Student Question
How does metaphor clarify the relationship between the speaker and the Lord in Psalm 23?
Quick answer:
In Psalm 23, the metaphor of the Lord as "my Shepherd" and the speaker as a lamb clarifies their relationship by illustrating the Lord's role as provider, protector, and caretaker. The Shepherd leads the lamb to calm waters, allows rest in green pastures, restores its soul, and ensures its well-being, highlighting the nurturing and guiding nature of the Lord towards the speaker.
The Lord is referred to as "my Shepherd", meaning that the speaker would be a lamb. This clarifies the understanding that the Lord provides for, protects, nourished, and otherwise cares for the lamb. In the 23rd Psalm, the Shepherd specifically leads the lamb past calm waters, allows him to rest in green pastures, restores his, restores its soul, and takes care of it in every way.
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