Psalm 23 is one of the best known Psalms, and the favorite of many. It begins with this personal testimony: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). The Hebrew name for God here is Jehovah-Raah.
This name of God communicates so many ideas of what God is in His dealings with man. He owns His flock, and His flock knows Him. He has an attachment to His flock beyond their value – He is willing to lay down His life for His flock (John 10:1-28). He guides them, protects them, provides for them, and punishes or disciplines them – all according to their need. To summarize, He cares for His flock. That is why the Psalmist declares, “I shall not want.”
I can remember a warm, elderly Christian man in Jamaica who was our host when a friend and I went there to minister for a few weeks many years ago. One day in our conversation he told us of a little girl who was reciting the 23rd Psalm during a program in her church. She smiled and said, “The Lord is my Shepherd, He’s all I want!” The audience chuckled, but even though she misquoted the Psalm, she caught the essence of the shepherd image and meaning. In relationship with Jehovah-Raah you have all you need.
What do I mean by having a relationship with Jehovah-Raah? Notice, the psalmist clearly says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” He knows he belongs to Him. The shepherd recognizes his voice, and he recognizes the shepherd’s voice. He has experienced the shepherd’s loving embrace and acceptance. When you’ve experienced Jehovah-Raah in this way you have all you need.
