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A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.'Travel the shepherd's path to the green pastures and cool, refreshing waters of Psalm 23.As a shepherd, Phillip Keller shares his insights into the life and character of sheep---and of the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for them. This beloved classic will give new meaning to the ageless Shepherd Psalm, enriching your trust in ...more
Paperback, 122 pages
Published
October 1st 2008
by Zondervan
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The Bible makes numerous analogies, regarding Gods people as sheep, and he as the Shepherd. Jesus was, for example the good shepherd, who layed down his life for his sheep.
No analogy is perfect. Still some analogies are a better fit than others. As W. Phillip Keller abundantly illustrates in his book, the Bible's Shephed/Sheep analogy is one of the best, and the lovely and beloved Psalm 23 perhaps its most sublime discourse.
But most people nowadays, have only pa...more
No analogy is perfect. Still some analogies are a better fit than others. As W. Phillip Keller abundantly illustrates in his book, the Bible's Shephed/Sheep analogy is one of the best, and the lovely and beloved Psalm 23 perhaps its most sublime discourse.
But most people nowadays, have only pa...more
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A compelling fresh look at Psalm 23 from the perspective of a sheep rancher that grew up around tribal shepherds in the middle-east. He starts chapter 1 asking “The Lord! But who is the Lord? What is His character? Does He have adequate credentials to be my Shepherd — my manager — my owner?” and more than answers those and many more questions. God is God and He is in charge if I give Him control of my life or not.
I agree with his statement “One of the calamities of Christianity is our ...more
I agree with his statement “One of the calamities of Christianity is our ...more
This was a wonderful, inspirational book!! I could recommend it to anyone I know. The author, Phillip Keller, wholeheartedly sets out to completely make you understand what each part of Psalm 23 truly means. That passage of scripture is one that we all know by heart, but after reading this book you'll view those 6 verses in a whole new light.
* It reminded me that I belong to Him, even with my sinful downfalls.
* It made me think about how we really are like sheep, trustfully foll...more
* It reminded me that I belong to Him, even with my sinful downfalls.
* It made me think about how we really are like sheep, trustfully foll...more
I found this book on the bookshelf in the guest room in my mother-in-law's house around 1985 and picked it up and started reading it on a visit. It was my first exposure to any kind of exposition of Scripture and I just loved it. Keller spent time as a shepherd and because of his firsthand experience in the field, he was able to impart context and deeper meaning to David's most well known psalm. I bought a copy of my own. Good devotional book.
This book was incredible! It took the individual phrases of Psalm 23 and showed what they mean to a shepherd and his sheep. For example, the part that says, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." Keller explains how a sheep will never lay down if he is fearful, hungry, or in tension with any of the other sheep. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." The word 'table' here means 'tableland' or 'plateau'. Keller explained that whenever a sheph...more
10/31/2010:
It's a short little book, but very refreshing so far. I am about half way through it right now. The tone is very conversational. Combine that with his "real life" anecdotes and this book becomes a lot like sitting with my grandfather and listening to him. Good stuff!
11/13/2010 update:
I finished this book today. It is a good read. I liked it (hence the three stars). There were great practical points about how shepherds take care of sheep that highl...more
It's a short little book, but very refreshing so far. I am about half way through it right now. The tone is very conversational. Combine that with his "real life" anecdotes and this book becomes a lot like sitting with my grandfather and listening to him. Good stuff!
11/13/2010 update:
I finished this book today. It is a good read. I liked it (hence the three stars). There were great practical points about how shepherds take care of sheep that highl...more
I loved this book and highly recommend it for self improvement as well as for parenting. I loved how the author knew so much about his own work and could give us insights to how he cared for sheep, and also how a shepherd cares for his. I have thought about specific times since reading the book when I could apply it. I thought about it when my spouse gave a blessing to a sick child "Thou anointest my head with oil", and when dear friends of ours lost a grandchild recently and walked...more
This is my favorite book! I have read it at least five times. It offers a sweet message about what it is truly like to be a member of the Saviors "fold". Phillip Keller's language is beautiful and it is a joy to read and re-read and re-read!!!
