For centuries, this psalm has moved and encouraged people in all kinds of situations. The reason for this is that the Lord, like a shepherd, protects his people on their way of life. People can trust in that—today, and until their last day of life. It is telling that right in the middle of this psalm (Psalm 23:4) we find the words, you are with me.

The fact that the Lord is a shepherd is often mentioned in the Psalms (Psalm 28:9, Psalm 79:13, Psalm 80:1). Yes, it echoes throughout the Old Testament (as in e.g., Jeremiah 23:1–8, Ezekiel 34:7–15, Zechariah 10:2–12). This image of God also shows us who Jesus is. After all, he typifies himself as I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, John 10:14). That is why the apostle Peter can write to the elders: shepherd the flock of God.

Sheep are vulnerable animals. So, too, people are vulnerable. And yet we can say, I shall not want. Immediately at the beginning of this Psalm, this is proof of the excellent care by the Lord as our shepherd. That will become clear in the remainder of this song.