The Shepherd Psalm

by F.B. Meyer

One of the greatly loved preachers of his day, Frederick Brotherton Meyer was a pastor, author, Bible teacher and evangelist. A distinct feature of Meyer's ministry was his outcry against the social evils of his day. Not only was he effective in the temperance movement, but he was also responsible for the closing of over 500 houses of prostitution. He also formed a prison aid society. A devoted student of God's Word, he was the author of over 40 books, including Bible biographies, devotional commentaries, sermon volumes and expository works. He also authored several pamphlets and edited a number of magazines. Charles H. Spurgeon said of him, Meyer preaches as a man who has seen God face to face. The Psalm of Psalms; The Shepherd-Lord; Pastures of Tender Grass, and Waters of Rest; He Restoreth My Soul; The Shepherd's Leading; The Valley of Shadow; Comfort Through the Rod and the Staff; The Banquet; Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; The Overflowing Cup; The Celestial Escort; and The House of the Lord for Ever.

Genres: Christian, Old Testament, Christianity

128 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 1976

About the author

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

Reviews

[Светлана · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave up on finishing this. A few chapters were very good, but most of the points seemed to hang on either the "shepherd" metaphor or some other metaphor. There was a lot of filler and flowery language, and I found myself wishing that he would just come out with it and get to the metaphors' meaning.
As an example, I disagreed with his treatment of Psalm 23:4. Most of the chapter was about death, because of the translations which say "the valley of the shadow of death." Modern translations here don't even mention death; it is assumed to be a misdivision of the Hebrew word—which is simply a plural, "darknesses," (tselmot)—into two words, "shadow" (tsel) and "death" (mot). But there is another Semitic root, "tselm", which also means "darkness," and "-ot" is just a plural marker. (The word is used in Amos 5:8, "He ... turns darkness into morning.") To treat this verse as being about death itself is an interpolation (or an "eisegesis") that is based entirely on what I consider an English translation error. It also seems to be unrelated to the context.
Often with such authors, I don't necessarily disagree with what they're saying, but with how they have treated Scripture.
I will probably try a different F. B. Meyer book later on since his works on Scripture character (on Moses, Paul, Abraham) seem to be rated more highly.

[Russell Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little book! Meyer does an excellent job of blending a devotional treatment of Psalm 23 with an adequately profound exposition. The book's heart is meaningful meditation on the text but does not leave the meaning behind in doing so. The writing though a touch archaic is not too dry or heavy for the average Christian reader. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading spiritual books as a part of their walk with the Lord. I will be looking for more of Meyer's books going forward.

[Emma Schwass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent little reflection on the 23rd psalm. It’s encouraging and enriching to fellowship with a believer who lived over a century ago. What a comfort to know that there really is nothing new under the sun and God’s word and people are preserved through the ages. I have a renewed love for this familiar psalm. I can easily brush past its words not drinking in the depth and richness it contains but this little book has blessed me and those whom I’ve shared pages from it, not because of its author but for the subject it contains, our Good Shepherd!

[Linda Coate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetic and full of rich insight

While the writer constructs his sentences in an older style of writing, if read carefully there are valuable gems of insight to gain with careful reading. My understanding of Psalm 23 is so much deeper and more personal after reading this commentary.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on Psalm 23.

This book is like a warm blanket on a cold night. Such a wonderful reminder of God’s care, love and goodness to us.

Would highly recommend. This is a book to re-read & re-read often.

[Sean Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meyer Mission #14
A pastorally meditative look at Psalm 23 with some goos insights and thoughts to help you travel the road of life.
Loving this deep dive into Meyer's works and hope to continue it for a while yet!

[Zdenek Sykora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glory to God. God is Love. He is our Shepherd. Good devotional book to read.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read about Psalm 23. I purchased it to read on my Kindle. It contains many errors; some that took away from the meaning of the text.