Psalm 23

vs 1

The picture of God as our shepherd is somehow comforting. That he gives us everything we need is a powerful truth. But I've heard it so many times. It just loses its zing a little. In that way, it's nice that the TNIV has different words. Refreshing.

vs 2

Nice place for sheep, I guess. It really is a lovely picture, and all the more when you imagine it a little more metaphorically, and think that God will give us comfort.

vs 3

For his name he does it. That's an important message to us, to remember that God has his glory in mind always.

vs 4

TNIV took a big risk prefering the other translation there. I mean, everyone knows this psalm. But the message is basically the same - a scary valley that we must walk through - but we have our comforting shepherd there to guide us.

vs 5

These are all pictures of welcome, of acceptance, of hospitality. That God welcomes us and sits with us even in the midst of our enemies is such a powerful picture. It's like setting up a tea party behind any lines.

vs 6

That's a nice assurance to have. It's a very pleasant psalm, really. We get sad because we hear it at funerals a lot. But it's really quite cheery.