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Psalms 23 · Grade 4

The Shepherd and the Host

Name Date

Read and Think

Psalm 23's title says it is a Psalm by David, who was a shepherd before he was a king. He pictures Yahweh as his shepherd: Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. A good shepherd finds green pastures and still waters, restores tired sheep, and guides them in the right paths. God does all this for his name's sake, because of who he is.

Then David speaks directly to God: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. The shepherd's rod protects and his staff guides. In verse 5 the picture changes to a generous host who prepares a table before David in the presence of his enemies, anoints his head with oil, and fills his cup until it runs over. Goodness and loving kindness shall follow him, and he will dwell in Yahweh's house forever. In the New Testament, Jesus calls himself the good shepherd (John 10:11).

Show What You Know

  1. Why does God guide David, according to verse 3?

  2. What do the rod and staff do?

  3. What picture does verse 5 use?

  4. In the New Testament, who calls himself the good shepherd?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

greenshepherdgoodGod
  1. He pictures Yahweh as his : Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.
  2. A good shepherd finds pastures and still waters, restores tired sheep, and guides them in the right paths.
  3. Then David speaks directly to : Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
  4. In the New Testament, Jesus calls himself the shepherd (John 10:11).

Think About It

  1. Which line of Psalm 23 helps you most when you are afraid? Why?

  2. How have goodness and loving kindness followed you this week?

Memory Verse

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalms 23:4 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for being my shepherd. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • David said he shall lack nothing. What do you want that you might not truly need?
  • Where have you seen God's goodness in your life this year?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.