New American Bible
2002 11 11 IntraText - Text |
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Chapter 23
1
1 A psalm of David. 2 The
LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2
In green pastures you let me graze; to safe
waters you lead me;
3
3 you restore my strength. You guide me along
the right path for the sake of your name.
4
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear
no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
5
5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch;
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6
6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the
days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
1 [Psalm 23] God's loving care for
the psalmist is portrayed under the figures of a shepherd for the flock
(⇒ Psalm 23:1-4) and a host's generosity toward a
guest (⇒ Psalm 23:5-6). The imagery of both sections
is drawn from traditions of the exodus (⇒ Isaiah
40:11; ⇒ 49:10;
⇒ Jeremiah 31:10).
2 [1] My shepherd: God as good
shepherd is common in both the Old Testament and the New Testament
(⇒ Ezekiel 34:11-16; ⇒ John
10:11-18).
3 [3] The right path: connotes
"right way" and "way of righteousness."
4 [4] A dark valley: a different
division of the Hebrew consonants yields the translation "the valley of
the shadow of death."
5 [5] You set a table before me: this
expression occurs in an exodus context in ⇒ Psalm
78:19. As my enemies watch: my enemies see that I am God's friend and
guest. Oil: a perfumed ointment made from olive oil, used especially at
banquets (⇒ Psalm 104:15;
⇒ Matthew 26:7; ⇒ Luke
7:37, ⇒ 46; ⇒ John
12:2).
6 [6] Goodness and love: the
blessings of God's covenant with Israel.
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