by Jen | Mar 17, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Thank you for visiting with me today! I’m wrapping up my DISO study of Psalm 23, the first in our new series I’m calling God, Who? that explores some of the many biblical names of God. In this study, we discovered King David referring to Him as YHWH Ra’ah, the LORD, our Shepherd.
Last Week’s Work
LESSON(S) LEARNED
Studying this Psalm has shown me so much about how the LORD’s provision and presence impact the “sheep,” who follow Him: He provides contentment (v1) and necessities (v2), as well as righteous direction (v3) from His Word (2 Timothy 3:16!). His presence builds courage in treacherous valleys (v4) and in our struggle with real enemies (v5) [as defined by Ephesians 6:12]. Finally, through His guidance and discipline, we find comfort (v4); and all these experiences give us confidence to reflect His goodness to the world around us, knowing our future is secure (v6).
CONVICTION
I am convicted that the LORD, my Shepherd, is enough. Looking back, my life is littered with bad decisions that could have cost me everything. Yet here I am: scarred, yes, but otherwise unscathed. Moreover, this study has emphasized to me that my survival hasn’t come from any achievement on my part. It’s one hundred percent because of the LORD’s protection and provision.
CORRECTION
So what am I to do with this good news? I believe this time, God is using this study to focus my heart on verse 6: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
I see this statement of David’s as a challenge to me to accept the Christian commission described in Matthew 28:19-20 and show goodness and mercy to the world by sharing the gospel with others.
ACTION PLAN
This feels like a call to step out of my comfort zone and possibly return to work or some other situation where I can influence others, particularly non-Christians. I’m praying for more clarity: that I will see and recognize the path He’s leading me on!
Our Next Study
In the meantime, I can’t wait to learn more about God by examining other names for Him. Next week I’ll begin studying sections of 1 Samuel chapter 17, exploring another term David used for God, the LORD of hosts. I hope you’ll join me for that study, too!
by Jen | Mar 10, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Welcome back! As I write this, I’m struggling with a lingering cough (especially at night) that’s outstayed its welcome by more than a week. I feel weak and tired and sorely in need of a Good Shepherd to give me rest. Lord, hear my cry!
Last Week’s Work
CROSS-REFERENCES
He restores my soul. The cross-references focused my attention to see this restoration is fully attributed to the Shepherd. It’s not the sheep’s action (following the Shepherd/LORD) that brings the soul benefit; the restoration comes from and depends completely on the LORD. In Psalm 19:7, David attributes the soul’s revival to the [LORD’s] law, and this law is characterized in Psalm 119:174 as a delight.
From Job, I observed a reference that … God does all these things, twice, three times, with a man, to bring back his soul from the pit, [why does God do that? so] that he [man] may be lighted with the light of life (Job 33:29-30).
References from the prophets Jeremiah, Hosea, and Micah focused on God’s intention to restore the relationship between Himself and mankind (see Jeremiah 32:30-42; Hosea 14:4-9; and Micah 7:8-9, 18-19), which comes full circle when Jesus became the Lamb who, once for all, died to restore the souls of all believers to a right relationship with God (see John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
He leads me in righteous paths… This language is echoed in other Psalms David also authored. In Psalm 5:8, Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness… make your way straight before me; and Answer me quickly, O LORD! … Make me know the way I should go … Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:7-8, 10)! The prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah also spoke to this leadership visual: And I [the LORD] will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known. I will guide them. I will turn the … rough places into level ground… (Isaiah 42:16). And … I [the LORD] will lead them back, I will make them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble… (Jeremiah 31:9). Again, the LORD leads, and the final clause of my study verse answers why.
It’s… for his name’s sake, which again emphasizes the role of the divine Shepherd (not the sheep). David used the same phrase multiple times in his Psalms: For your name’s sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great (Psalm 25:11); For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me (Psalm 31:3);But you, O GOD my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name’s sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me (Psalm 109:21); and For your name’s sake, O LORD, preserve my life! In your righteousness bring my soul out of trouble (Psalm 143:11)! Clearly, the LORD’s name is something special! Just now, the Spirit put the third commandment on my heart—You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain (Exodus 20:7). And Jesus’s statement, whatever you ask in my name, I will do (John 14:13). Whew, God is already showing me the awesome power of His name in Scripture, and I’ve only just started studying it!
