26th September 2025

It is the psalm that most people have heard of, in one form or another. It is sung at funerals and weddings. It is used as a heartfelt prayer when people find themselves facing trials. It is sung in church services to any of the many different choral settings. The wealth of commentaries on it mostly agree that Psalm 23 was written by King David at a dark moment in Israel’s history. David was fleeing from his son Absalom who was seeking to take the kingdom. The story of this insurrection can be found in 2 Samuel, chapters 15 to 18. 

In Psalm 23 David looks back at his eventful life, right back to his shepherding days, both before and after his anointing by Samuel. Describing himself as one of his sheep, with all of their inherent foolishness, weakness and dependency, he sees ‘The Lord’ as the one who cares for him; who makes sure he is nurtured, protecting him from wild animals who would devour him. (Psalm 23:1-3) And all this while he is on the run from a son seeking to kill him. 

Jesus declared himself as that ‘good shepherd’ and took the narrative beyond ensuring his sheep are well-fed and safe. He is the shepherd who “…gives his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11). When our perfect Shepherd was born in Bethlehem, born to be the perfect sacrifice for a people who have lost their way, it seems entirely fitting that the rejoicing angels deemed it right to share the news with shepherds, ‘…keeping watch over their flock by night’, making sure they were safe. (Luke 2:8-17).

Moving from a tranquil scene, Psalm 23 verse 4 takes us to a more threatening place, ‘…the valley of the shadow of death…’ (v.4), but the shepherd is still there. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews invokes God’s promises from history when he reminds first century Christians of God’s promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6). And David declares that ‘I will fear no evil; For you are with me…’ (Psalm 23:4).

During his flight from Absalom, David shared with Zadok the priest his desire to be back in Jerusalem – with God’s law represented by the Ark of the Covenant, and in the place where the heavenly and earthly realms were seen to intersect – the temple. He calls it God’s ‘dwelling place’ (2 Samuel 15:25). This finds an echo in the Psalm when David writes, ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ (Psalm 23:6). This is alternatively translated as, ‘…I will return in the house of God for length of days’ (Hebrew Masoretic text). And he did indeed return to Jerusalem. Absalom had been defeated and killed. Many had lost their lives. 

The Apostle Peter manages to draw all these threads together when he writes to Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor. Speaking of Christ’s sacrifice and his bearing of our sins, he appeals to them, ‘For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.’ (1 Peter 2:25).

Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough 
LE16 7QU

Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm

Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson 
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church