Reading Psalm 23 three times: three looks at a well-known psalm
Psalm 23 is probably the best-known biblical text in the world. It is said at weddings as at funerals, learned in Sunday school. That is also why we read it without thinking about it anymore. This quest invites you to read it three times, changing your angle each time.
What it looks like in your day
The psalm is short: six verses. You can do the three readings in one go, or one a day over three days. Here are three possible looks:
- First reading: the shepherd. Read while concentrating on what God does: he makes lie down, he leads, he restores, he guides, he prepares a table, he accompanies. Underline all the verbs of which God is the subject. Notice how active he is.
- Second reading: the sheep. This time, look at the other role: the one who speaks. What does he feel? What is his state of mind: trusting, peaceful, fearless, grateful? At what moment does he pass from "he" to "thou" (in verse 4)? It is an important moment: the psalm stops speaking about God and starts speaking to God.
- Third reading: you. Reread, asking yourself: where am I in this psalm? In the green pastures? In the dark valley? At the table? At which verse do I need to stop today?
After the third reading, write one sentence: what you discovered. This weekly quest invites you to a real encounter with a text you think you know.
If you are in a hurry, three readings of two minutes each are enough. If you are a beginner, read in a low voice. If you are shy, your feedback can stay discreet.
What the Bible says
Here is the whole psalm, as given by the King James Version:
“A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”
A few details that attentive reading brings out. First, the change of pronoun in verse 4: until then, "He maketh me to lie down, he leadeth me"; then, "thou art with me." When the shadow of death draws near, the relationship becomes direct. Next, the verb "follow" in verse 6: goodness and mercy "shall follow me" (the Hebrew verb literally says "pursue"), like faithful companions.
Jesus takes up the shepherd theme in the Gospel of John (John 10:11), saying that he is the good shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. For Christians, Psalm 23 finds an echo there: the Shepherd of the psalm is the same one who gave himself.
Pitfalls to avoid
Reading it only in times of grief. This psalm also speaks of joy, rest, meals, celebration. Don't reserve it for funerals.
Settling for the pretty image. The psalm contains a dark valley, enemies, a table set in front of them. It is not a fairy tale: it is a trust that goes through the trial.
Saying that it promises everything will be fine. It doesn't promise the absence of valleys, it promises a presence in the valley. The difference is great.
Reading it too fast because you know it. If there is a psalm you know by heart, read it in a translation you don't know. Unusual words force you to slow down.
Looking for an experience. There is no right way to feel it. Some days it will console, others it will leave you indifferent. Come back to it.
This week, read Psalm 23 three times, with three looks. End with a sentence of prayer.