The Pearl of the Psalms
Psalm Friday
Psalm 23
Psalm 23
I am so excited to embark on another journey with you, my friend. On this journey we will have a tour guide of sorts; a guide who knows firsthand what he’s talking about. We have the awesome privilege of following King David, who as a young boy, was called out from the fields while tending to his own sheep to be used mightily of the LORD. King David will lead us through the lush pastures of the goodness of Yahweh that flow freely from His throne of grace. We will experience right alongside of him the comfort and peace that come only by way of the path of righteousness. Strap on your sandals, grab a water bottle and let’s set out on this journey together as the shepherd boy leads us straight to the Shepherd King.
Psalm 23 is probably one of the most well known, recited, and loved passages of the Old Testament. This Psalm, written and sung by David, is said to be the “Pearl of the Psalms”. The depth and richness of Psalm 23 reflects a mature faith that has stood the test of severe trials, leading most to believe that this song, though drawing upon his early experiences with his own sheep, was written during David’s later life when he served as king of Israel. The purpose of this Psalm is to introduce us to the Covenant God, Yahweh, who as the Shepherd provides for all His sheep their daily needs as well as for their eternity.
There are two things today that I want us to take notice of:
1. The position of Psalm 23
2. Why Psalm 23 is referred to as the “Pearl of the Psalms”
The position of Psalm 23.
God is a God of planning and purpose. He is a God of specifics and reason. There is no doubt that He had great purpose in placing Psalm 23 exactly where we find it in Scripture. If you will recall with me in our study of Psalm 22, we entitled it the “Psalm of the Cross”. At the cross of Calvary there were no green pastures and no still waters. Only after we sit at the foot of the cross, behold the battered, broken body of our Lord and Savior and hear Him cry out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me!” can we come to “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Before we can experience the comfort of the Lord as our Shepherd, we must experience the Lord as our Savior and sacrifice, because it’s only then that we can fully understand His peace and goodness and mercy.
Why Psalm 23 is referred to as the “Pearl of the Psalms”.
I was curious to know why many have labeled this Psalm the “Pearl of the Psalms” so I did a little digging. I read several articles about pearls but one thing stood out to me: “The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl became a metaphor for something very rare, very fine, very admirable and very valuable (Wikipedia Free Internet Encyclopedia) .” Hummm. Very rare, very fine, very admirable, and very valuable; an object of beauty. I’m not exactly sure why others would refer to this Psalm as the “Pearl of the Psalms” but for me, what could be more beautiful, more deserving of my admiration and awe, more valuable than anything this world has to offer me, than experiencing firsthand the comfort, peace, mercy, goodness, discipline, and love of my Shepherd King?
This is going to be an exciting journey. I hope you are ready. My prayer is that we will come face-to-face with our Shepherd King and experience like never before His provision and comfort. Let’s end our time today reading and meditating upon the “Pearl of the Psalms.”
Psalm 23 is probably one of the most well known, recited, and loved passages of the Old Testament. This Psalm, written and sung by David, is said to be the “Pearl of the Psalms”. The depth and richness of Psalm 23 reflects a mature faith that has stood the test of severe trials, leading most to believe that this song, though drawing upon his early experiences with his own sheep, was written during David’s later life when he served as king of Israel. The purpose of this Psalm is to introduce us to the Covenant God, Yahweh, who as the Shepherd provides for all His sheep their daily needs as well as for their eternity.
There are two things today that I want us to take notice of:
1. The position of Psalm 23
2. Why Psalm 23 is referred to as the “Pearl of the Psalms”
The position of Psalm 23.
God is a God of planning and purpose. He is a God of specifics and reason. There is no doubt that He had great purpose in placing Psalm 23 exactly where we find it in Scripture. If you will recall with me in our study of Psalm 22, we entitled it the “Psalm of the Cross”. At the cross of Calvary there were no green pastures and no still waters. Only after we sit at the foot of the cross, behold the battered, broken body of our Lord and Savior and hear Him cry out, “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me!” can we come to “The Lord is my Shepherd.” Before we can experience the comfort of the Lord as our Shepherd, we must experience the Lord as our Savior and sacrifice, because it’s only then that we can fully understand His peace and goodness and mercy.
Why Psalm 23 is referred to as the “Pearl of the Psalms”.
I was curious to know why many have labeled this Psalm the “Pearl of the Psalms” so I did a little digging. I read several articles about pearls but one thing stood out to me: “The finest quality natural pearls have been highly valued as gemstones and objects of beauty for many centuries, and because of this, the word pearl became a metaphor for something very rare, very fine, very admirable and very valuable (Wikipedia Free Internet Encyclopedia) .” Hummm. Very rare, very fine, very admirable, and very valuable; an object of beauty. I’m not exactly sure why others would refer to this Psalm as the “Pearl of the Psalms” but for me, what could be more beautiful, more deserving of my admiration and awe, more valuable than anything this world has to offer me, than experiencing firsthand the comfort, peace, mercy, goodness, discipline, and love of my Shepherd King?
This is going to be an exciting journey. I hope you are ready. My prayer is that we will come face-to-face with our Shepherd King and experience like never before His provision and comfort. Let’s end our time today reading and meditating upon the “Pearl of the Psalms.”
“1) The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2) He makes me to lie down in
green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3) He restores my soul; He
leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4) Yea, though I
walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil; for You are
with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5) You prepare a table before
me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will
dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Psalm 23:1-6, NKJV
4 Lovely Thoughts Shared:
I can't wait to go on this journey throught Psalm 23 with you. I very much look forward to Psalm Friday! Thank you for the insight and information so far! It's been amazing.
The Lord is my Shepherd,
Krista
One of my favorite Psalms. Thank you.
I recently purchased a used book from Amazon, a collection of stories from a beloved pastor, and inside the book was a pretty bookmark of Psalm 23. The Bible is truly God's love letter to us. I look forward to reading your blog regularly, because I love learning about Scripture, and also sharing in other womens' walks with the Lord. Thanks for your kind comment on my blog earlier. Nice to meet you, Jenifer!
Angela
Aren't the Psalms beautiful? Psalm 23 is my daughter's favorite; I will have to lead her to your site! Blessings!
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