Hey all,

For the past couple of months since starting theologia, I’ve been thinking of the best way to start Publishing content but honestly, I’ve been procrastinating. Finally, I thought, it would be great to start the year with a series of bible studies I did almost 6 years ago.

If there’s one Psalm that makes us feel the warmth of God’s Love, His comforting care, unfailing support, and strong leadership .. that is Psalm 23

Psalm 23, contains just 7 verses. i.e. 20 Lines and 109 Words, yet it beautifully paints a picture of God. I love this psalm and I know you do too (who doesn’t love Psalm 23)

Now, there are two ways to study scripture,

1. Plain Reading (Simple, Plain & Boring way to learn scriptures)
2. Proper Systematic Study

If you ask what I recommend, I would suggest the latter, because that is the only way to understand scripture. Often, people choose to use the first method to study scriptures, but that will always leave them adding their imagination to the text of what it could mean rather than truly understanding what it really means. I suggest the Second method.

Over the next few weeks, I would like to take you through Psalm 23 to help you understand this beautiful text in its context.

Introduction & Background of Psalm 23

Psalm 23:1–6 NIV
1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Authorship of Psalm 23

Psalm 23 is a Psalm of David. It’s easy to identify the Psalm with the author’s name. Usually, the name of the author is written before the beginning of the first verse. But in some cases, the author of the Psalm may not be clearly mentioned.

So, If you observe carefully, in some Psalms you will notice it is written as “Of David.”

For Instance,

Psalm 24, if you observe, below the numbering of the Psalm, you will find a phrase…

• “Of David. A Psalm”
  • The word Psalm means, “Songs of Praise”. So the sentence, “Of David” has different meanings, It could mean, of David, by David, or for David. Let’s look at a few more examples of each one.
• of David (Ref. Psalm 30:7)
  • Could mean.. life of David
  • Could be an Autobiography
  • by David (Ref. Psalm 103) –
    • it is an Exhortation to him and the people. He says, Bless the Lord.
    • This is regarding a specific situation.
    • Written as Praise so that others can follow in praising God.
• for David – (Ref. Psalm 37)
  • could be one of those Psalms that was written by the musicians in his court or written by Levites for David
    
    
    

When it comes to the Authorship of Psalm 23, there is no debate. Because there is ample evidence to prove that David was the author of this Psalm. Psalm 23 is also known as an Autobiographical Psalm. This is also a Psalm that is read in Funeral services in the Jewish tradition and in western culture.

Background of Psalm 23

A Question that I have often thought about is, what could be the occasion or reason behind this Psalm? Why did David write this Psalm?

Psalm 23 was written during the time when David fled because of Absalom’s rebellion. According to, “Commentary on the Old Testament by C.F Keil, & F. Delitzsch” They write that Psalm 23 is an amplification of Psalm 4:8 and Psalm 3:7. Also, this Psalm falls under the same period as the other psalms., i.e. Psalm 27:4 & Psalm 63.

In short, David wrote this Psalm when he fled the palace (2 Samuel 15:14-16). Under this, the following events take place.

• David Crosses Kidron Valley and Mount of Olives and moves into the plains of Wilderness (2 Samuel 15:23)
  • He was far from his regular dwelling place & out in the wilderness.
    
• David is emotional about leaving the place, He tells Zadok if God allows, “He will come back and let me see his dwelling place (Jerusalem) again.” (2 Samuel 15:25)
  • Probably, this is why he closes Psalm 23 writing, “I will dwell in the House of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6
    
• David is told that Ahitophel is among the conspirators with Absalom (2 Samuel 15:32)
  
  

So, this entire situation sets the background of Psalm 23.

Now, with this in mind as background, if you begin to read Psalm 23, it will make a lot more sense.

Reflection

Often, when I think about the situation that conspired between David & Absalom. I think David could have easily fought and won against Absalom and his men. Absalom does not even have a standing chance against David & his men any day! However, in spite of his strength and military power, he chooses to run away.

This can make us wonder,

• Was David Scared of Absalom?
• Was he too weak to confront his own son?

I don’t think I can say, YES or NO to any of those questions but what I learned after studying this Psalm & the life of David is this.

David knew when to fight and when to hide. He knew when to confront and when not to confront those who rise against him. David moved out of his own to avoid a blood bath that could have happened in the family and in his country. He retreated from his palace not because he was weak but for the sake of peace and

Perhaps, there is a lesson for us to learn. Sometimes we fight battles that we are not supposed to fight. Sometimes we start arguments we are not supposed to start. The best and wise way to avoid trouble is to just walk away. Absalom might have thought his father is weak or had given up. But remember this, walking away from a fight even when you could easily win is a sign of strength.

So, this Psalm is nestled in the idea of seeking peace, rest & comfort in our Good Shepherd. It’s about seeking contentment in our Lord Jesus. In midst of all this, there is a readiness to face the worst, however, David knew his life is safe (Psalm 23:4) in God’s hands.