Few things in life are as powerful as a fresh perspective.
And that’s exactly what W. Phillip Keller’s A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 delivers—a refreshing, eye-opening look at one of the most beloved passages in the Bible.
Keller, a former shepherd, takes us deep into the realities of sheep farming and unveils the profound truths hidden in David’s words.
He doesn’t just analyze the Psalm—he brings it to life. He helps us feel what it means to be sheep under the care of the Good Shepherd.
Let’s dive into some of the most moving lessons from this book.
1. We Are Completely Dependent on Jesus (Yahshua)
Sheep are helpless.
Completely.
They can’t defend themselves.
They don’t know how to find good pasture.
They get lost easily.
They panic at the slightest disturbance. And they need constant care.
Sound familiar?
Yahshua calls us His sheep for a reason (John 10:11).
Left to our own devices, we wander into danger.
We make terrible decisions.
We fear things we shouldn’t, and we’re blind to real threats.
Yet, we resist His leadership, thinking we know better.
But here’s the truth: The safest, most joyful life is one lived under His care.
When we surrender fully to Him, we find security, peace, and provision we could never achieve on our own.
2. The Shepherd’s Ownership Changes Everything
Keller describes a powerful scene: He watched neglected, disease-ridden sheep stand at the fence, looking longingly at his well-cared-for flock.
Those sheep had a terrible owner who didn’t care for them.
And they were suffering because of it.
This is a vivid picture of life outside of Yahshua.
When we don’t belong to Him, we’re under the ownership of sin, Satan, and self.
And let’s be honest—none of those take good care of us.
But when we accept Yahshua’s ownership, everything changes.
We get His protection, His guidance, and His relentless love.
David wasn’t just making a poetic statement when he wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1, NKJV).
He was declaring a life-altering reality: I belong to Him. He takes care of me. And because of that, I lack nothing.
3. The Good Shepherd Never Leaves Us
Sheep need their shepherd constantly.
Left alone, they will fall into danger—literally.
Keller shares how sheep can become “cast,” meaning they tip over and can’t get back up.
If the shepherd doesn’t come quickly, they’ll die.
How often do we find ourselves “cast” in life?
Trapped in sin, overwhelmed with worry, unable to get up?
But Yahshua always comes for His sheep.
He lifts us up, restores us, and helps us walk again.
David understood this when he said, “He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3, NKJV).
Restoration is a personal, hands-on act of love.
Our Shepherd doesn’t scold us for falling—He picks us up and sets us right.
4. Valleys Are Part of the Journey
Keller explains that shepherds must lead their sheep through valleys to reach higher ground. There’s no other way to the best pastures.
The valleys are dangerous, filled with predators and rocky terrain.
But the sheep don’t have to be afraid—because the shepherd is with them.
This is why David wrote, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV).
We often want to avoid hardships.
But what if those dark valleys are the very thing leading us to higher places?
The Good Shepherd isn’t leading us into despair—He’s leading us to something better.
And He never, ever leaves us to walk through it alone.
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5. His Rod and Staff Are for Our Good
Many people think of Yahweh’s discipline as harsh.
But Keller gives a different perspective.
A shepherd’s rod isn’t for beating the sheep—it’s for protecting them.
It fights off wolves, corrects bad behavior, and keeps the flock safe.
The staff, on the other hand, is a symbol of guidance and care.
The shepherd uses it to gently pull sheep back when they start to wander, to draw them close, and even to rescue them from danger.
When David says, “Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4, NKJV), he’s showing us something incredible: Yahweh’s discipline is not something to fear—it’s something to trust.
He corrects us because He loves us. And that’s a comfort, not a punishment.
6. The Good Shepherd Prepares a Feast for Us—Even in Enemy Territory
One of the most striking images in Psalm 23 is that of a prepared table:
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5, NKJV).
Keller explains that shepherds go ahead of the flock and prepare the land, removing dangers and planting the best grass.
By the time the sheep arrive, everything is ready.
Yahweh does the same for us.
Even in the middle of battle, even with enemies surrounding us, He provides for us.
He prepares blessings, growth, and nourishment.
Our job is to trust Him and feast on His goodness—even when life is hard.
7. Our Cups Overflow Because of Him
David finishes his Psalm by saying, “My cup runs over” (Psalm 23:5, NKJV).
Keller explains that this is more than just having “enough.”
It’s about abundance—having so much of Yahweh’s goodness that it overflows.
This isn’t about material wealth. It’s about an abundant life in Yahshua.
A life filled with peace, joy, and deep satisfaction that nothing else can provide.
8. Goodness and Mercy Will Always Chase Us
Keller describes how shepherds have trained dogs to follow the sheep, keeping them safe and bringing back any strays.
That’s the image behind, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6, NKJV).
Yahweh’s goodness and mercy are pursuing us.
They don’t just passively exist. They are actively chasing us down, ensuring we never stray too far from His love.
9. Our Ultimate Home is with Him
Finally, David declares, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6, NKJV).
This isn’t just a poetic ending—it’s the ultimate promise.
The Good Shepherd doesn’t just lead us through this life. He’s leading us home.
Keller reminds us that no matter what happens, no matter how rough the journey gets, the destination is secure.
We belong to Yahshua.
And we will forever be in His presence.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 23 is not just a comforting passage to read at funerals—it’s a powerful, life-changing truth for everyday living.
Yahshua is our Shepherd. He cares. He leads. He protects. And He never leaves us.
The question is—are we truly following Him?
P.S. Do you want to get a deeper understanding of Psalm 23? Read the book, “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.” Grab your copy here!
