Tuesday, May 17,
2022
Ps 23:4
4 Yea, though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
This
vale of deep darkness must be walked by each of us. But David is not talking about the shepherd. He is talking TO the shepherd. Dr. Wiersbe says, “This
is the central verse of the psalm, and the personal pronoun changes from he
to you.” He is not leading as usual but walking beside us through
this gorge with high walls. It offers little room to avoid its terrors, so the
shepherd endures the journey with us.
The
rod is a weapon. The Hebrew word is shebet and refers to a stick that used
for “punishing, fighting, or ruling a clan.” It is the same word that is
translated scepter. The idea is
authority which provides security. It was used against the enemy and not the
sheep.
The
staff is the word mish-‘eneth and is the familiar shepherd’s
crook. It is the feminine form of mish-‘en so it has a softer meaning
than the rod. It is used for support, guidance, and rescue.
The
shepherd and I cannot avoid the vale of shadows because it leads to green pastures
and still waters. No, I can’t avoid it, but I’m not alone.
Dear Lord, some of
your sheep today are walking through that vale of shadows. They are
heartbroken. Help them to feel your presence. Comfort them with your rod and
staff. Lead them through the valley to the peace beyond it. AMEN
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