Psalm 23 Psalm 23 was not used for funerals until the 1928 revision of the prayer book. The theme of God as a shepherd was common in ancient Israel and Mesopotamia. For example, King Hammurabi, in the conclusion to his famous legal code, wrote: "I am the shepherd who brings well-being and abundant prosperity; my rule is just... so that the strong might not oppress the weak, and that even the orphan and the widow might be treated with justice." This imagery and language was well known to the community that created the Psalm, and was easily imported into its worship. Psalm
Psalm 121 Psalm 121 Psalm 121 (Greek numbering: Psalm 120) is the 121st psalm from the Book of Psalms. It is one of 15 psalms categorized as "A song of ascents" ("Shir Hama'alot"), although unlike the others, it begins, "Shir LaMa'alot" ("A song "to" the ascents"). As a song of ascent it is recognized that this psalm was sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. At the beginning of the pilgrimage, in the mountainous region of the Judean Hills, the pilgrim makes sure the Lord's help. The one who trusts in the Lord is certain that He will bring him protection