OTHER TRANSLATIONS
This time, I compared four other translations of Psalm 23:3 to the English Standard Version. The New Living Translation (NLT) and Good News Translation (GNT) provided interesting perspective. Both versions differed from the ESV, Amplified (AMP), and New American Standard Bible (NASB20) in the first clause by rendering the action as renewing or giving new strength (not refreshing or restoring the soul); and in the second clause by substituting guides for leads.
As far as the third clause, I think the NLT and GNT provide more perspective: in the NLT, the renewal and guidance [bring] honor to his [the LORD’s] name. Finally, in contrast to all the other translations, the GNT renders the last clause, as he has promised. On reflection, I think this means God does what He says He will do, which every line of His Word reminds me of, over and over again.
COMMENTARY
I didn’t spend a lot of time in the commentaries for this passage. I’m content with focusing on the personal, relational aspects of David’s described connection between himself and his divine shepherd. Though I am no King David, I feel like my personal relationship with YHWH Ra’ah has also been one of restoration, divine guidance (though this ewe isn’t always the best follower!), and revelation that continually shows me how God keeps His promises, even to someone who absolutely does not deserve it!
Dig-In Challenges
This coming week, let’s wrap up our study of Psalm 23 and align with what we’ve discovered here:
- PRAY: Use mine from week 2, or your own.
- ALIGN: Review your study notes (or what I’ve posted since week 2) and consider what you’ve learned in this study.
- ALIGN: Then, think about how the Spirit has convicted you through this study. In other words, where has He shown you misalignment between what we’ve discovered and how you practice your faith?
- ALIGN: Next, look to God’s Word for guidance to correct that misalignment. For me, this is often a verse from the study text or from one of the cross-references.
- ALIGN: And finally, reflect on how you can change thoughts or actions to align more closely with what you’ve discovered here.
To make this stick, I commit to change something and do my best to act on that commitment every day for at least three weeks.
I know the Lord will bless our efforts to understand and apply His Word!
by Jen | Mar 3, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Greetings! This week I started refining my understanding of Psalm 23:3 by (1) making sure I’m considering David’s whole message, (2) trying to determine how he and his audience interpreted that message, and (3) looking to Hebrew translators for help understanding key words from verse 3.
Last Week’s Work
LITERAL CONTEXT
Here, I discovered Psalms 11-22 are also attributed to David, as are Psalms 24-32. After reviewing them all, I find many share similar structural components and identical themes with Psalm 23, but I believe David intended verses 1-6 to be a single, self-contained message, and I plan to interpret it that way.
WRITING TYPES
No doubt this is one of the most beautiful poems/hymns David penned. The association of the LORD as a shepherd is less powerful for our generation, I think, but even if we know little about sheep and their keepers, we can still appreciate the peaceful, natural beauty of green pastures and still waters. Growing up in a small town with pastures to the north and east of my home, I have no problem visualizing a similar scene. To me, this Shepherd symbolizes an easily approachable Guide (the LORD) who knows and takes us on paths to provide physical (food, water, rest) and spiritual sustenance. In addition, His presence represents safety because He protects us from natural and supernatural predators. All we have to do is follow Him!
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
According to the ESV Global Study Bible, David was King of Israel from 1010 BC to 971 BC. I couldn’t find specific information about when he wrote Psalm 23 but did discover he was more than just a monarch/ruler; he also represented and embodied his subjects: their well-being was tied to his faithfulness [to God]. John MacArthur’s introduction indicates the psalm’s original purpose was to engender proper praise and worship of God. I think it does that beautifully.
INTERLINEAR RESEARCH
Because this series focuses on the names of God, I started my interlinear research looking at the Hebrew words David used to name Him in this passage. First, he called Him LORD. This word (literally, initials YHWH or JHVH, Strong’s H3068) appears more than 6200 times in the Old Testament! It’s the name associated with creation, self-existence, covenant, exodus, and mercy. It’s used in at least six compound structures (including YHWH Ra’ah in Psalm 23) to denote different aspects of God’s character. Contrasted with the term Lord (Adonay, Strong’s 136, meaning Lord, Master), YHWH is the personal, faithful, sovereign God who creates, redeems, judges, and dwells with His people. Therefore, YHWH Ra’ah (Strong’s H7462) is a picture of God as One who figuratively leads and teaches a group of people.
