In Green Pastures
In Green Pastures No other psalm perhaps has been so widely sung as the twenty-third. Its simplicity, its childlike confidence, express religion’s purest form. It seems to look back to David’s sheep-watching days upon the hills near Bethlehem. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” The psalm’s calm fortitude amid the darkness of death has soothed the passage of many a trembling soul. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”