The king of love of my Shepherd (Hymn)

The King of Love My Shepherd Is is a timeless Christian hymn that beautifully reflects Psalm 23, emphasizing God’s loving guidance, redemption, and eternal care. Through its poetic lyrics, the song portrays Christ as the Good Shepherd who provides, seeks the lost, and leads His people to everlasting peace.

VERSE 1
The King of love my shepherd is,
whose goodness faileth never.
I nothing lack if I am His,
and He is mine forever.

VERSE 2
Where streams of living water flow,
my ransomed soul He leadeth;
and where the verdant pastures grow,
with food celestial feedeth.

VERSE 3
Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed,
but yet in love He sought me;
and on his shoulder gently laid,
and home, rejoicing, brought me.

VERSE 4
In death’s dark vale I fear no ill,
with Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.

VERSE 5
Thou spreadst a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
and oh, what transport of delight
from Thy pure chalice floweth!

VERSE 6
And so through all the length of days,
thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing thy praise
within thy house forever.

Story Behind the Song

In 1868, Sir Henry Williams Baker, an Anglican priest and hymn writer, composed “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” as a metrical paraphrase of Psalm 23. This hymn was included in the appendix of the second edition of Hymns Ancient & Modern, a hymnal for which Baker served as the chief editor. The tune “DOMINUS REGIT ME,” Latin for “The Lord is my shepherd,” was specifically composed for this hymn by John Bacchus Dykes, a fellow contributor to the hymnal. [1]

Baker’s rendition of Psalm 23 is notable for its infusion of New Testament themes, particularly the portrayal of Christ as the Good Shepherd who seeks and saves the lost. This approach reflects a blending of Old Testament imagery with New Testament revelation, offering a comprehensive depiction of divine guidance and care. [2]

The hymn held personal significance for Baker. It is reported that on his deathbed in 1877, his final comprehensible words were from the third verse: “Perverse and foolish, oft I strayed, but yet in love He sought me.” This anecdote underscores the deep personal resonance the hymn had for its author, reflecting his own sense of being sought and embraced by divine love. [3]

Since its publication, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” has been embraced across various Christian denominations and has appeared in numerous hymnals worldwide. Its enduring popularity is attributed to its poetic expression of trust in God’s unwavering guidance and care, themes that continue to resonate with believers today.