(Part 1)

JBTM 59
Sermon: Psalm 23
Jeffrey G. Audirsch, PhD
Psalm 23 is arguably one of the most popular texts in the Old Testament. Given its
popularity, Walter Brueggemann states, “It is almost pretentious to comment on this
psalm. The grip it has on biblical spirituality is deep and genuine.” 1 If Brueggemann is
correct, then why would I elect to write an exposition of Ps 23? Like Brueggemann, I am
certain that for many Christians the meaning of Ps 23 holds a special place in their lives.
Before moving on, I think it is important to examine his words more closely. He did not
say it is “pretentious to comment” on Ps 23, but rather he says, “It is almost pretentious to
comment.” The word almost is vital to the sentence.
We can become so familiar with aspects of everyday life (e.g., driving, chores, exercising,
etc.) that they become second nature. Many times, it is these very routines that allow us
to multi-task: talk on a cell-phone while driving or washing dishes and listening to music
or reading a book while running on a treadmill. In other words, we become so familiar
with aspects in our daily lives that we can disengage our minds while doing them. I believe
that many of the famous texts of the Bible are jeopardized by a similar disengagement of
our minds—the “I know what that text means” mentality. Many times we think what the
text really means is nothing more than a restating of the verses. If not careful, we can lose
the theological implications of the famous texts of the Bible due to familiarity. Similarly,
Patrick D. Miller understands how familiarity with Ps 23 can present issues: “The very
familiarity of the psalm presents a challenge to bring it alive so that even, if not especially,
those who know it well may not pass it by too quickly but will find themselves drawn afresh
by its words into the safe fold of God.” 2 It is for this reason that I have chosen Ps 23 as my
exposition of a poetic text.
Background and Context 3
Since Ps 23 is so familiar, I have decided to begin with a brief overview of the psalm. The
superscription describes the psalm as “A Psalm of David.” The traditional interpretation of
¹Walter Brueggemann, The Message of the Psalms: A Theological Commentary (Minneapolis:
Augsburg, 1984), 154.
²Patrick D. Miller, Jr., Interpreting the Psalms (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1986), 112.
³The background and context of Ps 23 is built upon the “Principles for Interpreting the Psalter”
in my essay on interpreting biblical poetry. The use of the information related to these principles is
reorganized in an attempt to provide flow in my exposition. That being said, readers should be able
to note which principles have directly impacted my exposition.