Uncle Theology.
Uncle Theology · Barn Dance · Track 3

Counting Sheep

Barn DanceTrack 3 of 6
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About this songA metrical Psalm 23 with choruses woven from Isaiah 53, John 10, and 1 Peter 2 — the wandering sheep gathered safely home by the Shepherd who lays down His life for them.
Big ideaA metrical Psalm 23 whose choruses gather Isaiah 53, John 10, and 1 Peter 2 — the strays counted and carried home by the Shepherd who lays down His life.
Doctrine
Providence · Atonement · The Good Shepherd
Anchor text
Psalm 23 · John 10
Form
Country waltz
Voices
—
Verse 1

The LORD my shepherd guards my soul;
I shall not be in need.
In pastures green He lets me rest,
by waters calm He leads.

Chorus — Isaiah 53

We all like sheep have gone astray,
each one has turned his way;
the LORD laid all our guilt on Him,
to make an end of all our sin.

Verse 2

He does restore my weary soul
and guides me in His ways,
for His own name and faithfulness,
for righteousness and praise.

Chorus — John 10

The Shepherd gives His life for sheep,
the flock He calls His own;
He knows their names, they know His voice,
and leads them safely home.

Verse 3

Though through death’s shadowed vale I walk,
no evil will I fear;
Your rod and staff, they comfort me,
for You, O LORD, are near.

Chorus — Isaiah 53

We all like sheep have gone astray,
each one has turned his way;
the LORD laid all our guilt on Him,
to make an end of all our sin.

Verse 4

You spread a feast before my foes;
my head with oil You bless.
My cup runs over — surely good
and mercy shall me press.

Chorus — 1 Peter 2

For you were like a wandering lamb,
but now are safely led;
returned unto the Shepherd’s care,
protected by His hand.

Verse 5

Your goodness and Your covenant love
will surely follow me;
I’ll dwell within the house of God
through all eternity.

Final Chorus — John 10 (very soft)

The Shepherd gives His life for sheep,
the flock He calls His own;
He knows their names, they know His voice,
and leads them safely home.

Scripture References

  1. Psalm 23
  2. Isaiah 53:6
  3. John 10:11-16
  4. 1 Peter 2:24-25

Study this song

Teaching aids drawn from the song — for personal study or group discussion.

How the song moves

1
The Shepherd guards
Psalm 23 in meter: green pastures, still waters, the valley, the table, the house of the Lord (Psalm 23).
2
The strays (Isaiah 53)
“We all like sheep have gone astray… the Lord laid all our guilt on Him” (Isaiah 53:6).
3
The Good Shepherd (John 10)
He gives His life for the sheep, knows their names, and leads them safely home (John 10:11–16).
4
Returned (1 Peter 2)
“You were like a wandering lamb, but now are safely led” to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (1 Peter 2:24–25).

Key terms & allusions

  • metrical psalm — The tradition (Scottish Psalter, Isaac Watts) of setting the Psalms to singable meter; “The LORD my shepherd guards my soul” echoes “The Lord’s My Shepherd.”
  • “we all like sheep have gone astray” — Isaiah 53:6 — the line Handel’s Messiah made famous, here the recurring chorus.
  • “He knows their names” — John 10:3 — the shepherd calls his own sheep by name; they’re known, not just counted.
  • “the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” — 1 Peter 2:25 — the wandering lamb returned to its keeper.
  • rod and staff — Psalm 23:4 — the shepherd’s two tools, one for defense and one for guidance.

Discussion questions

  1. The song layers Psalm 23 with Isaiah 53, John 10, and 1 Peter 2. How does seeing one psalm “answered” across the canon deepen it?
  2. “He knows their names.” What does being known by name — not just counted — mean for how you see yourself before God?
  3. Psalm 23 includes the valley of the shadow. How is the Shepherd’s care proven there, not only in green pastures?

For contemplation

  1. Where have you “gone astray, each to his own way”?
  2. Can you hear the Shepherd calling you by name?
  3. Which line of Psalm 23 do you most need today — rest, restoration, the valley, the table, or the house of the Lord?