This is a short & simple book that analyzes Psalm 23. He is very insightful, because he was a shepherd for many years. It is true how humans are very similar to sheep in many ways. After reading this assigned book for my Christian discipleship class, I have a better understanding of God's compassionate and intimate heart for you and me. Surely goodness and love will follow me...!
Favorite Quote: (P. 33-34) "By way of contrast, I have numerous friends among relatively poor people ...more
Favorite Quote: (P. 33-34) "By way of contrast, I have numerous friends among relatively poor people ...more
David's 23rd Psalm is a masterpiece. I never fully realized the depth of its inspired genius until I read this book. I still don't realize the depth of its inspired genius, but I think I understand more of it thanks to Phillip Keller. Keller writes as a pastor, scientist and, most importantly, a shepherd as he breaks down David's psalm phrase by phrase. Using his unique perspective and expertise, he skillfully explains, illustrates and applies the Shepherd Psalm. This is the best commentary I've...more
The beauty of this book lies in the fact that very few people could have actually written it. As an acutal shepherd, Keller probably has some of the greatest insights ever set down on Psalm 23 (“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want…”). He takes the Psalm from a mere metaphor and explains why and how the images that David wrote are so applicable to the Christian life. He dissects the Psalm in the best sense of the word — and he shows how Christ is our Good Shepherd and cares for us eve...more
Synopsis:
Drawing upon his years of experience as a sheep rancher, Keller reveals depths of meaning in this well-known but imperfectly-understood Psalm unimagined by people living in modern non-agricultural societies. His intimate knowledge of the terminology of sheepherding, the common habits and maladies of sheep, and the concerns and practices of conscientious shepherds enables the author to explain the symbolism behind virtually every phrase of the poem, which he interprets as a rec...more
Drawing upon his years of experience as a sheep rancher, Keller reveals depths of meaning in this well-known but imperfectly-understood Psalm unimagined by people living in modern non-agricultural societies. His intimate knowledge of the terminology of sheepherding, the common habits and maladies of sheep, and the concerns and practices of conscientious shepherds enables the author to explain the symbolism behind virtually every phrase of the poem, which he interprets as a rec...more
A wonderful book -- I've used it like a devotional book: reading a portion & chewing on it for a few days. Like Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost For His Highest", it can be read again and again. Phillip Keller brings to this beloved Psalm his experience as a boy with African shepherds, his experience as a shepherd in Canada, his experience as a Christian and pastor, and his experience with a stunning worker, his rehabilitated Border collie. A spiritual & practical feast which makes the psal...more
I LOVE THIS BOOK! It take one verse at a time and gives a detailed comparison between a shepherd of sheep and Christ the Great Shepherd. I use it for teaching reference all the time. My favorite part is vs 6; "He leadeth me in the Paths of Righteousness for His Name's Sake". When the author described this one he talked about how a shepherd needs to pay close attention to the vegetation of the land and the eating habits of sheep. He goes on to describe how sheep will just keep eating th...more
bk ini baru akan terbit juga bhs Indonesianya. aku dah bc krn satu dan laen hal.
buku ini bgs. dari segi penceritaanyan PHILLIP KELLER membaca kita pada tiap2 ayat dalam Mazmur 23. yang benar kt phillip keller dalam hlmn pendahuluan "Oleh karena itu saya tidak menyesal menyajikan kumpulan “pandangan gembala” mengenai Mazmur 23 yang terkenal dan disukai —namun sering disalah mengerti. Buku ini telah dikembangkan dengan latar belakang yang agak unik, yang mungkin telah membuat say...more
buku ini bgs. dari segi penceritaanyan PHILLIP KELLER membaca kita pada tiap2 ayat dalam Mazmur 23. yang benar kt phillip keller dalam hlmn pendahuluan "Oleh karena itu saya tidak menyesal menyajikan kumpulan “pandangan gembala” mengenai Mazmur 23 yang terkenal dan disukai —namun sering disalah mengerti. Buku ini telah dikembangkan dengan latar belakang yang agak unik, yang mungkin telah membuat say...more
One of my best friends sent me this book for Christmas. I read it on and off for about 2 months, and found great peace and faith in its pages. Basically, the book explains the rural, agricultural symbolism in the 23rd Psalm in terms that we, in our modern, mostly urban sociey, can understand. Anyone who wants a better understanding of how the Lord cares for us, His children, should read this book with an open heart and prepare to be touched.
