Single lesson
Psalm 23: God Our Shepherd
Psalms 23:1–6
Psalm 23 describes Yahweh’s care through the picture of a shepherd. In this lesson, children will follow the psalm from beginning to end and notice how it speaks about provision, guidance, comfort and hope.
Before you teach
This psalm is spoken in the first person and begins, “Yahweh is my shepherd”. It moves through a series of pictures: green pastures, still waters, right paths, a dark valley, a prepared table, an overflowing cup, and dwelling in Yahweh’s house forever.
Students will be able to name at least three ways Psalm 23 describes Yahweh’s care and explain one image from the psalm in their own words.
Welcome: Yahweh is my shepherd
4 minBegin by reading the first line, “Yahweh is my shepherd”. Tell children that this psalm calls Yahweh a shepherd and then describes his care with several images. Ask them to listen for the actions Yahweh does and the pictures the psalm uses to describe that care.
Psalms 23:1, Psalms 23:2, Psalms 23:3
Read and explain: Makes, leads, restores and guides
8 minRead Psalms 23:1, Psalms 23:2 and Psalms 23:3 aloud slowly. Point out the repeated actions: “makes me lie down”, “leads me”, “restores my soul” and “guides me”. Explain that “I shall lack nothing” expresses confidence in Yahweh’s care, and “paths of righteousness” means right paths.
Psalms 23:1, Psalms 23:2, Psalms 23:3
Discuss: The valley and Yahweh’s presence
6 minRead Psalms 23:4 and notice that the psalm says, “you are with me”. Ask children what reason the verse gives for not fearing evil. The psalm speaks honestly about walking through a dark valley, yet it says Yahweh’s presence, rod and staff bring comfort there.
Psalms 23:4
Make and respond: Draw one psalm picture
8 minChildren make a simple scene showing one image from the psalm, such as green pastures, still waters, the valley, the table or the overflowing cup. As they work, ask each child to name the verse they chose and say what that picture shows about Yahweh’s care.
Psalms 23:2, Psalms 23:4, Psalms 23:5
Closing: Overflowing cup and lasting goodness
4 minFinish by reading Psalms 23:5 and Psalms 23:6. Point out the prepared table, anointed head, overflowing cup, goodness, loving kindness and dwelling in Yahweh’s house forever. Review the images children noticed and invite each child to choose one line from the psalm to remember this week.
Psalms 23:5, Psalms 23:6
Questions to explore
In Psalms 23:2 and Psalms 23:3, what actions does Yahweh do for the speaker?
Listen for the verbs in the verses: he makes, leads, restores and guides.
Psalms 23:2, Psalms 23:3
What reason does Psalms 23:4 give for not fearing evil in the valley?
The verse says, “for you are with me”, and it also names the rod and staff as comfort.
Psalms 23:4
What hopeful pictures appear at the end of the psalm?
Look in the final verses for the table, oil, overflowing cup, goodness, loving kindness and dwelling in Yahweh’s house forever.
Psalms 23:5, Psalms 23:6
Make, think or respond
Psalm 23 Shepherd Scene
What you’ll need
- Paper
- Pencils or crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
- Scrap coloured paper
Try it together
- Read Psalm 23 again and let each child choose one image from the psalm to draw or assemble.
- Create a simple scene with shapes and colours, such as grass, water, a path, a valley, a cup or a house.
- Write the matching verse number on the picture.
- Invite each child to show the scene and say what it teaches from the psalm.
This activity helps children slow down and notice how Psalm 23 uses pictures to describe Yahweh’s care.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, offer two or three image choices only and help them repeat a short phrase such as “Yahweh is my shepherd”.
- For older children, ask them to compare two images in the psalm and explain how each adds a different part of the psalm’s message.
An optional closing prayer
You may pray: “Yahweh, thank you for the words of Psalm 23. Please help us remember that you are with your servant in the valley and that your goodness and loving kindness follow all his days. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Psalms 23
1 Yahweh is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 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.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh’s house forever.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.
Source passages
Something to make together
These activities connect with the passage. Choose one that suits your group and the time you have.
