Essay Questions

What is a well-known passage from this psalm?

The most well-known passage from this psalm is as follows:

"Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil."

This is a powerful line, emphasizing the speaker's sense of courage, endurance, and perseverance. This quote is often used to inspire people who are going through difficult times and to remind them that they have the courage to carry on.

How is God depicted in this psalm?

God is depicted as a protector and benevolent ruler in this psalm. Although God clearly has the ultimate authority, he uses his influence to provide protection for his people.

In addition to this, God is depicted as a shepherd and teacher, someone who teaches people and guides them towards the right path. This is emphasized by the assertion that "the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Essentially, the speaker is saying that he feels protected by the security that God offers.

What does the speaker mean by the line "I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever"?

With this line, the speaker emphasizes the ultimate feelings of safety and security he feels under the care of God. Essentially, God provides the speaker with everything he needs to be happy, which is represented by this metaphor of a house. The comfort and protection that God offers are compared to a house, in which the speaker is protected from the outside world.