He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
In green pastures. The Hebrew х nª'owt (H4999)] for "pastures" implies their desirableness [from 'aawah, to desire]. This, in the application to the believer, marks the first stage in his spiritual history-namely, when first he comes heavy laden to Christ, and finds rest to his soul (Matthew 11:28-29). In Psalms 23:5 follows the actual feeding, or feasting of the Lord's people.
The still waters - Hebrew, 'the waters quietnesses;' not violent torrents, which would terrify the sheep with their roar, and sweep them away with the current, but gently flowing; or else, waters where manifold rest is enjoyed. Two means of refreshment are specified-the "green" grass, on which they lie; and "the still water," which are "beside" them. Such a rest was enjoyed by David "when the king sat in his house, and the Lord had, given him rest round about from all his enemies" (2 Samuel 7:1); not only from Saul, but from the surrounding Gentile nations (Psalms 116:7). In a sandy and rocky country like Palestine, where the hot sun dries up the streams, water is the great desideratum and supplies the most expressive image of refreshment. The Hebrew for, "He leadeth me" ( naahal (H5095)) expresses gentle and gradual leading, the gracious Shepherd accommodating Himself to the strength of the sheen (Genesis 33:14; margin, 47:17). so that it includes the idea of tending, etc.
The second stage in the believer's spiritual history, his restoration when out of the way, and his safe guidance through the darkest trails, and through death itself.