵי־ (ḇə·ma‘·gə·lê-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4570: An entrenchment, track

of righteousness
צֶ֝֗דֶק (ṣe·ḏeq)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6664: The right, equity, prosperity

for the sake
לְמַ֣עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Preposition
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

of His name.
שְׁמֽוֹ׃ (šə·mōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

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Psalm 23:3 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 23:3 He restores my soul (Psalm Ps Psa.)