Shepherd song
The world says we’re masters of our own fate, fully able to create the kind of life we want. David knows that doesn’t work: we’re content only in the care of our loving Shepherd-king.
A David psalm.
1 YHWH is my shepherd:
I lack nothing at all.
2 He lets me rest in lush, green fields
and leads me beside peaceful pools.
3 Good Shepherd that he is
he restores me when I go astray
and leads me always on the right path.
4 Even walking
through the valley of the shadow of death
I fear no evil for you are with me.
Your rod defending
your staff directing—
they comfort me.
5 You spread a feast for me
in full view of my enemies
anoint my head with fragrant oil
and pour my cup brimful of blessings.
6 Your goodness and mercy chase me down
every day of my life
and YHWH’s house will be my home
for days and years without end.
Kings in the ancient world portrayed themselves as roughneck-shepherds, ready to kill anything threatening their flock. David uses the image to picture YHWH in whose care we experience the good life. That life isn’t about learning to make do so much as about being centered in God, seeing his goodness in every situation—that he’s here for us now. Freedom, abundance, and peace are all internal conditions depending on nothing but our Shepherd-king’s unswerving commitment. Without that, no amount of anything satisfies.
Since sheep are easily spooked by fast moving water, our shepherd leads us to quiet waters. Most English translations render the next line, “he restores my soul,” but the Hebrew verb (shuv) can also be translated “he brings me back.” Biblical scholar Kenneth Bailey argues convincingly that we should translate it that way, which is how the Septuagint, Syriac Peshitta, ancient Armenian, and most Arabic translations render it. Bleating loudly and trembling violently, a lost sheep is easy prey. But when we go astray, our shepherd lovingly brings us back to the right path.
In verse 4, we traverse the “valley of the shadow of death” or “darkest valley,” either translation being possible. David has in mind isolated badland gorges where death lurks in the shadows. God doesn’t offer us a trouble-free existence, but truly letting him be God can yield a worry-free life, even facing danger.[1] God guides and protects with fierce gentleness, freeing us to live joyfully, fully alive, despite life’s brokenness and pain.
YHWH publicly honors David as his guest when the enemies so prominent in the preceding psalms surround him. Saul once welcomed David into his household, only later to let envy sabotage their friendship. Like David, we need never fear being disenfranchised by God. His goodness and grace pursue us relentlessly. They, not our circumstances or false sense of control, are the basis of true peace. And they’ll remain long after life’s brokenness and pain are gone. Our true home.
Prayer:
I choose to be where you have me now, Good Shepherd, content to be me. Not harried or chafing that I’m not somewhere, something, or somehow else. Not weighed down by my past or needing my future to validate my present. Calm in your commitment to me. Overflowing with thanks. Amen.
During your free moments today, meditate on these words:
Your goodness and mercy chase me down
every day of my life
and YHWH’s house will be my home
for days and years without end.
[1] The psalm’s chiasm highlights YHWH’s protection from evil: A: No lack in YHWH’s care (v. 1), B: Physical provisions—food, drink, rest (v. 2), C: Security (v. 3), D: NO FEAR OF EVIL (v. 4a), C: Security (v. 4b), B: Physical provisions—food, drink, rest (v. 5), A: No lack (ever!) in YHWH’s care (v. 6).
