What is the main idea of Psalm 23?

Answer 1

This much-beloved psalm of David makes use of the Shepherd motif to describe the deep faith and hope available to the child of God, made possible the watchful care of the Lord. It also mixes other metaphors, especially that of a gracious Host. As outlined below, David begins by illustrating the provision of the Lord, both physical and spiritual (1-3). David then describes the protection of the Lord, as he travels through dangerous places and in the presence of enemies (4-5). The psalm ends with an expression of faith and hope in the Lord's preservation, that God will furnish the goodness and mercy needed throughout life, so that he made abide in the house of the Lord forever (6). The Christian sees in this psalm a wonderful foreshadowing of "The Good Shepherd", Jesus Christ, who gave His life for His sheep and even now watches over them (cf. Jn 10:11-15; He 13:20; 1Pe 2:21-25; 5:4). A good follow-up to this psalm is Psalm 100, which expresses the praise we should render to God as His people and the sheep of His pasture.