From Third Person (“He”) to Second Person (“Lord”)
Psalm 23:1–6
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved passages in the entire Bible. In fact, according to Bible Gateway’s 2025 Bible lookup statistics, verses from Psalm 23 swept the top six spots for the most-read Bible verses. Yet, the most frequently read passage among them was not the one about green pastures or quiet waters. Unexpectedly, it was verse 4, which speaks of the “valley of the shadow of death.”
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”
Why did people seek out the words regarding the valley of death more often than those describing peaceful green pastures?
If you read Psalm 23 slowly, a subtle shift becomes apparent. In verses 1–3, the psalmist consistently refers to God in the third person (“He”): “He makes me lie down in green pastures” (v. 2), “He leads me beside quiet waters” (v. 2), and “He restores my soul” (v. 3).
However, the tone changes when reaching verse 4. The psalmist is no longer speaking *about* God; he is speaking directly *to* God: “For *You* are with me,” and “*Your* rod and staff comfort me.”
The Hebrew text employs the second-person form here—specifically, “*attah*,” meaning “You”—addressing the Lord directly. The psalmist spoke *about* God while in the green pastures, but calls *upon* God while in the valley.
The “valley of the shadow of death” refers to the most terrifying valley of life, overhung by the deep shade of death. It is a time of loss and illness, failure and loneliness. It encompasses moments of anxiety and silence. It is the place of existential abyss that a human being experiences.
The Psalm does not erase this valley. Instead, it makes a declaration from the very midst of it:
“You are with me.”
The reason fear vanished was not because the circumstances changed, but because of God’s presence. God personally demonstrates that we are not abandoned to face suffering alone. Thus, in the valley, speaking *about* God turned into prayer *to* God. I am in the valley—but I am not alone.
Jesus is not one who tells us “do not be afraid” from outside the valley of death; He personally entered into that valley. He took upon Himself human suffering, abandonment, tears, and death.
On the cross, Jesus cried out in anguish: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1). Even in the deepest darkness, the way He addressed God did not vanish. Before the cry of “Why?”, there was the invocation “My God.” And through His resurrection, He showed that the valley of death is not the final path.
Therefore, for the Christian, faith is not the ability to fully comprehend every suffering. It is, rather, about calling Him “Lord” even in moments that defy understanding.
In the green pastures, one confesses, “God is faithful.” Yet, in the valley of death, one speaks directly to God: “God, do not leave me.”
Perhaps spiritual maturity lies not merely in being able to explain God well, but in the ability to speak to God even when things make no sense.
The valley of death remains dark. Yet, in that place, God is no longer a distant concept. In the valley, He becomes the “Lord”—the One who is near—precisely through Jesus Christ, who hung upon the cross.
Prayer
God, my Good Shepherd,
Let me not remain one who merely speaks *about* You,
But let me become one who cries out directly *to* You.
Jesus, who called out “My God” even in the face of death on the cross,
Help us, too, to hold fast to the faith that says, “You are with me,” even in the midst of suffering.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Translated by Rev.Dr. Jaewoong Chang
