All the Old Testament Psalms are predicated on the concept of covenant which is the basis of Jehovah’s relationship with his people. The Hebrew word covenant (breth) appears in the book of Psalms twenty-two times and a theology of covenant is expressed throughout the whole collection. David (the Sweet Psalmist of Israel) opens up to us his trials and reveals his profound and strong faith. No person in the Scriptures is more closely associated with music in the worship of the Lord God than King David. His songs of praise are as personal prayers when approaching the throne of grace. They describe God and his glorious eternal Being. It is correct to say the Psalms both speak to us and speak for us. They give to God the glory of his uniqueness, simplicity and of his love as the Sustainer and Defender of his people and their works.
In Psalm 23, King David shares his experience when walking daily in vital union with the living God. He learned, ‘The Good Shepherd is our personal righteousness’ and that through faith in God we are reckoned righteous in His sight (Ps. 32:1 and 2). It would appear that it is written in later life. The whole psalm speaks of David’s assurance in knowing God and it is a study in free grace administrated by covenant love and merciful loving kindness.
