<P> It has been set to music a number of times, particularly by hymn writers . </P> <P> The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want . He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters . He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake . Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me . Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever . </P> <P> Psalm 23 portrays God as a good shepherd, feeding (verse 1) and leading (verse 3) his flock . The "rod and staff" (verse 4) are also the implements of a shepherd . Some commentators see the shepherd imagery pervading the entire psalm . It is known that the shepherd is to know each sheep by name, thus when God is given the analogy of a shepherd, he is not only a protector but also the caretaker . God, as the caretaker, leads the sheep to green pastures (verse 2) and still waters (verse 2) because he knows that each of his sheep must be personally led to be fed . Thus, without its Shepherd, the sheep would die either by a predator or of starvation, since sheep are known for their helplessness without their shepherd . </P> <P> J. Douglas MacMillan argues that verse 5 ("Thou preparest a table before me") refers to the "old oriental shepherding practice" of using little raised tables to feed sheep . Similarly, "Thou anointest my head with oil" may refer to an ancient form of backliner--the oil is poured on wounds, and repels flies . MacMillan also notes that verse 6 ("Goodness and mercy shall follow me") reminds him of two loyal sheepdogs coming behind the flock . </P>

Who wrote the line the lord is my shepherd i shall not want