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The Shepherd: Reflections on Psalm 23
Reflections on Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd... These are the opening words of one of the most memorized, inspirational, and comforting passages in the Bible, and one of the greatest poems of all time. For over 3,000 years, countless generations have turned to Psalm 23 for strength during times of trouble. Its brief six verses offer words of compassion, hope, and encouragement that never wear out. Though this little psalm was written in a different time and place, the lessons it contains are as up-to-date as the 21st century. These ancient words with their imagery drawn from the life and heart of David, the shepherd-king, offer incomparable hope in a complex world.
In The Shepherd, James Collins explores the rich meaning behind the world's best known and most loved poem. The author teaches the psalm verse-by-verse, explaining its extraordinary power to change lives and ease our troubles. He shares its fascinating context and colorful background. You'll find encouragement to enjoy the "green pastures" of life while becoming strengthened by the "dark valleys." Through Collins' explanation of the biblical text that illustrates the love and care of the Lord, The Shepherd will help you rediscover the joy, inspiration, and peace of this beloved psalm.
- Does the Twenty-Third Psalm fit into Messianic Prophecy?
- What is the significance of restoration?
- Does the shepherd/sheep relationship parallel God and man?
- What is the meaning of the cup?
- What is the mystery of Migdal Eder?
James Collins answers these questions and more in The Shepherd.
The Lord is my shepherd... These are the opening words of one of the most memorized, inspirational, and comforting passages in the Bible, and one of the greatest poems of all time. For over 3,000 years, countless generations have turned to Psalm 23 for strength during times of trouble. Its brief six verses offer words of compassion, hope, and encouragement that never wear out. Though this little psalm was written in a different time and place, the lessons it contains are as up-to-date as the 21st century. These ancient words with their imagery drawn from the life and heart of David, the shepherd-king, offer incomparable hope in a complex world.
In The Shepherd, James Collins explores the rich meaning behind the world's best known and most loved poem. The author teaches the psalm verse-by-verse, explaining its extraordinary power to change lives and ease our troubles. He shares its fascinating context and colorful background. You'll find encouragement to enjoy the "green pastures" of life while becoming strengthened by the "dark valleys." Through Collins' explanation of the biblical text that illustrates the love and care of the Lord, The Shepherd will help you rediscover the joy, inspiration, and peace of this beloved psalm.
- Does the Twenty-Third Psalm fit into Messianic Prophecy?
- What is the significance of restoration?
- Does the shepherd/sheep relationship parallel God and man?
- What is the meaning of the cup?
- What is the mystery of Migdal Eder?
James Collins answers these questions and more in The Shepherd.
108 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2021
36 people want to read
About the author
James Collins
12 books277 followersJames is a follower of Jesus, author, evangelist, retired U.S. Army Chaplain, husband, and dad. His latest book, The Overcomer, was released on September 23, 2024.
James says, "My calling is to be an effective communicator of God's Word." He has a passion to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. His writings have been featured in publications such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, Stars & Stripes, Baptist Press, Good News Press, Faith and Freedom News, The Baptist Standard, The California Southern Baptist, The Louisiana Baptist Message, Southwest Kansas Faith & Family, The Baptist New Mexican, The Baptist Digest, and Prophecy in the News. He and his wife share their home with their three extraordinary children, three dogs, and a lifetime collection of books.
James says, "My calling is to be an effective communicator of God's Word." He has a passion to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. His writings have been featured in publications such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, Stars & Stripes, Baptist Press, Good News Press, Faith and Freedom News, The Baptist Standard, The California Southern Baptist, The Louisiana Baptist Message, Southwest Kansas Faith & Family, The Baptist New Mexican, The Baptist Digest, and Prophecy in the News. He and his wife share their home with their three extraordinary children, three dogs, and a lifetime collection of books.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 11, 2022
Another great book by James Collins. He goes through the 23rd psalm and explains what it was like to be a Shepherd and how they took care of there sheep. Also explains how Jesus takes care of His sheep This is his third book that I have read and like the others I enjoyed it. I recommend it.
January 22, 2022
Pause your busy life, pick up this book, read familiar verses, but with a new clarity. I love Bible studies. Reading is one thing but knowing the significance behind the words, the images, the customs…will bring a new light, an understanding that maybe was not complete before.
The Shepherd, like all of James Collins’s books, touches and ministers your soul. I have read many books on Psalm 23 and this one should not be missed. You will be captivated, like I was with its uniqueness. I have never read about the significance of Psalm 23 in reference to Psalms 22 and 24. So many new aspects of this familiar Bible passage to reflect on.
The world need hope more than ever and this book is exactly what it gives, the hope it needs.
I wanted to read The Shepherd for months now and I am very grateful to the publisher and the author for providing me a copy. My review is voluntary and it reflect my honest opinion.
The Shepherd, like all of James Collins’s books, touches and ministers your soul. I have read many books on Psalm 23 and this one should not be missed. You will be captivated, like I was with its uniqueness. I have never read about the significance of Psalm 23 in reference to Psalms 22 and 24. So many new aspects of this familiar Bible passage to reflect on.
The world need hope more than ever and this book is exactly what it gives, the hope it needs.
I wanted to read The Shepherd for months now and I am very grateful to the publisher and the author for providing me a copy. My review is voluntary and it reflect my honest opinion.
July 28, 2025
One of my favorite books I've ever read. An INCREDIBLE explanation of the most famous chapter in the Bible, Psalm 23, The Shepherd Psalm. Collins, a former U.S. Army chaplain, delves into such interesting detail on this beloved psalm, and he fleshes out his explanations with such interesting military stories that pertain to faith in God!
BOTTOM LINE: "If the Lord is your Shepherd, you will never lack for anything you really need … forever," Collins rightly ascertains.
He says in life there are two groups of people: one says, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." The other says, "I am in want; therefore, the Lord is not my shepherd."
Collins writes, "Is it really that simple? Yes. The Lord is not your Shepherd if your life has emptiness, loneliness, and frustration. You will not be satisfied if anyone or anything else besides the Lord shepherds you. If your job [or other things, like relationships, addictions, etc., shepherd you] you will be restless, unfulfilled, and frustrated.... Only when the Lord is your Shepherd will you be able to honestly say in your soul, 'I shall not want.'”
The author is such a clear writer on this topic, it is really eye-opening and helps readers understand God's provision as a Shepherd. How we truly do have everything we need if Jesus is our Shepherd.
BOTTOM LINE: "If the Lord is your Shepherd, you will never lack for anything you really need … forever," Collins rightly ascertains.
He says in life there are two groups of people: one says, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." The other says, "I am in want; therefore, the Lord is not my shepherd."
Collins writes, "Is it really that simple? Yes. The Lord is not your Shepherd if your life has emptiness, loneliness, and frustration. You will not be satisfied if anyone or anything else besides the Lord shepherds you. If your job [or other things, like relationships, addictions, etc., shepherd you] you will be restless, unfulfilled, and frustrated.... Only when the Lord is your Shepherd will you be able to honestly say in your soul, 'I shall not want.'”
The author is such a clear writer on this topic, it is really eye-opening and helps readers understand God's provision as a Shepherd. How we truly do have everything we need if Jesus is our Shepherd.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews