Interpretation of Psalm 23:2 in the Context of Rest
Psalm 23:2 states, "He maketh me to rest in greene pasture, and leadeth me by the still waters" (Geneva 1599) [1]. This verse, central to the imagery of the Lord as a shepherd, emphasizes the provision of rest and sustenance for the flock.
The "green pastures" are understood not merely as a source of food, but also as a place of cool and refreshing repose [4]. Sheep typically rest after they have eaten their fill [3]. The phrase "still waters" (literally "waters of stillness") contrasts with turbulent streams or stagnant pools, indicating calm and peaceful sources of hydration that sheep prefer [4]. The shepherd's leading of the sheep to such places is for their benefit, ensuring their well-being [3].
The concept of rest in this verse connects to broader biblical themes. The prophet Isaiah uses similar imagery, comparing God's leading of Israel to rest in the promised land after their wanderings to a herd led to a well-watered valley, echoing Psalm 23:2 [2]. The idea of rest is also significant in the Old Testament's understanding of the Sabbath. Augustine notes that the seventh day was appointed for the Jewish nation as a day of bodily rest, serving as a type of sanctification achieved through rest in the Holy Spirit [7]. The Hebrew word for "rest" (נוּחַ, nuach) is also seen in the naming of Noah, with the expectation that he would bring comfort and rest from toil [6].
The imagery of the shepherd providing rest is a powerful metaphor for divine care. It suggests a cessation from labor and anxiety, a theme that resonates throughout scripture, including commands to "rest your rest" from laborious work [5]. The rest provided by the shepherd is comprehensive, encompassing both physical refreshment and a sense of security and peace.
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 23:2 (Geneva1599) — He maketh me to rest in greene pasture, and leadeth me by the still waters.”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 63:14: As a beast . . . rest--image from a herd led "down" from the hills to a fertile and well-watered "valley" (Psa 23:2); so God's Spirit "caused Israel to rest" in the promised land after their weary wanderings. to make . . . name--(So Isa 63:12; Sa2 7:23).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 23:2: 23:2 Sheep rest after they have eaten their fill (Zeph 3:13; see Isa 11:7; cp. Isa 13:20; 27:10). • The Lord leads the sheep for their own benefit (see Ps 5:8). • Sheep only drink from still water, so the shepherd seeks out peaceful streams for his flock.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 23:2: green pastures--or, "pastures of tender grass," are mentioned, not in respect to food, but as places of cool and refreshing rest. the still waters--are, literally, "waters of "stillness," whose quiet flow invites to repose. They are contrasted with boisterous streams on the one hand, and stagnant, offensive pools on the other.”
- Leviticus (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Leviticus 23:32: "Ye shall rest your rest," i.e., observe the rest that is binding upon you from all laborious work.”
- Midrash Rabbah (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Midrash Rabbah, Bereishit Rabbah 25:2: “He called his name Noah, saying: This one will comfort us from our work and from the misery of our hands, from the ground, which the Lord cursed” (Genesis 5:29). “He called his name Noah, saying,” Rabbi Yoḥanan and Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish, Rabbi Yoḥanan said: The interpretation does not correspond to the name and the name does not correspond to the interpretation. It should have said instead: ‘Noah, this one will give us rest [ yaniḥenu ],’ or ‘Naḥman, this one will comfort us [ yenaḥamenu ].’ However, when the Holy One blessed be He created Adam the fir”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 1: Augustine — Confessions, Letters — CHAP. X.- 18. Nevertheless the seventh day was appointed to the Jewish nation as a day to be observed by rest of the body, that it might (part 1): 309 be a type of sanctification to which men attain through rest in the Holy Spirit. We do no read of sanctification in the history given h Genesis of all the earlier days: of the Sabbath alone it is said that "God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it."' Now the souls o men, whether good or bad, love rest, but how t{ attain to that which they love is to the greater part unknown: and that which bo”