He Restoreth My Soul
He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 23:3-4
The shepherd values his sheep. Sheep give the shepherd sustenance and wealth. Sheep depend on the shepherd for food, water, and security. The relationship between shepherd and sheep is a symbiotic one, mutually beneficial to both. For the shepherd to thrive, he must keep the flock healthy, well fed and watered, and protected from predators. For the sheep to thrive, they must rely on the shepherd to find them good grazing, clean water, and protection. Today, the Psalmist tells of the benefits of a careful, watchful shepherd.
“He restoreth my soul.” The sheep are calm and secure. They can graze peacefully, trusting in the shepherd to keep them safe. They can sleep securely, knowing the shepherd is guarding them from all dangers.
“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” The Hebrew word (ma’gal) rendered as paths does not mean just foot trails. It means more of a roadway frequently traveled by wheeled vehicles. It is more open than just a track through the forests or over hills. It is an open safe road to travel. Staying on such a road avoids predators and other hazards.
“For His name’s sake” departs from the metaphor and speaks directly to the reader. God’s word is the righteous path we, as God’s flock, are to follow.
But even if the paths lead through dark and dangerous clefts and valleys, where predators may lurk or hidden dangers lie, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.” The shepherd has weapons he can use to protect his flock.
“Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.” The shepherd’s crook staff and a rod (usually a truncheon, a sturdy piece of wood that could be used as a club or a prod) were the standard tools and weapons of a shepherd. The staff was often used to free sheep who entangled themselves in thickets or thorns while grazing. The rod could be used to keep sheep from falling behind or to keep them in line with the rest of the flock. But they could also be formidable weapons against a predator threatening the flock. Shepherds also carried a sling and shot. An experienced shepherd could use these implements to guide and protect his flock, and the sheep depended upon the shepherd to do so.
Points to Ponder:
What “restoreth” your soul?
Do you have a reliable shepherd?
Which do you need most often, the rod (discipline and protection) or the staff (guidance and rescue)?
Still sheepishly yours,
Jerry Lipscomb
