Study of the Psalms: Psalm 23

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Study Questions – Psalm 23

1.   Who is the author of this psalm? (23:0)
(C) From memory (without looking at the Bible or outside resources), list as many facts as you can recall about David.

2.  How is the LORD described in the opening verse?  (23:1a)

3.  (A) Describe the responsibilities of a shepherd.

4.  Since the LORD is his shepherd, how much will he want? (23:1b) (A) What does it mean to not be in want?

5.  Where does the Shepherd make Him lie down? (23:2a) (A) Describe what it means to lie down in green pastures.

6.  Beside what type of waters does the Shepherd lead? (23:2b) (A) How do quiet waters differ from loud or crashing waters?

7.  What does He restore? (23:3a) (A) How has the LORD restored your soul?

8.  In what paths does the LORD guide? (23:3b) (A) Define righteousness.

9.  Why does the Shepherd lead in paths of righteousness? (23:3c)

10.  Why will he fear no evil even though he walks through the valley of the shadow of death? (23:4) (C) What is a Shepherd’s rod and staff? How do they bring comfort?

11.  What is prepared before him in the presence of his enemies? (23:5a) (A) Why do you think that the Shepherd would do this?

12.  (D) What is the significance of having his head anointed with oil? (23:5b)

13.  (A) What does an overflowing cup signify? How would you describe your cup? (23:5c)

14. What will follow him? (23:6)

15.  (A) Define goodness. How has the Shepherd’s goodness been revealed to you?
Define lovingkindness. How has the Shepherd’s lovingkindness been revealed to you?

16.  How long will he dwell in the house of the LORD? (A) How long will you dwell in the house of the LORD? What does this mean to you?

17.  What do you learn about God from Ps 23?

18.  What attribute(s) of God are revealed in Ps 23?

Write a prayer in response to Ps 23.

TEXT (NASB):

Psa. 23:0   A Psalm of David.

Psa. 23:1    The LORD is my  shepherd, 

I  shall  not want.

²  He makes me lie down in  green pastures; 

He  leads me beside   quiet waters.

³  He  restores my soul; 

He  guides me in the   paths of righteousness 

For His name’s sake.

Psa. 23:4    Even though I  walk through the  valley of the shadow of death, 

I  fear no  evil, for  You are with me; 

Your  rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

⁵  You  prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; 

You  have  anointed my head with oil; 

My  cup overflows.

⁶   Surely  goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, 

And I will   dwell in the house of the LORD  forever.