In v3, I checked four more words: first in the phrase He restores (H7725, shub) my soul (H5315 nephesh). Shub implies a turning back, literally or figuratively, though not necessarily to the same place. Nephesh’s meaning seems to indicate life or living, vitality, and it’s sometimes translated as person or breathing creature. That reminded me of Genesis 2:7, where God (YHWH H430 Elohim) animated Adam by breathing into his nostrils. The original word for the verb there (H5301, naphach) seems to me quite similar to the soul in Psalm 23:3. Something for me to meditate on for sure! Finally, I wanted to understand the stated reason the Lord led David in righteous paths. The text reads it’s for [the LORD’s] name’s (H8034 shem) sake (H4616 maan). The Topical Lexicon section on H8034 at BibleHub.com describes this use thus: God acts ‘for His name’s sake,’ displaying covenant faithfulness even when Israel is unworthy.
Dig-In Challenges
I’ve learned a lot, but I still want to learn more about verse 3! If you want to dig deeper, too, here’s a plan:
- PRAY, of course.
- REFINE: Consult a concordance or online cross-reference study tool [I’ll be starting here] to find and read through the available cross-references for your focus verse(s) and log what the Spirit shows you.
NOTE: for your study, follow the above link, then use the Prev or Next buttons below the verse text to go to your focus verse(s).
- REFINE: Next, compare at least a few other translations of your focus verse(s) and write about what you find in your study journal. I’ll be comparing ESV, AMP, NIV, NLT, and GNT, starting with this biblehub.com page. After following this link, you can navigate to your verse(s) by entering the reference in the Enter Reference or Keyword box at the top of the page and clicking the spyglass icon there.
- REFINE: Last, I plan to check a few commentaries on Psalm 23:3. If you already have a favorite study Bible or commentary, feel free to review it, too. If you don’t, I recommend bibleref.com if you’re new to the Bible or Bible study: it’s easy to follow and you can find information about the whole book and this passage.
If you’re looking for something with more detail, try checking the commentary section of StudyLight.org. There, you can access verse-by-verse commentaries on Psalm 23 by clicking the box for your focus verse, then clicking the name of the commentary listed immediately under the text of the verse you chose. I recommend you review more than one commentary and listen to the Spirit’s guidance on them.
I encourage you to do what you can this week to dig deeper into God’s Word. I know you’ll find immense treasure there. And I hope you’ll check in with me again next week!
by Jen | Feb 24, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Hello, friends. This past week marked the beginning of Lent—the forty days (excluding Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026). How are you preparing your heart for the resurrected Savior? I’m glad you’re making time to be in God’s Word with me!
Last Week’s Work
COMPARISONS
The obvious comparison of LORD as Shepherd and David as sheep begins in verse 1 and flows through the whole psalm:
- The LORD is [=] my Shepherd (v1).
- [Shepherd] makes [sheep] lie down; leads [sheep] (v2).
- [Shepherd] leads [sheep] (v3).
- [Sheep] fear no evil, for [Shepherd is] with [sheep]; [Shepherd’s] rod and staff comfort [sheep] (v4).
I’m again reminded of safety in the Shepherd’s presence.
- [Shepherd] prepare[s] a table before [sheep] (v5).
- [Sheep] shall dwell in the house of the [Shepherd] forever (v6).
These last two verses remind me of a parable the prophet Nathan told David after he ordered the murder of Bathsheba’s husband. It featured a rich man with a large herd of sheep who stole and butchered a poor man’s only lamb. Nathan said the lamb shared [the poor man’s] food, drank from his cup, and even slept in his arms (2 Samuel 12:3)!
Other symbolic references:
- Valley of the shadow of death (v4): I think this says going into a confined area where evil and death lurk doesn’t frighten David. Instead, he’s comforted by the LORD’s presence.
- Rod and staff (v4): symbolic of supernatural protection and guidance?
- Anointing David’s head with oil (v5): this reminded me of the ceremony by which Samuel identified David as King Saul’s successor (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
- Overflowing cup (v5). I assume this signifies abundance.
- Goodness and mercy following David (v6): obviously, they can’t walk behind him. I think this might refer to David’s intended legacy?
CAUSES/MOTIVATIONS
I found just two instances of the connector “for” in this Psalm: in v3 and again in v4:
Verse 3
ACTION: [The LORD] leads me in paths of righteousness
CONNECTOR: for
EXPLANATION: [The LORD’s] name’s sake.
This is the second half of my focus verse. Literally, it says the LORD’s name is the reason the LORD leads David to righteousness. Now I really want to understand His name in this passage!!!
Verse 4
ACTION: [David] will fear no evil
CONNECTOR: for
EXPLANATION: [The LORD] is with [David]; [The LORD’s] rod and staff… comfort [David].
