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Bible Study........................................................................Pages
from His Grace Magazine
by His Grace
Page 24 Remembrance Month! November 2021 Bible Study...Psalm 23:4
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Psalm 23:4: "Yea, 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."
Psalm 23 was written by David, a shepherd in his youth, who eventually became king of the ancient nation of Israel. In Palestine, the sheep districts consisted of wide open, rolling hills, split here and there by deep ravines, where many wild beasts, the enemy of the flocks, would be lurking.
A shepherd in Bible times carried a rod and a staff to protect his sheep. The rod was a short, thick, heavy stick which was worn at the shepherd's belt which could stun or kill a ferocious beast that was attacking a vulnerable little lamb. Sometimes, a shepherd had to use his rod to knock a stubborn ram on the head in order to get his attention and keep it from danger.
The staff was a long, lightweight pole with a curved end, or crook, and the shepherd used it to move, count and examine his sheep as they filed past the comforting shepherd's crook, and into the sheepfold for the night. Just as the rod and staff were used as weapons to protect the sheep, David knew the Lord protected him in the same way that a shepherd protected his sheep from any
danger. The valley of the shadow of death may denote the most severe and terrible affliction that the psalmist could ever come under. David was writing about God's provision in the hour of fear or death. When death is at our doorstep, we can pass through that valley without fear because we know our Shepherd is with us, and we're comforted to know that He's fully capable of guiding and sustaining us. We can rely upon the word and promises of God, knowing that His grace is sufficient for us, and that He will make even death itself work for our good. We are as defenseless as sheep against the wiles of the devil, but we take
comfort in knowing our Shepherd will walk beside us all the way home. Jesus is our Good Shepherd and He's with believers at all times. He promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). He is with us when we walk over rough ground as surely as He is with us "beside still waters" (Psalm 23:2). Jesus said, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:28). Psalm 23:1-3 depicts a very tranquil scene of green pastures and still waters, a sharp contrast to the somber passage portrayed in verses 4-6, but carries the assurance that the Lord protects His sheep and fills their days with His blessings. In the middle section of this Psalm, David changes from talking about his Shepherd, Who leads and guides him, feeds and waters him, protects and revives him, to addressing the Shepherd Himself: "for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Quite often, the last days of a Christian are the most peaceful days of his life. Many saints have reaped more joy and knowledge at the end of their lives than they had ever known while they were alive. This verse tells us that we walk through "the valley of the shadow of death," not "the shadow of death," for death itself has been
November 2021
Remembrance Month! Page 25 Bible Study...Psalm 23:4 removed, and only the shadow of it remains. It was once said, that in order for there to be a shadow, there must be light somewhere...that light being our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the light of the world. John 8:12 says, "Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." This twenty-third psalm will never wear out; it is as sweet in a believer's ear now as it was in David's time. David finds comfort and celebrates the protection and guidance of God. He praises God for giving him peace. Like David, let us trust the Lord in all the disappointments and distresses that we may face, "for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me." "I am the good shepherd, I know My sheep and My sheep know Me - just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father - and I lay down My life for the sheep." (John 10:14-15)
