What does “he makes me lie down in green pastures” mean (Psalm 23:2)?

Answer

Psalm 23 provides comfort with its soothing words and assurance in the Shepherd. Its poetic charm appeals even to non-believers, while its pastoral imagery draws from David’s own background as a shepherd, aiming to evoke a sense of peace. Throughout Psalm 23, the enduring truth about God and His relationship with His people unfolds. An example can be found in the second verse, “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”

To explore David’s imagery in Psalm 23:2, consider how shepherds cared for their sheep in biblical times. Instead of “driving” them with a stick from behind as commonly thought, shepherds guided the sheep, walking ahead of them to suitable pastures. Without a shepherd, sheep would either starve or fall prey. Similarly, the shepherd led the sheep to water sources. By using this analogy, David expresses his complete dependence on God to meet all his needs, showing deep admiration for God as the Ultimate Provider.

It is noteworthy that Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd multiple times in the Gospels, echoing the Psalms (John 10:11,14-15;Matthew 18:12-14;Luke 15:3-7). Undoubtedly, His listeners were familiar enough with the Old Testament to recognize the reference. This might explain why some considered Him to be insane (John 10:19-20). Nevertheless, the profound truth remains that Jesus is God—the Good Shepherd whom we faithfully follow.

The green pastures and calm waters symbolize both spiritual and physical needs. As the Good Shepherd, Christ initially cared for our spiritual needs by “sacrificing his life for the sheep” «I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. », (John 10:14). Isaiah uses similar imagery, declaring, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, each one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” «All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned each one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. », (Isaiah 53:6). Christians rest in the green pasture of God’s grace and beside the calm waters of salvation, acknowledging that these blessings originate from the guidance of a Good Shepherd.

In addition to spiritual needs, the Good Shepherd also tends to our other necessities. This raises a valid question: why do some Christians still lack? David’s trust in God’s provision does not dismiss other verses that highlight the existence of poverty in this fallen world until God renews His creation (Matthew 26:11;Mark 14:7;John 12:8). Various factors can result in poverty, and God’s promise to fulfill our needs does not always mean a life of constant abundance or freedom from challenges, at least not in this world. Many psalms reflect the distress of the psalmist, who believed that God had forsaken him in crucial moments, and it is natural for us to react similarly. Nevertheless, God’s strength is evident both in times of plenty and scarcity.

Like the psalmist, we can confidently affirm that God causes us to rest in green pastures, secure, content, and unafraid. Christ, our Good Shepherd, provides for our needs in profound ways.