Psalm 23 with comment

Ps.23

Tune: Crimond or Evan CM

1 The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want;

2 He makes me down to lie

In pastures green; He leadeth me

The quiet waters by.

3 My soul He doth restore again,

And me to walk doth make

Within the paths of righteousness,

E'en for His own Name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale,

Yet will I fear no ill,

For Thou art with me, and Thy rod

And staff me comfort still.

5 My table Thou hast furnishe'd

In presence of my foes;

My head Thou dost with oil anoint,

And my cup overflows.

6 Goodness and mercy all my life

Shall surely follow me,

And in God's house forevermore

My dwelling place shall be.

"Up until verse 4 David has been speaking about God in the 3rd person. In verse 4, as he enters the Valley of the Shadow of Death, he speaks to God in the second person, "you." It is as if the score of the psalm suddenly changes to a minor key. The green pastures and still waters become a dark, dangerous, deadly valley". ...continue