As noted above, the LORD’s presence emboldens David, even in frightening situations.
CONDITIONS/METHODS
Two actions for which conditions are specified in this Psalm are:
- Verse 1: If the LORD is David’s Shepherd, David doesn’t want for anything (divine provision).
- Verse 4: If the LORD (with rod and staff) is with David, he’s not afraid of evil, even in confined, shadowy, evil places.
Dig-In Challenges
This coming week, I’m planning to:
- PRAY. Of course!
- REFINE my understanding of this text by determining which of the following types of writing appear in Psalm 23: instruction, law, letter, narrative, poetry, or prophecy. I’ll note the types I find and from that determine whether the text should be interpreted literally.
- REFINE: Next, I’ll research the book’s historical context by referencing an Introduction to the Book of Psalms, starting here. These references may also contain a summary of the book’s content. If you’re working along with me, note any relevant or interesting facts you uncover in your review of these materials. Based on the writing type (from step 2, above) and what you discover in the introduction, should Psalm 23 be interpreted literally?
- REFINE: Last, I’ll be looking up the meaning of a few words and phrases from my focus verse using an interlinear Bible tool. I like Biblehub.com’s Hebrew tool for this research. To use it, follow the link above. You can scroll to the verse(s) you want to examine by clicking the blue arrow to the right of the verse citation (“Psalm 23:3”) for higher-numbered verses or the arrow to the left to view verses 1 and 2. Once you locate the verse, click the number in the Strong’s column that corresponds to the English word or phrase you’re researching. Note anything the Spirit highlights for you in the information provided.
I encourage you to use these tools and dig as much as you can this week. I pray the Spirit will bless your efforts, my friend!
GO TO WEEK 6 >
by Jen | Feb 17, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Hello again. Here’s how the Spirit spoke to me through Psalm 23 this week:
Last Week’s Work
REPETITION
I found just one repeated concept: lead (vv2,3) / follow (v6); but the thing the Holy Spirit really impressed upon me here was presence. I don’t know a lot about shepherding a flock, but I get the impression that sheep should never be left unguarded: they have few natural defenses. Without guidance and protection, they can wander off a cliff or into water and be drowned by the weight of wet wool, etc., to say nothing of being unable to outrun a pack of predators. In certain circumstances, just the presence of the Shepherd could mean the difference between life and death for the herd. Knowing I’ll be looking at comparisons next week, this repetition tied to the Shepherd metaphor gives me some definite food for thought…
SPECIAL STATEMENTS:
In the meantime, though, how did you sort David’s statements in Psalm 23? I was torn between calling them blessings or promises. After considering the difference might be timeframes, though, I categorized the ten current positive statements as Blessings:
- The LORD is my shepherd (v1),
- He makes me lie in green pastures (v2),
- He leads me beside still waters (v2),
- He restores my soul (v3),
- He leads me in paths of righteousness (v3),
- You [LORD/Shepherd] are with me (v4),
- Your rod and staff comfort me (v4),
- You prepare my table in front of my enemies (v5),
- You anoint my head with oil (v5),
- My cup overflows (v5).
And the four future positive statements are Promises:
- I shall not want (v1)
- I will fear no evil—even when I walk through the valley of death’s shadow (v4)
- Goodness and mercy shall follow me all my life (v6)
- I shall dwell in the LORD’s house forever (v6).
Of course, these are statements David made about his own relationship with the LORD. Do they apply to me as they did to him? I hope so! I’m looking forward to getting more certainty around that in the Refine phase we’ll work through in a few weeks.
LISTS
Did you notice the groupings above also qualify as lists? I didn’t until I started writing this post! I am so amazed at the insight about the Sheperd’s presence and His role of defending the flock this week. Indeed, I am living proof He does exactly this!
Dig-In Challenges
This week, let’s wrap up Step 3 by:
- PRAYING: Use the prayer we wrote for Step 1.
- MINING: Read through the passage again looking for comparisons in or related to your focus verses. These may be statements of similarity featuring key words such as like, as,or so; qualitative comparisons indicating how one item is more or less than another; and/or contrasts that highlight or discuss how one concept differs from another.
- MINING: Next, look for causes or motives by focusing on key words or phrases I call cause connectors. In this study text, look for the connector for (where it means the same as because). Then check the text surrounding the connector for an action and the reason or explanation for that action. For example, in the sentence,
I went to the store, for I was out of milk,
the action = I went to the store for [because] the reason = I was out of milk.
