A Shepard Looks at Psalm23

by Philip Keller

From the unique perspective of first-hand experience, Phil Keller presents a lively, interesting devotional commentary on one of the best-loved Bible passages. Equipped with a shepherd's experience and insight, Mr. Keller leads and prods the reader to the greenest pastures of discovery and the coolest waters of fulfillment hidden in the "Shepherd Psalm." Pleasure and enlightenment are the rewards for those willing to follow his careful leading. Special emphasis is placed on the Shepherd of this Psalm. Revealed are His person and untiring desire to care for His sheep. Each Christian reading here will be encouraged and delighted by the expressions of love that Christ extends to His followers. Experience Psalm 23 in a new see with the Shepherd's eyes, touch with His hands, feel with His heart through this intimate look into the full life of our Lord--the Great Shepherd, and "the sheep of His pastures."

Genres: Christianity, Faith, Nonfiction, Christian

142 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Amanda Hux · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Surely every gracious thought that enters my mind had its origin in Him.”

Beautiful picture of the Lord’s conscious, attentive, and loving attitude towards us. I learned a lot about Christ’s character, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever!

[Savannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the quiet hours of 4:30 am, I read a chapter each dark morning. I was determined, with crust on my eyes, to get up and read. This book written by someone with a depth of personal knowledge in shepherding tactics and wayward sheep brings a deeply intimate lens to the Lord being our good Shepherd. While Philip Keller is marked with the stains of sin, he magnifies the awesome overwhelming love the Savior has for his sheep in a way many people are craving to know in this day and age. The symbolism and significance of each word penned in the Bible is sifted through and held up in light of eternity with Keller’s knowledge of shepherding. Even as I write this now, I want to open it again to feel the comfort of discipline and love the Father has for us in His words.

This is for those that are new to biblical themes and grappling with the love of God and saving grace. This is also for the Christian steeped in deep theology that is burdened with a heart for more practical applications, it is given. This is also for the Christian who has for years not understood the discipline of God and doesn’t know that there is comfort in the safety of the rod and the staff. Get a reading light, a cold morning and a sunrise to throughoutly enjoy this book. Or an airport, a greyhound bus or a minivan to be transported to the hillside of bandaging wounds, comforts of old and deeper practical theology you can take with you in the light and the dark.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a clearer understanding of this verse. Definitely recommend.

[Jack Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s an amazing read, I loved how the analogy of the Shepard with his flock is explained both in worldly Shepard terms and in God as Our Shepard terms. The breakdown of the psalm also improved how I consume it and positively impacts how I will lean on those verses in the future. Highly recommend!!

[Jonathan Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember to live ever aware of God’s presence.

“How many Christians actually feel this way about Christ? How many of us are truly convinced that no matter what occurs in our lives we are being followed by goodness and mercy?”

“Contentment should be the hallmark of the man or woman who has put his or her affairs in the hands of God.”

[JR Boutwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, my Pastor told me about and recommended this book and I am glad he did because it’s very good. I never heard Philip Keller before but now know and appreciate his work, like the book says it’s a shepherds look at Psalm 23, which is not a perspective I really considered before reading it. The insight and things he shares I think really open up and reveal this Psalm in ways , I’ve never considered. It’s given a new and deeper appreciation for this wonderful song. I found the stories and insights interesting and the word pictures really do help you understand what the psalmist was trying to convey. Like the psalm it’s short and won’t take long to read but take your time it’s gem, you’ll want to look at again and again.

[Elise Hibdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for every believer! The author is an actual shepherd who tended sheep in Africa and the Middle East. He describes how the psalm as a whole represents the life of sheep for 1 full year, and how their shepherd would guide them through each of the four seasons. Each chapter of the book is a specific line of Psalm 23, and is such a beautiful illustration of Christ’s love for His “sheep,” with the gospel woven throughout. I read the Kindle version but will definitely be purchasing a hard copy to read again and share with others.

[Anna Bernstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

reading this book feels like walking in a meadow on a perfect spring day- so reassuring and comforting. the author’s personal experience as a shepherd caring for his sheep has completely changed & deepened my understanding of psalm 23 and our role as “sheep” in Jesus’ flock. He truly does protect and guide us in ways we cannot see or comprehend! I am challenged to trust Him more and more. I already want to reread it!!

[Jordan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second time through this book, and has confirmed it’s five star rating in my mind. It offers such simple, beautiful insight into my favorite Bible verse. There are deeper, more challenging theological reads out there but sometimes all you need is a simple explanation and reminder. I love this book.

[Linda May Cohee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful, it was just a little difficult to get through because it was very factual. Buuut that was super cool too because it gave more depth to the Psalm!

This was a book that I carried in my bag and read in between things.

[Zoey Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing, changed my walk with the Lord completely

[S Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Jean Donze · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I read this several years ago. All about sheep tending and the spiritual connection.

[Malee Crumrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most beautiful breakdown of the most commonly cited psalm in the Bible. You’ll never look at Psalm 23 the same.

[Josh Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sombre and gentle. Well thought out allegories; even if some seemed further stretched, there was often value to be glistened from them

[Mikaela Dunegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how they broke it down verse by verse and were able to give a new, in depth perspective on the meaning and symbolism of Psalm 23 from a real shepard who is a believer.

[Celia Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I could give it a million stars!!!! Everyone needs to read this book. Such an amazing reminder of God being our good Shepard.

[Alessandra Gesiotto · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for Christians. Helps you understand deeper meanings of Bible verses

[Marian Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on one of my favorite psalms!! It provides an insight into what it truly means to be led by the good Shepard! I recommend!