In 1970 W. Phillip Keller wrote a small book titled, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. In this book, Keller draws on his personal experience as a shepherd to share insights into the life and character of sheep. And of the Good Shepherd who cares for them that the psalmist David wrote about in Psalm 23.
I’ve pulled nuggets from A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 to share with you today.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
According to Keller, the Lord is my shepherd implies a profound yet practical working relationship between a human being and his Maker.
David knew from first hand experience that how well sheep thrived depended on the type of person who owned it.
Keller reminds us that the behavior of sheep and humans is similar in many ways. Yet, despite these less than desirable characteristics, Christ chooses us, purchases us with his very blood, calls us by name, and delights in caring for us.
I Shall Not Want
According to Keller, I shall not want is the sentiment of a content sheep utterly satisfied with its owner.
As Christ’s sheep, we can be completely satisfied with Christ’s management of our life because no trouble is too great for him. He delights in seeing his sheep contented, well fed, safe, and flourishing under his care.
He Makes Me Lie Down In Green Pastures
In discussing this aspect of Psalm 23, Keller says it is almost impossible for sheep to lie down unless four requirements are met.
- Free of all fear.
- Free of friction with other sheep.
- Free from pests.
- Free from hunger.
Only the shepherd can provide release from these anxieties. The knowledge that our Shepherd has things under control, even when they appear disastrous, should give us great peace.
He Leads Me Beside Still Waters
The shepherd knows where the best drinking places are.
Jesus knows where the still water is that can satisfy his sheep and keep them healthy.
He Restores My Soul
Why are you downcast, O my soul? (Psalm 42:11). A downcast sheep has turned over on its back and cannot right itself. If the shepherd doesn’t arrive within a reasonably short amount of time, the sheep will die.
Keller goes into great detail on how a sheep might become downcast and compares it to humans, which I found rather interesting.
He Leads Me in Paths of Righteousness
Comparing sheep and humans, Keller says that just as sheep will blindly, habitually, stupidly follow one another along the same little trails until they become ruts that erode into gigantic gullies, we humans also cling to habits that can ruin lives.
Jesus came to give abundant life, but many of us don’t want to follow him.
Even Though I Walk Through the Valley
The shepherd doesn’t take his sheep where he himself hasn’t been before. He is familiar with the dangers ahead.
Every mountain has valleys. Keller emphasized that David wrote, I walk through the valley. Not stop or die in the valley.
Your Rod and Staff Comfort Me
In explaining the purpose of the shepherd’s rod and staff, Keller says the rod is a symbol of the shepherd’s strength, power, and authority. It is what he relies on to safeguard his flock.
The staff draws sheep together, guiding them into a new path, or through an open gate.
You Prepare a Table Before Me
In his interesting discussion of the different locations a shepherd takes his flock through various seasons, Keller said the shepherd makes preliminary survey trips and considers the best place for his sheep.
He prepares the tableland by spreading salt and minerals for the sheep to eat. He also checks for poisonous weeds and eliminates them.
You Anoint My Head with Oil
The first time I read about how and why shepherds anoint their sheep’s head with oil, I found it fascinating to consider in our relationship with Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
Keller compares the need to anoint both sheep and humans to ward off annoying pestilence, prevent contagious diseases, and to glance off each other when sheep, especially rams, butt heads.
Because my Shepherd has all knowledge and understanding of every situation in my life, I should be satisfied because my cup overflows with his benefits.
Surely Goodness and Mercy
Keller says that no matter what comes, sheep can be sure goodness and mercy is in the picture.
For the one in Christ’s care, no difficulty, problem, or disaster can come at us without our Shepherd’s awareness, and control.
I Will Dwell in the House of the Lord
In conclusion, Keller said our Shepherd is ever-present in our lives. The alertness, awareness, and diligence of our Shepherd assures us of excellent care. It is the Shepherd’s presence that guarantees there will be no lack of any sort.
Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is conscious of every circumstance we encounter. He attends us with care and concern because we belong to him. This will continue through eternity.
Your Turn
There is much more to glean from Phillip Keller in his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. I’ve only touched on a few nuggets which I hope encourage you to read the whole book, as they’ve encouraged me.
Do any of these insights resonate with you? I appreciate Keller pointing out that when David wrote Psalm 23, he said we walk through the valley. Not stay in it.
We are the sheep of God’s pasture, and the people of his flock. As such, we have a good and loving Shepherd who cares for us very much. So much, that he laid down his sinless, perfect life on the cross of Calvary to pay the debt for our sin. A sin which we could never pay.
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Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NLT
I wish you well.
Sandy
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Until Our Time Comes, by debut author Nicole M. Miller, weaves the little known true story of the rescue of Arabian horses during the German occupation of Poland in World War II, into a fast-paced historical novel.
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Today’s guest post, What Do You Choose in Waiting? Psalm 13, written by Anthea Kotlan, first appeared on 
For over thirty years, Anthea Kotlan has served as a women’s ministry leader in the church and community. She has a passion for discipleship and encouraging women to walk confidently in their God-given calling. She designs women’s retreats, teaches Bible studies, writes, and enjoys speaking at events. Recently, she began serving on a church plant team in Conroe, Texas with her husband, a bi-vocational priest. Every chance she gets, she spends time laughing with her two adult daughters or snuggling her two grandchildren. Check out Anthea’s blog for weekly soul-tending devotionals from the Psalms. 
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