[Unboxing Psalm 23: Treasures for Every Believer] You Are With MeНамуна

Your Rod and Staff Comfort Me

A rod was a small club that a shepherd would put on his belt. It had a little nub on the end of it. If a wolf or another predator came at them, the shepherd would swing that rod to fend them off. The rod was also used for discipline. If a sheep began to wander off, a shepherd would toss the rod so it would land right in front of the sheep, so as to stop it and turn it back in the other direction. The third way the shepherd used his rod was to count the sheep as they came through the gate, running the rod over their backs, checking them to make sure everything was okay. So, it was a symbol of authority, protection, and comfort for the sheep. They knew that when they passed under the rod, they’d been counted and checked out, and everything was good. That’s what the rod does for us, too. The rod is like the Scriptures, which were given to us for reproof, for correction, and for instruction.

The other instrument shepherds used was a staff. The staff was longer than the club; it was usually about six or seven feet long, with a hook at the end. With the staff, shepherds could pick up the lambs and bring them over to the ewe, to nurse. Using the hook enabled them to move the lambs without putting their hands on them; else a ewe might refuse to nurse a lamb. The second thing shepherds do with a staff is pick up the sheep and bring them close. Thus, there was this level of intimacy that came by way of the staff. Third, it would be used to gently get sheep to turn one way or another, especially if they were coming into the sheep gate. A shepherd would use the staff while walking alongside a sheep to just touch their side to remind them he was there. The staff was like the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised would guide us and remind us of what He taught.

The rod symbolizes the Scriptures; the staff, the Holy Spirit in our lives, who stands alongside us for counsel, strength, and comfort. The Holy Spirit gives us the assurance that we are one with Christ and that we belong to Him. That is how you can begin to understand why David could say, “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” They provide protection, comfort, intimate relationship. These tools of the Shepherd are intended to bring the sheep to Him.

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