A Study in the Psalms: Psalm 23
Psalm 23:4b
While in the fields, the shepherd carries a rod and staff, each of which serve various purposes. The rod, which Keller likens to a club, is used as an extension of the shepherd's right arm. It is used for disciplining sheep, counting and examining the sheep, and for protecting. The staff, on the other hand, is what identifies a shepherd as a shepherd. It is only used for sheep and no other animal. It is the long slender stick with a hook on the end that many often associate with a shepherd. The staff is used to bring sheep together if they get separated or too spread out. It is also used to guide the sheep.
As a shepherd, the rod is the main weapon of defense. It's an extension of the shepherd's right arm. It symbolizes strength, authority, and power. It is used to safeguard the flock as well as for discipline and correction of a sheep that insists on wandering. If the shepherd spots a misbehaving sheep or one getting near danger, they would throw what Keller calls a "knob-kerrie" (club or rod) through the air and it would cause the sheep to rejoin the flock. The shepherd also uses the rod to drive away predators. It is ever-ready in the shepherd's hand to protect his flock.
The rod is a parallel to God's Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." It is a comfort to be able to turn to God's Word and know He is in control. It's comforting to know He's laid out for me how I should act. Just like the rod, God's Word can keep me from going in the wrong direction. It will redirect me to the "flock." In this way, Christ, my Shepherd leads me in paths of righteousness. God's Word provides me with the protection I need to fight Satan's attacks when they come. Paul, in Ephesians 6:10-18, refers to God's Word as being a sword I use to fight Satan.
The rod has another use as well, that of counting the sheep and examining them for any disease, wounds or defects that might be hidden by their wool. If disease or wounds hidden by the wool are not found and taken care of, they can eventually kill the sheep. Christ, as my Shepherd, sees all my hidden problems. I need to be willing to allow God to search me and get below the surface and look for those sins that need to be cleansed. David, in Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." I can't "pull the wool" over God's eyes. Even though it can be difficult and uncomfortable, there is also a sense of peace and comfort at knowing He searches me and knows me because of His great love and compassion for me. If I don't allow God to search me and show me those hidden sins, they will grow and lead to detrimental consequences.
While the rod is a symbol of authority and power, the staff is a symbol of comfort and lovingkindness. The staff, is used to bring the sheep together into a more intimate relationship with one another and the shepherd. It's used to guide a wandering sheep back. If a lamb becomes separated from its mother, the shepherd will gently take the staff and use it to pick up the lamb and bring it to its mother. The staff helps guide the sheep onto new paths or through areas that are difficult or dangerous or even just to bring a sheep closer. The shepherd will apply gentle pressure to the side of the sheep which guides them in the way they need to go.
The staff is a great parallel to the Holy Spirit. Christ said, in John 16:13, that the Spirit would be sent to guide me and lead me into all truth. The Holy Spirit makes God's truth clear in my heart and mind. He gently, yet persistently shows me which way to go. As I follow, I have a sense of safety, security, and comfort. I become aware of the fact that I belong to Christ and He is mine!
It's critical I do my part in this relationship with my Shepherd. If I don't open my Bible and spend time praying and meditating on God's Word, I will miss out of experiencing this safety and comfort that only my Shepherd's rod and staff can bring. Even in my stubbornness and trying to go my own way, my Shepherd is right there with a gentleness, tenderness and compassion, to lead me back where I belong. What a comfort it is to rest in my Shepherd's loving care and protection.
Keller, W. Phillip. "Thy Rod and Thy Staff They Comfort Me." A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Pub. House, 1970. 92-103. Print.
Psalm 23:4b
...Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
While in the fields, the shepherd carries a rod and staff, each of which serve various purposes. The rod, which Keller likens to a club, is used as an extension of the shepherd's right arm. It is used for disciplining sheep, counting and examining the sheep, and for protecting. The staff, on the other hand, is what identifies a shepherd as a shepherd. It is only used for sheep and no other animal. It is the long slender stick with a hook on the end that many often associate with a shepherd. The staff is used to bring sheep together if they get separated or too spread out. It is also used to guide the sheep.
As a shepherd, the rod is the main weapon of defense. It's an extension of the shepherd's right arm. It symbolizes strength, authority, and power. It is used to safeguard the flock as well as for discipline and correction of a sheep that insists on wandering. If the shepherd spots a misbehaving sheep or one getting near danger, they would throw what Keller calls a "knob-kerrie" (club or rod) through the air and it would cause the sheep to rejoin the flock. The shepherd also uses the rod to drive away predators. It is ever-ready in the shepherd's hand to protect his flock.
The rod is a parallel to God's Word. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." It is a comfort to be able to turn to God's Word and know He is in control. It's comforting to know He's laid out for me how I should act. Just like the rod, God's Word can keep me from going in the wrong direction. It will redirect me to the "flock." In this way, Christ, my Shepherd leads me in paths of righteousness. God's Word provides me with the protection I need to fight Satan's attacks when they come. Paul, in Ephesians 6:10-18, refers to God's Word as being a sword I use to fight Satan.
The rod has another use as well, that of counting the sheep and examining them for any disease, wounds or defects that might be hidden by their wool. If disease or wounds hidden by the wool are not found and taken care of, they can eventually kill the sheep. Christ, as my Shepherd, sees all my hidden problems. I need to be willing to allow God to search me and get below the surface and look for those sins that need to be cleansed. David, in Psalm 139:23-24 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." I can't "pull the wool" over God's eyes. Even though it can be difficult and uncomfortable, there is also a sense of peace and comfort at knowing He searches me and knows me because of His great love and compassion for me. If I don't allow God to search me and show me those hidden sins, they will grow and lead to detrimental consequences.
While the rod is a symbol of authority and power, the staff is a symbol of comfort and lovingkindness. The staff, is used to bring the sheep together into a more intimate relationship with one another and the shepherd. It's used to guide a wandering sheep back. If a lamb becomes separated from its mother, the shepherd will gently take the staff and use it to pick up the lamb and bring it to its mother. The staff helps guide the sheep onto new paths or through areas that are difficult or dangerous or even just to bring a sheep closer. The shepherd will apply gentle pressure to the side of the sheep which guides them in the way they need to go.
Sometimes I have been fascinated to see how a shepherd will actually hold his staff against the side of some sheep that is a special pet or favorite, simply so that they are "in touch." They will walk along this way almost as through it were "hand-in-hand." (101)What a beautiful picture that portrays...walking hand in hand with my Shepherd in a close knit relationship.
The staff is a great parallel to the Holy Spirit. Christ said, in John 16:13, that the Spirit would be sent to guide me and lead me into all truth. The Holy Spirit makes God's truth clear in my heart and mind. He gently, yet persistently shows me which way to go. As I follow, I have a sense of safety, security, and comfort. I become aware of the fact that I belong to Christ and He is mine!
It's critical I do my part in this relationship with my Shepherd. If I don't open my Bible and spend time praying and meditating on God's Word, I will miss out of experiencing this safety and comfort that only my Shepherd's rod and staff can bring. Even in my stubbornness and trying to go my own way, my Shepherd is right there with a gentleness, tenderness and compassion, to lead me back where I belong. What a comfort it is to rest in my Shepherd's loving care and protection.
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