This week we are studying Psalm 23 - arguably the most beloved of all the psalms for both Christians and Jews. Countless people have found comfort and strength in the richness of its imagery and meaning.This Psalm of David is one that he felt close to his heart. He himself was a shepherd and he understood both how sheep behave and what it meant to be a good shepherd.
Some questions to ponder:
1. Why is a shepherd a good picture of God?
2. According to verses 1-3, what does the Lord do for us? Which of these actions has meant the most to you in your life?
3. Verse 4 - How is it that sheep can feel safe in the valley of the shadow of death? If we believe this, does that mean nothing bad will happen to us? How are the rod and staff used by a shepherd? What do they represent?
4. Verse 5 - Who are the 'enemies' referred to here? What does it mean to be feasting in their presence?
5. Verse 6 - What does the psalmist express with confidence in this verse? How would you define goodness and mercy?
This psalm is so full of imagery - perhaps you could pull out some other words and discuss why you think they add richness to the psalm.
How about Jesus as the Good Shepherd?
Feel free to add your own thoughts about this psalm, its meaning, the imagery or anything else that comes to mind!
Wonderful questions to ponder...
ReplyDeleteThe shepherd image is beautiful. Like a shepherd, God guides us and protects us ... gently nudging us along.
:)
you are invited to follow my blog
ReplyDeleteIf you care to read more about Psalm 23, Fr. David has a book entitled "The Song of a Passionate Heart: Psalm 23" by David Roper.
ReplyDeleteI am a member of Kaye's in home group. We meet on Wednesday nights.
ReplyDeleteThe first week , they were 7 attendees. We intoduced oursleves one by one and gave a brief synopsis our lives ranging from childhood to adulthood . When we reflected on Psalm 23, we realized that for most of us , this psalm is one of the 'favourites'... Here is one of the many explanations we came across in our session..... "The Lord is my Shepherd "... Thats Relationship! "I shall not want".. That's supply! "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.".... That's Rest! " He leadeth me beside the still waters."... That's refreshment! "He restoreth my soul"...That's healing! "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness" ....That's guidance! "For His name sake"...That's Purpose! "Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadoww of death." .....That's Testing! "I will fear no evil.".... That's protection! "For thou art with me" .... That's faithfulnes! "Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me"...... That's discipline! "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies"... That's hope! "Thou annointest my head with oil,".... That's consecration!... "My cup runneth over " .... That's Abundance! "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.".... That's Blessing! "And I will dwell in the house of the Lord .... That's Security! "Forever"!....... That's eternity!