One of my all-time favorites in Christian devotional literature. So eye opening.
Keller helped me understand that the entire Psalm, not just the first half, is based on the annual cycle of shepherding in the Middle East. And yet, Keller does much more than just help me get the metaphors straight. He is deeply spiritual.
Now I boast with the other sheep. "The LORD is my shepherd. Man! do I got it good!"
Keller helped me understand that the entire Psalm, not just the first half, is based on the annual cycle of shepherding in the Middle East. And yet, Keller does much more than just help me get the metaphors straight. He is deeply spiritual.
Now I boast with the other sheep. "The LORD is my shepherd. Man! do I got it good!"
This is one of the most precious books I have ever read. It is one of the top three(3) books that I feel every person claiming to follow Jesus the Christ MUST read. It will take you on a journey through Psalm 23 (a psalm that I never really understood until I read this book).
READ IT, READ IT, READ IT. You will have a new passion for sheep, the Shepherd, and your relationship with God.
READ IT, READ IT, READ IT. You will have a new passion for sheep, the Shepherd, and your relationship with God.
This is the most powerful, enlightening description I have ever read on Jesus Christ (except the Bible). Keller was a sheep herder who knew full well the problems that exist in the caring for sheep. In this book he describes the parallels of the job of shepherding to Christ as The Shepard to His flock. A must read for every Pastor and believer.
Though it contains value insights to sheep and shepherding, the book overflows with lists and alliterations--making it hard to read. Those, plus Biblical quotes from the Kings James Version, give Shepherd Looks an archaic feel.
Keller crams 50 pages of material into 135.
Pen-and-ink illustrations by Robert Doares enrich the text.
Keller crams 50 pages of material into 135.
Pen-and-ink illustrations by Robert Doares enrich the text.
This book really goes into depth helping the reader to understand the Psalm from a Shepherd's view. I find it quite interesting the parallels of shepherding & living the Christian life. I highly recommend it as it helps the Christian to understand just how much God loves His people (the sheep) & just how much we desperately need Him.
I read this book the day before I had major surgery (which, unknown to me at the time, came with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer). It helped me focus on my Heavenly Father's love, care and protection of me at a time when I didn't know what was going to come next. If the Lord is my Shepherd, then I am His sheep.
Wow! I know why this is a classic. It is not classical in the fact that it is full of fresh application. How great is our God and His leadership in our lives like a good shepherd looks after his sheep, our God looks after us! It is well worth the read. You will gain a fresh perspective at this most famous Psalm!
Once you read this book you will never read Psalm 23 the same as you had before. Mr. Keller gives a deeper understanding of the relationship between sheep and their shepherd. What wonderful parallels there are to be seen in the way God cares for His children...the Good Shepherd and His sheep. It's a sweet read!
What an amazing little book! A real shepherd explains David's psalm, giving light to the contextual references. Too often we "make up" what we think these things mean, but when Biblical verses are placed in the context they were written for, the meaning goes so much deeper than we could ever imagine.
This was a great "little" book that gave a lot of interesting insights into Psalm 23. Keller was a shepherd at one point, so he's able to explain many of David's statements in terms of sheep that really reflect and apply to our own lives. Parts of it were convicting,and other parts were really uplifting.
I never realized how deep the analogy of sheep could run. The aspects of sheep and sheperding is brought to the forefront in this little book and then tied to Christianity. My understanding of God, my Shepherd, has been enriched and appreciated through new knowledge due to this book.
I loved this look at the 23rd Psalm. Keller gives great insight into working with sheep and really brings Psalm 23 to light in a new and vivid way. It was a great book to use for service leader at church and I plan on using it with my teen Sunday School class as well.
Offered great insight into a well-known passage from scripture. Easy to follow and separated into chapters by each line in the Psalm. It absolutely made me think and inspired me to do more research on David, the author of the Psalm. Would definitely recommend it!
This book is a refreshing insight into a verse that has become cliche in our culture. It has caused me to treasure this Psalm written about our Savior, the Good Shepherd. This is a book that I will be returning to time and again for inspiration.
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