By Phillip Keller Zondervan: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 231 Pages
Reviewed by Connie Pryce
Psalm 23 is probably the most well-known and beloved of the one hundred fifty psalms. Many memorize it as children at home or in Sunday School. It is so familiar we sometimes overlook, unfortunately, its deeper meaning. It is often called The Shepherd Psalm, written by Da-vid during his years as a shepherd. It is short, consisting of only twelve poetic phrases. Phillip Keller divides his book into twelve sections corresponding to the twelve phrases.
Keller’s main premise is that sheep are totally dependent on the shepherd just as we should be totally dependent on the Lord. If sheep are left on their own, they will invariably get themselves into trouble. If the shepherd does not care for his sheep properly they will also get into trouble to the point of losing their lives. On the other hand, a good shepherd will devote himself to the loving care of his sheep providing for them in every possible way.
David, himself, cared for the sheep in his charge and, no wonder, draws the comparison to the Lord as the Good Shepherd. As we read through the book we can see ourselves as sheep in a new light, one which will inspire us to depend upon the Shepherd as He longs for us to do.
Keller’s background enables him to speak with authority on the subject. He spent his ear-ly life in Africa with his missionary parents where they raised sheep for a number of years, As an adult, he moved to Canada where he became a sheep rancher and agronomist. Certainly that gave him the background to speak knowingly of the behaviors of sheep and the qualities of successful shepherds as well as the behaviors of poor and neglectful shepherds.
Along with ranching, he also began to write Christian books, numbering at least thirty-five, and became a lay pastor. Of all his writings, this book is the most widely read and often referred to as a classic.