The Lord (Jesus) is Our Shepherd

August 4th, 2025
by Lance Waldie

Psalm 23:1 A Psalm of David. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

The writer of this familiar passage of Scripture was David, the second king over all of Israel (r. 1010-970 BC). When he wrote this Psalm is not given. But prior to becoming king over Israel, David was a lowly shepherd. He did what many shepherds did in his day, he watched and cared for a flock of sheep, a flock that surely belonged to his father (cf. 1 Sam. 16:11).

Shepherds had very predictable routines where they led their flocks to food and water and protected them from wild animals seeking to devour. Such responsibilities made shepherds very strong and capable men. David boasted such when he volunteered to go head-to-head against Goliath, telling King Saul that he was accustomed to fighting wild animals when they threatened his sheep (1 Sam. 17:34-36). As such, David believed Goliath would be no match for him.

The problem with sheep is that they cannot care for themselves; hence, their need for a shepherd. Their sociability often causes them to wander away from the flock and get lost. When this happens, it is the task of the shepherd to seek out and find the lost sheep. Other traits of sheep are notable as well, and they make for a good comparison to God’s people. First, since sheep have no sense of direction, they rely on their shepherd to guide them. Second, they are weak, having essentially no means of defense if attacked. Third, they are very easily frightened, necessitating a shepherd to control them when they enter into a frenzy of fear. Fourth, sheep are by their very nature filthy animals. Their wool can collect so much dirt that it can eventually weigh them down and even kill them. Their wool therefore must be brushed and kept clean by the shepherd. Finally, sheep have no ability to seek food or water on their own; they must be led directly to both or they die. In addition, newborn sheep and expectant mothers, along with sick sheep, need special attention requiring the watchful eye of the shepherd for survival. These facts prove that without the protective care of a shepherd, sheep are totally and completely helpless.

Now in the course of a normal day of shepherding, David would no doubt use his time in the open fields to observe nature and pray. One day he saw a parallel between his own shepherding and of God’s shepherding His people. As David protected his sheep, he realized that he himself was one of many lambs in God’s flock who was being cared for and protected by God. Likewise, he realized that just as his own flock lacked nothing under his care, so too do God’s people lack nothing under His care. Note that when David says, “The Lord is my shepherd” he uses God’s personal name, Yahweh (signified in English as Lord). Because of Yahweh’s watchful eye, David “shall not want.” Under God’s care, he lacked for nothing. In the same way that David provided for his flock, so too does God provide for His own, lovingly and completely.

Food For Thought
God truly watches over those He loves, providing for us everything we need. We lack nothing. Like sheep, we are dumb, lack direction, are defenseless, easily frightened, dirty (sinful), and unable to provide for ourselves without God’s aid. Jesus of Nazareth said that He is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), laying down His life for His sheep—those who call upon Him for salvation. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus is thus Yahweh! He knows His sheep, and His sheep know Him (10:14). Those who do not know Him do not know the Shepherd. Our Shepherd not only said He would lay His life down for us, He actually did—dying on the cross to save us from the penalty of our sins. Such love makes it clear that He will withhold no good thing to suit our needs. He gives life abundantly (10:10). We are truly a needy people, and God watches over us and protects us because of that. Christ is our Shepherd who guides us, protects us from Satan, comforts us with His presence, provides for us, and cleanses us. With Him, we lack nothing!