The contents of some biblical chapters or even
verses can be so potent that they effectively frame the nature of the book
they’re in. A good example is the way the second verse of John’s third epistle seems
to overshadow the entire book so much that not many Christians can tell you
what that book is about (other than that God wants us to “prosper and be in
good health”).
This metonymic property can be observed in
other areas also; like when we hear things like “the love chapter” (1 Cor 13),
the Faith chapter (Heb 11), etc.
In that sense, Psalms 23 is to the book of
Psalms what “Third John Two” is to the book: it frames and characterises it in
the eyes of people.
When people say that they love the Psalms,
they’re most likely talking about the idyllic picture of the shepherd and his
sheep in 23 than the didactic precepts of the word of God in 119. If nominal
Christians say they read the Psalms daily it’s probably because they were lured
there by the poetic beauty of David’s most popular ode than by the imprecatory
railings of 137.
Just as John 3:16 is the most familiar and most widely quoted verse in the Bible, Psalm 23 is arguably the most familiar
chapter. It’s a Psalm that appeals to both young and old, clergy and laity, the
spiritual and the secular.
It’s simplistic beauty and comfort has
resonated through the ages and is the theme of numerous songs, paintings and other
expressions. Its soul comforting text is often quoted at funeral services and
memorial events and is a staple read in other formal occasions.
Though the opening words of the Hebrew text
appears in over four hundred hues in the English language, no translation seems
to have succeeded in surpassing the majestic rendering of the Authorised
Version coined four centuries ago. And here it is:
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”
Take a moment today to read through this short
and enriching Psalm again. And let its eternal words bless you richly.
AMEN.
More Blessings await
you today; you’ll not miss them in Jesus’ Name.
GREG ELKAN
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