The ”23rd Psalm” was written by King David. This was at a time when he was being pursued by King Saul and his army. At that time, he found himself in a barren forest, parched and dry, where his chances of survival seemed unlikely (1 Samuel 22:5).
Despite this, David trusted in the Lord as His Shepherd. He utilized this inspiration by
recalling how God provided for the entire nation of Israel, during its forty-year journey in the wilderness.
”For the Lord thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou has lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7).
King David´s first profession was that of being a shepherd. It was in this role that he
developed his leadership qualities. David looked after the special needs of each animal.
Therefore, the kids ate the tender tops of the grass. To the mature rams, he gave the main part of the grass, and for the old sheep he gave the roots. Since he was trustworthy with the sheep of others, he could lead the flock of Israel. According to the Jewish tradition, there are seven shepherds who led the world on the path of righteousness with David in their midst. On the right are Adam, Seth, and Methuselah, and on his left Abraham, Jacob, and Moses.
In this Psalm, good refers to spiritual self enrichment, and kindness describes concern for the spiritual welfare of others, which is translated to teaching them the ways of God. Those concerns should be a way of life for the believer, and part of his very nature. Thus, he or she will continue on the path of good and kindness all the days of their lives.
According to the Jewish Mystical Tradition, Psalm 23 contains 57 words, the numerical
equivalent is the word “nourishes”. It contains 227 letters, which is the numerical equivalent of “blessing”. Therefore, those that recite this Psalm and live by its message, will always be blessed with sufficient food. May this Psalm prove a blessing for all that recite it.
”For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice” (Psalms 95:7).