Psalm 23

Psalm 23 (Psalm 22 in the Septuagint numbering), sometimes known as the Shepherd Psalm because of its opening line, "The Lord is my shepherd," is the best-known psalm, and perhaps the best-known chapter in the Bible.

The theme of this poem casts God in the role of protector and provider, and is routinely read and recited by Jews and Christians alike. For Christians, the "Lord" referred to in the first line could also be Jesus, who referred to himself as the "good shepherd" in the Gospel of John.

As commonly translated

"The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for his namesake. 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."

- King James Version

In Jewish worship

Sung in the original Hebrew, this psalm is a common song for Jews at the third Shabbat meal on Saturday afternoon. It is also sung during the Yizkor service.

In Christian worship

Orthodox Christians typically include it in the prayers of preparation for receiving the Eucharist. It is also a popular passage to memorize, for those who choose to memorize selected portions of the Bible.

Psalm 23 was set in meter as part of the Scottish Psalter shortly after the Reformation. It is in that form that it is most popularly encountered in Protestant Churches and common culture to the present day. Traditionally, the metrical psalm is set to the tune 'Crimond' (although other tunes such as Brother James' Air are also popular).

Because of its message of comfort and protection, as well as the fact that its tunes are so well known, Psalm 23 is a staple element of funeral services.

Many composers have set the psalm to music, including Schubert and Stanford. A recent contemporary setting was made by composer Howard Goodall for the British television series The Vicar of Dibley. Goodall's melody is now regularly performed in many English churches.

Trivia

A parody of this psalm is used in the song Sheep by Pink Floyd from the album Animals.
This psalm makes up part of the lyrics to Megadeth's "Shadow of Deth" from their album The System Has Failed.
Further this psalm also makes up the first line in a song by the rap artist Coolio entitled "Gangsters Paradise".
An episode of the television series Lost that aired on January 11, 2006 is titled "The 23rd Psalm". The psalm is recited during the episode.
The psalm, in Hebrew, is part of Bernstein's Chichester Psalms

External links

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