Psalms / Chapter 23

Psalms 23

Psalm 23 presents assurance through two linked images: the LORD as shepherd who supplies, leads, and protects, and as host who honors the guest amid opposition, ending with goodness following and a lasting home.

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Psalms 23 Scripture text

World English Bible

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Full passage context

Psalms 23

Start with the map and timeline, then explore verse notes, background, theology, questions, and related passages.

Start here

Map and timeline

Movement

Worship across the whole story

Artifact

Prayer book of the covenant people

Biblical Timeline

Kingdom

Creation

Kingdom

New creation

Psalms context: 1000 BC - 586 BC

Biblical Timeline

Kingdom

Psalms context

Kingdom / 1000 BC - 586 BC

CreationNew creation

Creation4000 BCPatriarchs2000 BCExodus1500 BCKingdom1000 BC2nd Temple400 BCChurchAD 100

Psalms context is set in the kingdom period, where Israel's monarchy from David and Solomon to exile.

Chapter structure

Follow the movement of the chapter, then open any passage in its full context.

KeyProgrammatic StatementIllustrationExplanationArgumentConclusion

The shepherd claim sets the theme

Programmatic Statement

23:1

Rest and guidance to safe places

Illustration

23:2

Renewal and right paths explained

Explanation

23:3

Confidence in danger with you present

Argument

23:4

Host imagery of honor amid enemies

Illustration

23:5

Closing assurance and lasting dwelling

Conclusion

23:6

Passages in this chapter

The shepherd claim sets the theme23:1 Rest and guidance to safe places23:2 Renewal and right paths explained23:3 Confidence in danger with you present23:4 Host imagery of honor amid enemies23:5 Closing assurance and lasting dwelling23:6

Context snapshot

Date

Collected across Israel's worship life, c. 1000-450 BC

Genre

Poetry, prayer, and praise

Setting

Israel/Judah worship tradition

Audience

Israel

World Stage

c. 1000-450 BC

Israel and Judah across monarchy, exile, and return

Davidic and temple worship leaders collection over centuries

Psalms gathers prayers and songs from royal, temple, crisis, exile, and restoration settings. Its world is Israel's worship life across generations, bringing covenant memory into praise, lament, confession, and hope.

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