PRIMARYSOURCEHANDBOOKR41
from the King James Bible, Psalm 23
SETTING THE STAGEThe Book of Psalms is the hymnal of ancient Israel. Most of the psalms
were written to be used during worship in the temple. Many have been traditionally attributed to
King David, who ruled over Israel around 1000 B.C. The Book of Psalms contains 150 songs on
a variety of topics. Psalm 23 focuses on the relationship between God and the individual.
1.The rod and the staff are two tools of the
shepherd. What does this suggest about the role
of the Lord, “my shepherd”?
2.What kind of relationship does the person
speaking have with the Lord?
3.In this psalm, the Lord is also presented as a
generous host. What are some examples of this?
4.Why does the speaker expect goodness and
mercy to follow him all the days of his life?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 forever.
▲ David, the young shepherd,
plays his pipe and a bell.