According to Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator and philosopher who was an advocate of critical pedagogy, “the trust of the people in the leaders reflects the confidence of the leaders in the people” and the Book of Psalms provides worshippers with prayers, poems and hymns with thoughts on God in praise and adoration. Through symbolism, vivid imagery and comforting emotional appeals, Psalm 23 allows Israelites to trust in God and be able to follow Him without a second thought. The use of the first person in the psalm can be from a singular individual such as King David, who the Psalm is of, but can also be used as a representative of the population of Israel in a singular whole. The key theme of Psalm 23 is the trust of the Israelite people
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The Psalm compares God to a shepherd, meaning that God will show the same patience, protectiveness and compassion over his people as does a shepherd watching over his sheep. This image of God as a shepherd provides the Israelites with a sense of comfort that they can begin to trust in God for anything they need. The psalm also mentions that the Israelite people will “not lack” (Ps. 23:1) as long as faith is kept with God. “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters” (Ps. 23:2) illustrates that God will only let his people sleep in safety and own fertile green land while leading them to water the people do not have to fight for, since the water is still. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil” (Ps. 23:4) showcases complete and faithful trust in God during hardships, symbolizing the calmness He brings as guiding presence. The Israelite people represent the sheep who are “not afraid” since their “shepherd [is] a courageous and tough person who is prepared to take on whatever threatens the flock” (Goldingjay 351), generating more depth than a guide but as a protective presence towards those that are faithfully committed to Him. “Your rod and your staff – they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4) proves that God’s dominant presence comforts the Israelite people as they go off on their …show more content…
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Ps. 23:5) demonstrates that God will bring a surplus in agriculture for the people of Israel during drought while neighboring nations witness and suffer because they are not committed to God and only God. [insert example of a drought] “Goodness and mercy will shall follow me all days of my life” (Ps. 23:6) elaborates on the Israelite people and their faith in God. In the beginning of the Psalm, God acts as a guide and once the Israelite people follow His lead, they are rewarded through … The Israelites are furthered convinced through these rewards to stay faithful to God in order to reap what they sow as their “cup overflows” (Ps.
The Psalm compares God to a shepherd, meaning that God will show the same patience, protectiveness and compassion over his people as does a shepherd watching over his sheep. This image of God as a shepherd provides the Israelites with a sense of comfort that they can begin to trust in God for anything they need. The psalm also mentions that the Israelite people will “not lack” (Ps. 23:1) as long as faith is kept with God. “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters” (Ps. 23:2) illustrates that God will only let his people sleep in safety and own fertile green land while leading them to water the people do not have to fight for, since the water is still. “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil” (Ps. 23:4) showcases complete and faithful trust in God during hardships, symbolizing the calmness He brings as guiding presence. The Israelite people represent the sheep who are “not afraid” since their “shepherd [is] a courageous and tough person who is prepared to take on whatever threatens the flock” (Goldingjay 351), generating more depth than a guide but as a protective presence towards those that are faithfully committed to Him. “Your rod and your staff – they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4) proves that God’s dominant presence comforts the Israelite people as they go off on their …show more content…
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Ps. 23:5) demonstrates that God will bring a surplus in agriculture for the people of Israel during drought while neighboring nations witness and suffer because they are not committed to God and only God. [insert example of a drought] “Goodness and mercy will shall follow me all days of my life” (Ps. 23:6) elaborates on the Israelite people and their faith in God. In the beginning of the Psalm, God acts as a guide and once the Israelite people follow His lead, they are rewarded through … The Israelites are furthered convinced through these rewards to stay faithful to God in order to reap what they sow as their “cup overflows” (Ps.