Psalm 23:2
ESV
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
NIV
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,
NASB
He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.
CSB
He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.
NLT
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
KJV
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
NKJV
He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.
What does Psalm 23:2 mean?
David writes that the Lord provides rest in green pastures and guides him to still waters. Shepherds in biblical times did not "drive" their sheep. Instead of pushing the herd from behind, they walked ahead of the flock, which followed. The land of Israel did not have plentiful, verdant pastureland except in the rainy season. Shepherds needed to guide their sheep to green pasture, otherwise the sheep would go hungry.Further, sheep will not drink from a rushing stream. Nor will they instinctively seek out clean water—they are prone to drinking whatever is nearby. Therefore, a good shepherd leads his sheep to calm, clean water.
As a good shepherd, the Lord guided David to green pasture; that is, He provided well for David, giving him abundance, rest, and peace. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, provides all of this care for His followers. He gives us rest (Matthew 11:28), abundance (Matthew 6:33; John 10:10; Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 4:19), and peace (John 14:27).
Just as a shepherd in Bible times knew his sheep by name, so our Good Shepherd knows us personally and calls us by name (John 10:3). We should be quick to heed His call and follow Him!
