Psalm 23:4

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 23:1-6

This is a Ps. of simple and unclouded confidence in God, who is described first as a shepherd (Psalms 23:1-4) and next as an host (Psalms 23:5-6). The beautiful imagery of the first part would be natural on the lips of the king who was a shepherd in his youth. The reference to ’the house of the Lord’ in Psalms 23:6 may be a continuation of the figure of the host, and need not indicate a date after the building of the Temple.3. Leadeth] RV ’guideth.’ An Eastern shepherd goes before his flock.... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 23:4

(4) The valley of the shadow of death . . .—This striking expression, to which the genius of Bunyan has given such reality, was probably on Hebrew lips nothing more than a forcible synonym for a dark, gloomy place. Indeed, the probability is that instead of tsal-mâveth (shadow of death), should be read, tsalmûth (shadow, darkness), the general signification being all that is required in any one of the fifteen places where it occurs. It is true it is used of the “grave” or “underworld” (Job... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Psalms 23:1-6

Psalms 23:4 We have always associated the word 'rod' with chastisement. Herein we have deprived ourselves grievously of great comfort. Will the preachers collate the passages in which the word 'rod' occurs? they will find material there for a never-ending course of lectures, full of sap and encouragement and profitable gladness. I. 'And the Lord said unto Moses, Take the rod.' Even Moses was nothing without the sign; Moses, greatest, strongest of lion-hearts, was only a layman when he had no... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6

Psalms 23:1-6THE world could spare many a large book better than this sunny little psalm. It has dried many tears and supplied the mould into which many hearts have poured their peaceful faith. To suppose that the speaker is the personified nation chills the whole. The tone is too intense not to be the outcome of personal experience, however admissible the application to the nation may be as secondary. No doubt Jehovah is the Shepherd of Israel in several Asaphite psalms and in Jeremiah; but,... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Psalms 23:1-6

Psalms 23:0 Christ, the Great Shepherd 1. Assurance (Psalms 23:1-3 ) 2. Comfort (Psalms 23:4-6 ) Psalms 1:1-6 ; Psalms 2:1-12 ; Psalms 3:1-8 . Well has it been said “without Psalms 22:1-31 , there could be no Twenty-third Psalm.” While the former Psalm reveals Christ as the good Shepherd, who gives His life for the sheep, this Psalm makes Him known as the great Shepherd of the sheep, whom the God of Peace hath brought again from the dead, through the blood of the everlasting covenant... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Psalms 23:4

23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the {d} shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.(d) Though he was in danger of death, as the sheep that wanders in the dark valley without his shepherd. read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6

Psalms 18:0 A song of victory. It opens with ejaculatory expressions of triumph for deliverance. All nature is described as convulsed when the Almighty presses to the rescue. The next division is meditation on the principles involved, the whole closing with a further outburst of triumph and confidence. 2 Samuel 22:0 is a copy of this ode saying a few variations, and the student is referred to our treatment of it at that place. Psalms 19:0 God’s revelation in the world and in the Word. We have a... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Psalms 23:1-6

Psalms 23:0 [Note. Some think that this psalm was written by David in the early days of innocence; but against this view Psa 23:5 is quoted. Besides, it is doubted whether any youth could have had an experience so rich and large. Common opinion assigns the psalm to David. The images of the shepherd watching over his flock, and of the banquet where Jehovah presides over the just, are familiar in Hebrew poetry. It has been said that the mention of the House of Jehovah appears to be decisive... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Psalms 23:4-5

Hence the soul, resting upon Jesus, can and will look forward to the hour of death with perfect composure and serenity. It is but a valley, not a dwelling place, he hath to enter. And though he enters it, it is not to abide there. Moreover, it is not death, but the mere shadow of death, the true believer in Christ hath to pass through. The sting of death, which is sin, is taken out by the blood of Christ. The cause, which is to be brought before the Judge after death, hath been already before... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - Psalms 23:4

Heart, whose faith and intentions are pure, as well as their actions. --- Vain, by neglecting good works, (St. Jerome) or seeking after trifles; (St. Augustine) or rather, according to the Hebrew, "who hath not sworn in vain by his soul," 2 Corinthians i. 23., and 1 Kings i. 26. To take the name of God in vain, means to swear falsely. (Calmet) --- Protestants, "who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity;" to swell with pride, (Haydock) or to swear by idols. (Pr. in disc.) --- To his, &c.... read more

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