What does the expression "lie down" infer? A sense of rest and security. The sheep can lie down in the "green pastures" and feel confident that the shepherd is able and willing to protect them from danger.
In what way do we resemble the sheep? We are dependent upon the Lord for our supply of spiritual and material needs, and for guidance and protection along the path of everyday life.
What does the Psalmist mean when he says: "He restoreth my soul"? "Soul" means, in Hebrew, the "life," or "one's self". The Lord restores and brings back His people, when wandering into forbidden places.
Explain the next line. As the shepherd goes before and leads his sheep by the right paths, avoiding all dangers, so the Lord leads His people into "the paths of righteousness".
What does "for His name's sake" mean? He has undertaken to guide His people safely and will do it for the honour of His name.
In the next section, whom is the Psalmist addressing? He is speaking to the Lord.
What words show that he is still using the figure of the shepherd and the sheep? "Through the valley"; "Thy rod and thy staff".
What does the first line mean? Some paths that are right paths for us to walk in still lead through perilous places; and this is the way the Psalmist refers to this fact in shepherd life.
How should we feel? The Lord accompanies us, and we should "fear no evil". The sheep follow the shepherd with absolute confidence, and our attitude toward "the Good Shepherd" should be the same.
What words show that danger is sometimes close? Death sometimes comes so close that it almost seems to cast a shadow.