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The Psalmist describes the revival which in the periods of spiritual languor and decline he derived from the care of the Lord his Shepherd.

I. THE CARE WHICH THE GREAT SHEPHERD TAKES TO RECLAIM HIS PEOPLE. From the erroneous and sinful courses into which they do but too often allow themselves to be betrayed. Even the renewed man is not in this world so thoroughly established in holiness as to be beyond the possibility of sinning, beyond the reach of temptation, beyond the assaults of spiritual danger. But even when astray, He will in His wisdom and love seek them out and bring them back to Himself.

II. THE RECOVERY OF THE SOUL FROM LANGUOR AND DESPAIR. Often David had felt his soul when it was, as it were, overwhelmed with anguish and despondency, refreshed and revived by the assurances of the Good Shepherd's love, by the experience of the Good Shepherd's soothing care. David's experience is that, mere or less, of every Christian soul.

III. THE DESIGN OF THIS COMFORT. It is that the Shepherd may lead the soul "in the paths of righteousness." in the word of God the Psalmist recognises the only absolute and infallible rule, whether of belief or duty. And it is as copious and complete as it is accurate and sure.

(T. B. Patterson, M. A.)

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KJV: He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

WEB: He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.