Psalm 23 is one of the best-known and most often-quoted passages in the Bible. Commonly used in the context of death and funerals, it is actually more about how a person lives in relationship to God than about facing death or finding security beyond the grave. In his book, No 23, Precious Okolobo takes a critical study of this popular psalm.
The 184-page book, published by Joevine Editors with bold print, is arranged to help readers grasp the underlying meaning of the psalm, which aligns with the word of God. Former General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Nigeria, Rev Chidi Okoroafor (PhD), who wrote the foreword, states, “Okolobo delves into an x-ray of King David.” He adds that the themes employed by the author spice up the book. “This book is inspirational, academic, and goes for praxis in the field of theology. I recommend and endorse this book as a preacher’s handbook.”
Overview of the Book
The 23rd psalm is appealing in its simplicity yet profound in how it speaks about the creator and the created. The work encourages readers to look at the shepherd; the author brings the truth of Psalm 23 to life in sharp focus. In his dissection of psalms, the author classifies them into categories such as Historical, Thanksgiving, Praise, Songs, Royal, Messianic, Prayer, Lament and Imprecatory, Confession, Repentance, and Wisdom.
Chapter One: The Man David
From chapter one, the author provides a cryptic analysis of David. He unveils the meaning of David as “Beloved,” referencing its Hebrew root. The life of David is a fascinating study of how providence works and guides destinies. The author dwells on David’s life as a shepherd tending flocks in the field, his role as a musician, his flight from Saul, and his eventual anointing as king. This chapter looks from obscurity to authority and concludes with the fact that David is a man after God’s heart.
Chapter Three: Dissection of Psalm 23
It is from chapter three that the import of the book begins to emerge. Here, the author starts his dissection of Psalm 23. Psalm 23:1 summarizes the message of the whole. Verse 1a declares, “The Lord is my shepherd,” acknowledging God as the one who protects and guides. However, it is important to recognize that “shepherd” connotes more than someone who herds sheep; it was a royal metaphor in the ancient Near East. Thus, to call God shepherd is to acknowledge God as one who rules over one’s life and to surrender to the will of God.
After the metaphorical statement, verse 1b adds the unqualified phrase “I shall not want,” which could also be rendered “I have no lack.” The absolute character of this second phrase is striking. It suggests that the Lord is all one really needs, and that God’s shepherding care provides all that is essential to life. The shepherd metaphor, with all its varied expressions, raises the historical memory of a people shepherded by God. Unique to Psalm 23, however, is the extremely personal expression of God’s care. Nowhere else in the Bible does anyone say, “the Lord is my shepherd.” This is the key to the vibrancy of Psalm 23 in the life of faith.
Discovering Yourself through the Psalms
The chapter looks at the best way to discover yourself and concludes that it is to read the book of Psalms. The 150 psalms in the Bible are put forward for dissection. The rest of the psalm illustrates how and why this is true. The list of provisions in verses 2-5, however, should not be understood as a restrictive list of what a person needs (e.g., food, water, safety, protection from enemies). A close reading of verse 5 shows God’s extravagant care for the psalmist. This verse shifts the imagery from shepherd to host. As a host who gives refuge to the psalmist beset by enemies, God offers abundant food and drink, oil for grooming, as well as the assurance of safety. The expression “my cup overflows” indicates that the psalmist not only has basic provisions but also enjoys abundance.
Chapter 11: Goodness and Mercy
In chapter 11, the author dwells on the verse: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” The final verse continues the language of riches and blessing with two hopeful claims. The first claim is that “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (verse 6a). That “goodness” will follow the psalmist probably needs no explanation.
Chapters 12 and 13: Return to God
Chapters 12 and 13 are all about a return to God and seeking the love of God. The author emphasizes the importance of devotion and hope in one’s relationship with the Creator.
