Two of the most beautiful Psalms are in today's portion.
The 22nd Psalm is a that speaks of the Lord's suffering on the cross and in that regard is prophetic. Although it can be applied to David's suffering, the images are much more severe than anything David personally suffered, e.g. David's hands and feet were not pierced (v.16). Nearly all the suffering aspects of the cross are covered by this Psalm. Jesus was completely abandoned by the Father to suffer and die as a sinless man on our behalf. No more moving account is found in all of Scripture.
Psalm 23 is a much beloved Psalm by many generations of Bible readers. When I was in grade school (back then the Bible could still be read in school) we had to learn this Psalm and recite it before our classmates. The portrayal of the Lord as a loving, personal (the Lord is my) shepherd is presented. He meets every need of the sheep. He provides water, shelter, comfort, protection, indeed all that is required. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, He is near.
Note that the scripture states it is the shadow of death. For a shadow to exist, there must be light nearby - His Light. The light of God shines in darkness and reduces death to a mere shadow.
May the Lord bless you and bless the reading of His Word.
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