The Shepherd: Verse 4

Psalm 23 (NASB 95)

A Psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.

3 He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Introduction

This is week three of our walk through Psalm 23

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

Notice that it does not say, “If I walk through the valley...” We can rest assured that we will.

When we think of those words, we think of the worst that life can dish out:

serious health crises

financial hardships

death of loved ones

It causes our minds to go into dark places.

While often used metaphorically today, the “valley of the shadow of death” is a real place

“Valleys of the shadow of death are paths which wind in between mountains where there are dark shadows and deep gorges. Travelers march slowly and silently in order to avoid being seen or heard by bandits. The fear of death is constantly in their minds. They tremble, they expect trouble or death at any time while they are passing through.” - The Good Shepherd: A Thousand-Year Journey from Psalm 23 to the New Testament, p48

Sometimes the only path is through the valley, and the only way to safely traverse a valley of death is to keep moving forward

I will fear no evil, for you are with me

Given the treacherous nature of the terrain, fear is a natural reaction

Not only while there, but even thinking heading into it

Predators, robbers, and even rushing water can all be right around the corner

Notice the Psalmist does not say, “I will see no evil.” Encountering evil is a certainty in our world.

The reason the sheep need not fear is due to the shepherd who leads them through the valley

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me

The rod is the primary weapon to protect the flock from wild animals or thieves.

usually @ 2 1/2’ long, possibly with metal on the end [a mace]

The staff is used to lean on, climb with, and direct sheep

usually longer and lighter

not for defense, but for sheep-care