The Lord, the Psalmist’s Shepherd.
A Psalm of David.
The Lord is my Shepherd
[to feed, to guide and to shield me],
I shall not lack.
He makes me lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures;
He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
He refreshes and restores my life (my self);
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
[uprightness and right standing with Him–
not for my earning it, but]
for His name’s sake.
Yes, though I walk through
the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide],
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil*;
My [brimming] cup runs over
Surely or only goodness, mercy and unfailing love
shall follow me all the days of my life,
and through the length of my days the house 0f the Lord
[and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
Amplified Bible
*footnote
It is difficult for those living in a temperate climate to appreciate,
but it was customary in hot climates to anoint the body with oil
to portect it frome xcessive perspiration.
When mixed with perfume, the oil imparted
a delightfully refreshing and invigorationg sensation.
Athletes anointed their bodies
as a matter of course before running a race.
As the body, therefore, anointed with oil was refreshed,
invigorated, and better fitted for action,
so the Lord would anoint His “sheep” with the Holy Spirit.
Whom oil symbolizies,
to fit them to engage more freely in His service
and run the the way He directs–in heavenly fellowship with Him.
Thoughts of Grace 