A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
What condescension, that the infinite Lord assumes the office of Shepherd toward His people. The sweetest word is that monosyllable, "my", not that He shepherds the world at large, but me; He cares for me, watches over me, preserves me. There is no wavering here: I shall not want.
AI summary
If David is the author, and there is no reason for doubting it, this Psalm belongs to the time of Absolom's rebellion. It echoes Psalms from that troubled period, when David yearned for the house of God as the peculiar home of his heart, and all his wishes centered in one: to be at home again.
AI summary
From God being his shepherd, David infers he shall not want. God takes the care of a shepherd toward believers, protection, provision, constancy beyond what any earthly shepherd can give. David himself had been a shepherd and knew their tender affections; by this he illustrates God's care for His people.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 23:1-6