I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. John 10:14 (King James Version)
The 23rd Psalm was written by David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). It’s Always about Relationship with the Lord. When David wrote about the shepherd’s rod and staff, he was writing about something that he knew well. Samuel had anointed him to be King of Israel when he was just a ruddy boy tending his father’s sheep (1 Samuel 16:12-13).
PSALM 23
1 TheLord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 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. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
As I read about the duties of a Shepherd, the Rod and the Staff, it brought the 23rd Psalm to life for me. In the morning the shepherd would lead the flock from the fold, walking before them, calling them as he went. He watched over them in the pasture and supplied them with water. In the evening, he returned them to the fold. They were passed under his rod at the door of the enclosure, where he counted and checked each one. If one was missing, he searched until he found it (Unger, 1988, p. 1179).
Rods and staffs were used for various purposes. They both served as weapons against wild beasts and robbers. The Shepherds staff was a sign of rank. It was helpful in climbing hills and beating the low brush when flocks would stray into areas where snakes and lizards thrived (Unger,1988, pp. 1180,1218,1219). It was also used to gently guide the sheep, and the hook was useful in pulling a stray back to safety (Keller).
The Rod is a short, heavy wooden club used as a weapon (Keller). Literally, the Rod is referred to as a stick of punishment (Proverbs 13:24). Figuratively, it is not only symbolic of being under God’s punishment but also being under his Special Care (Unger, 1988, p.1085). It is a representation of God’s Power and Authority. The Israelites went under the Rod of God’s punishment (correction) for the practice of Idolatry when they went into Babalonian captivity for seventy years (Jeremiah 25:1-13) . The Lord loves us, and he will not share us with another. He is a jealous God who preferes obedience over sacrifice (Relationship over Religion) (Exodus 34:14, 1Samuel 15:22-23).
In my heart I could feel David’s Passion while reading the 23rd Psalm. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gave his life and took it up again that I might live (John 10:11-18). Therefore, this is my version of the 23rd Psalm:
1 Jesus, you are my keeper. I trust you in all things. 2 You cause me to rest and give me peace.3 When I am broken, you restore me. You lead me in the way that I should go, just because I am yours. 4 When I pass through the darkest places in this life, or come to face it’s end, I will not be afraid, because you will never forsake me. You have conquered death, hell, and the grave, and I take comfort in your Power and Authority over my life. When I stray, you pull me back to yourself with the staff of your Great Love. 5 When the enemy surrounds me, you feed my soul. You have strengthened my inner man with the Holy Ghost, enabling me to walk in the Spirit. The overflowing joy of knowing you is my strength. 6 Surely your goodness and mercy will never leave me, and I will be yours forever, Amen.
References
Unger, M. F. (1985) The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary Moody
Keller W. P. (2014, November 22). A shepherd looks at Psalm 23. Antipas. https://www.antipas.org/commentaries/articles/shepherd_psa23/shepherd_07.html
