Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. For you are with me, your Rod and your staff, they comfort me.
This has been interpreted by some to mean that one who is about to pass from this life to the next, walking through the tunnel of death and emerging in immortality.
While I will not try to prove such a hypothesis to be fallacious, I for one, concur with the E.S.V study Bible commentator who supplies the explanation that in a valley in the desert (or wadi) in Judah one can encounter deep shadows, and cannot know for sure who (bandits) or what (animals, flash floods) lurks in them.
This then, gives the thought that God protects the sheep even when they are going through places that are dangerous, the fact that it is the ”Great Shepherd” that is leading for His name sake supplies adequate solace to the sheep that they are secure; The C.J.V reads Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.
The shepherd’s staff is a stick five or six feet long and sometimes but not always has a crook at the end of it. It is used like Western men would use a cane or walking stick. It is useful in handling the sheep, and also for protection.
While the Rod is like a policeman's club. It is often made of oak wood and has a knob on the end of it. Into this knob nails are sometimes driven so as to make a better weapon. It is very useful for protection, and no shepherd would be without it.
This shows that the pastor must have a heart to protect the sheep, as well as the means to do so. The sheep therefore can comforted by the fact that the Shepherd has the protective tools available to keep them safe and thus, have confidence even in the face of danger.
This has been interpreted by some to mean that one who is about to pass from this life to the next, walking through the tunnel of death and emerging in immortality.
While I will not try to prove such a hypothesis to be fallacious, I for one, concur with the E.S.V study Bible commentator who supplies the explanation that in a valley in the desert (or wadi) in Judah one can encounter deep shadows, and cannot know for sure who (bandits) or what (animals, flash floods) lurks in them.
This then, gives the thought that God protects the sheep even when they are going through places that are dangerous, the fact that it is the ”Great Shepherd” that is leading for His name sake supplies adequate solace to the sheep that they are secure; The C.J.V reads Even if I pass through death-dark ravines, I will fear no disaster; for you are with me; your rod and staff reassure me.
The Rod and the Staff
The shepherd’s staff is a stick five or six feet long and sometimes but not always has a crook at the end of it. It is used like Western men would use a cane or walking stick. It is useful in handling the sheep, and also for protection.
While the Rod is like a policeman's club. It is often made of oak wood and has a knob on the end of it. Into this knob nails are sometimes driven so as to make a better weapon. It is very useful for protection, and no shepherd would be without it.
This shows that the pastor must have a heart to protect the sheep, as well as the means to do so. The sheep therefore can comforted by the fact that the Shepherd has the protective tools available to keep them safe and thus, have confidence even in the face of danger.
