The Lord is My Shepherd

ByCarolyn E. Jacobs

In Psalm 23, David calls Yahweh his Roeh, his shepherd.

Yahweh is my Roeh.
    I am never in need.
        He makes me lie down in green pastures.
        He leads me beside peaceful waters.
        He renews my soul.
        He guides me along the paths of righteousness
            for the sake of his name. – Psalm 23:1-3, Names of God version

Why did Yahweh make himself known to David as a shepherd? David was a shepherd. He knew what it took to be a good shepherd. He knew it didn’t involve lying in the grass, blowing the parachutes off dandelions all day.

David replied to Saul, “I am a shepherd for my father’s sheep. Whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it, and rescued the sheep from its mouth. If it attacked me, I took hold of its mane, struck it, and killed it. I have killed lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them because he has challenged the army of Elohim Chay.” David added, “Yahweh, who saved me from the lion and the bear, will save me from this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:34-37

David knew Yahweh Roeh would do what it took to keep his sheep safe. When we get to the New Testament names, we’ll revisit the Good Shepherd.

Sheep aren’t known for their smarts. When Jesus compared us to sheep, it wasn’t a compliment. I’m sure you’ve seen this viral video. How many times have I been that rescued sheep that jumps back in the same hole?

Phillip Keller’s classic, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 , gives great insight into the heart of Yahweh Roeh.

This year-long study is inspired by Ann Spangler’s Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks.

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