NOTE: The word for doesn’t always connect an action and a reason. To determine if it does here, read the sentence(s) containing it while substituting the word because where you find the word for. If the sentence(s) created from this exercise make(s) sense and mean(s) the same as the original, note two things: (1) the action statement (typically before the for) and (2) the reason (after the for).
- MINING: Finally, see if you can find any conditions that trigger action in this narrative and/or descriptions of how action happens or should happen.
– For example, does the text say if or when a certain condition exists, some action takes place?
And/or
– Does the author describe a method or process (for example, specific steps) taken to achieve something?
Or
– Does he indicate how action is accomplished more generally by or through attributes or actions, e.g., saved by grace, through faith (Ephesians 2:8)? And,
– Does the text include any adverbs (typically words ending in ly) that describe how action happens?
These exercises are more involved, I know, but I’m confident you can do this with the Holy Spirit! Don’t forget to check your How to Dig Into Scripture Ourselves guide, and you can always reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions.
GO TO WEEK 5 >
by Jen | Feb 10, 2026 | DISO studies, Psalm 23
NEW TO THIS STUDY? START HERE.
Hello! Thanks for joining me here. This past weekend I had the opportunity to share some of my discoveries from this study at a women’s conference in central Florida. It was awesome to see so many women interested in personally exploring God’s Word!
In my study, I felt the Spirit leading me to focus on verse 3; my questions about how the Lord as Shepherd restores a soul and whether it’s related to being on righteous paths. Here’s what I uncovered this past week:
Last Week’s Work
WHO (CHARACTERS)
I discovered two main characters:
- David, the first character mentioned. The Psalm is “of” him, which I think means he wrote it (v1). In v2, he describes following the second character,
- The LORD, into green pastures and past still waters. In my focus verse, David says the LORD restores his soul and leads him in righteousness for the sake of the LORD’s name (v3). David further explains even when he feels like he’s in a valley of death’s shadows, he’s not afraid of evil there, because he knows the LORD/Shepherd is with him, and the LORD’s rod and staff make him feel safe (v4). David also says the LORD anoints him and sets him up with provisions—so much so, his cup runs over! And in front of David’s enemies, no less. Finally, David believes goodness and mercy will be with him all the days of his life, and he’ll live in the LORD’s house forever (v6).
Did you notice in the ESV, LORD is all caps? Since this is the first study in my God Who? series, I can’t wait to research this name and all the other biblical names of God we’ll encounter in this series!
WHERE (LOCATIONS)
In this short Psalm, I noticed at least one location in all verses but the first:
- Green pastures and still waters (v2). This makes me think of what a sheep would like: lying down with plenty of food and water around. It also reminds me of a scene from my childhood in southwest Kansas: a lake and the pastureland surrounding it. I remember going there as a child and feeling so calm: I was with my family, sitting by the water, so contented to just be there with people I knew and trusted.
- Paths of righteousness (v3). This was part of the HUH? question I’m pursuing: I don’t feel confident I know what David means by this.
- Valley of death’s shadow (v4). This is also an unfamiliar term to me, though I certainly can imagine plenty of places that would evoke my fear, as did this place for David.
- Presence of David’s enemies (v5). I can’t imagine anyone feeling comfortable in an environment where he has no friends. I also can’t imagine feeling safe enough to enjoy a meal there!
- The house of the LORD (v6). The closest I think I’ve come to what David mentions here would be the peace I’ve experienced in quiet, meditative environments like old places of worship where generations of Christians have prayed and otherwise sought the presence of God on earth.
WHEN (TIME FRAMES)
I found just two timeframes: all the days of my life and forever. Both occur in v6, when David talks about goodness and mercy following him (all his life) and when he anticipates living in the LORD’s house (forever). These must refer to different things, so I think he’s talking about experiencing goodness and mercy during his earthly life, then living in God’s house in the life beyond.
Dig-In Challenges
Here’s my plan for this week:
- PRAY the prayer I wrote last week before I study. Then I’ll…
- MINE: Look for repeated words or phrases in this passage and check for synonyms or pronouns that refer to the same concepts.
- MINE: Locate any special statements (blessings, commands, curses, prayers, promises, requests, and/or warnings) in the passage.
- MINE: Note any lists (3 or more similar items) mentioned in Psalm 23.
- Record what the Spirit prompts so I can use it in Steps 4 and 5.
Remember, you can download this printable summary of the DISO process for more specific instructions. I’ll share what I discover with you next week, so I hope you’ll join me then.
GO TO WEEK 4 >
