The Swan Song of the Old Shepherd

This 50-page book reproduces a four-part series first preached by the author in July 2010. While it takes only about 40 seconds to read its 118 words, Psalm 23 is among the most comforting passages in all of Scripture. Its language is not scientific, philosophical, legal, or even all that theological. It is short, simple, and sweet, but, oh, so sublime Oddly, sermons on Psalm 23 are often preached only at funerals, for here are truths that are not for the dead but for the living. David refers to the LORD as his Shepherd, and a Shepherd is for the living sheep, not the dead ones. This psalm is for every child of God for every aspect of life now. So, "using common ancient near-eastern images," one expositor observes, "David progressively unveils his personal relationship with the LORD." In beautiful poetry, David provides us with five emphases. After first speaking of the Shepherd's person, he then exults in what he receives from his Shepherd: provision, paths, protection, and permanence.