He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul . Even though that is a beautiful understanding, something different comes to my mind. In the Middle East there are not very many green pastures.
Vegetation is sparse.
Sheep are accustomed to having to hunt for something to eat, and water is very scarce, usually found only in a well or a tiny stream. Very seldom would you ever come across still water, a pond. If a flock of sheep came into a green meadow and found a significant source of water, they would be tempted to eat and drink themselves into oblivion. But the Lord as my shepherd causes me to lie down in the green pastures, to walk beside the still waters. God who goes with us into the midst of life keeps us from overindulging.