A Tale of Two Psalms

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters, He restores my soul . . ." You know the rest. The encouraging and beautiful words of Psalm 23 comprise one of the most widely known, oft-quoted parts of Scripture. People all over, it seems, have memorized it, claimed it as their favorite Bible verse , quoted it in movies, and had it tattooed on themselves. (Nike even featured it in a basketball shoe commercial a few years ago). It seems strange that many of these people--athletes, actors, shoe companies to name a few--are glad to identify themselves with the "inspirational" thoughts of David's song--the Lord will provide rest and comfort, in the face of death there is no fear, etc.--yet cringe at the suggestion that the gospel of Jesus Christ is the absolute truth. Why do so many feel free to pour upon themselves the blessings of the 23rd Psalm (and similar "well-loved" parts of the Bible) yet ultimately consider them the same as many other (secular) "great quotes" or "inspirational literature" and ignore the spiritual reality of the book and God that it comes from.

The irony deepens when one looks at the chapter right before Psalm 23 (Psalm 22 for any math-challenged people out there). If everyone who superficially loved Psalm 23 examined Psalm 22, they would observe some of the clearest Old Testament prophecies pointing to Jesus, specifically the events of the crucifixion.

The opening words "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22.1) are spoken by Jesus from the cross (Matthew 27.46, Mark 15.34).

Psalm 22.7-8 say "All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads: 'He trusts in the Lord; let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.'" The fulfillment of this verse is found in Matthew 27.39-43: "Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads . . . The chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders mocked him . . . 'He trusts in God. Let God rescue him.'"

In verse 16 of the Psalm, King David writes that "a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and feet" fulfilled through the nails of the crucifixion and finally in verse 18 the Psalm states "They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing" as happened to Jesus (Matthew 27.35).

The clarity of the prophecies fulfilled nearly a thousand years later by Christ is both astounding and encouraging. Both psalms are intense and beautiful and both, obviously, are scripture. Yet it is intriguing that Psalm 23 maintains its place as "favorite psalm of all time" (even by those who reject the gospel and have nothing to do with Jesus) a chapter away from another psalm of David that is far less known and loved but that points squarely to Jesus Christ.