Digging Deeper: Psalm 23
To my great surprise, John 3:16 is not the most searched Bible verse at the popular Bible Gateway website. It comes in 8th behind Jeremiah 29:11 and the entirety of Psalm 23 (see results here). In fact, all six verses of David's most famous Psalm round out the first six of the most search verses.
Given our increasingly secular age, one may not be surprised by these findings. Countless funerals feature a reading from the Psalm as do other contexts. It is beautiful, poetic, well-crafted, and powerful in its imagery and message.
I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to explore the psalm even further. Over the years I have benefited from reading the thoughts of other authors who explore the passage in greater depth which has added to my love and affection for this psalm. Here are a few of my favorites.
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller
Without a doubt, the most recognizable book exploring David's Psalm is this classic from Keller. As a former shepherd in the middle east, the author offers unique insights into the meaning and application of the text. Keller argues that the psalm maintains the Shepherd motif and I largely agree with him. It is easy to read and insightful in many ways. For most, this is the first book they pick up to learn more about Psalm 23.
Traveling Light by Max Lucado
Max Lucado needs no introduction. With his simple and pastoral writing style, Lucado is gifted at keeping the reader's attention while guiding them through the Biblical text. This book explores Psalm 23 and is full of pastoral insight and helpful illustrations. Although Lucado is not the deepest of writers, he will guide you to understand and apply the text as a good pastor and writer should.
The Lord of Psalm 23 by David Gibson
I discovered this book accidently. I wasn't looking for another volume exploring Psalm 23 but, providentially, it fell in my lap. It is more thorough in its exegesis centering on three images - the shepherd, the companion, and the host. I found this division helpful along with the depth of exegesis. If you want to go deeper into Psalm 23, consider this helpful book.
The Good Shepherd by Kenneth Bailey
If you're looking to explore Psalm 23 at an incredible depth, consider Bailey's wonderful work. He shows how the psalm interacts with other parts of Scripture (like the Exodus) while other parts of Scripture interact with it. His discussion of the three parables of Jesus in Luke 15 is incredible.
This ought to get you started if you want to explore more about this wonderful portion of Scripture. One thing is clear, you will never exhaust the Word of God. If you don't believe me, find the bottom of Psalm 23. You won't succeed..
Given our increasingly secular age, one may not be surprised by these findings. Countless funerals feature a reading from the Psalm as do other contexts. It is beautiful, poetic, well-crafted, and powerful in its imagery and message.
I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to explore the psalm even further. Over the years I have benefited from reading the thoughts of other authors who explore the passage in greater depth which has added to my love and affection for this psalm. Here are a few of my favorites.
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller
Without a doubt, the most recognizable book exploring David's Psalm is this classic from Keller. As a former shepherd in the middle east, the author offers unique insights into the meaning and application of the text. Keller argues that the psalm maintains the Shepherd motif and I largely agree with him. It is easy to read and insightful in many ways. For most, this is the first book they pick up to learn more about Psalm 23.
Traveling Light by Max Lucado
Max Lucado needs no introduction. With his simple and pastoral writing style, Lucado is gifted at keeping the reader's attention while guiding them through the Biblical text. This book explores Psalm 23 and is full of pastoral insight and helpful illustrations. Although Lucado is not the deepest of writers, he will guide you to understand and apply the text as a good pastor and writer should.
The Lord of Psalm 23 by David Gibson
I discovered this book accidently. I wasn't looking for another volume exploring Psalm 23 but, providentially, it fell in my lap. It is more thorough in its exegesis centering on three images - the shepherd, the companion, and the host. I found this division helpful along with the depth of exegesis. If you want to go deeper into Psalm 23, consider this helpful book.
The Good Shepherd by Kenneth Bailey
If you're looking to explore Psalm 23 at an incredible depth, consider Bailey's wonderful work. He shows how the psalm interacts with other parts of Scripture (like the Exodus) while other parts of Scripture interact with it. His discussion of the three parables of Jesus in Luke 15 is incredible.
This ought to get you started if you want to explore more about this wonderful portion of Scripture. One thing is clear, you will never exhaust the Word of God. If you don't believe me, find the bottom of Psalm 23. You won't succeed..
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