Question on the 23rd Psalm?

Question

In Verse 4: Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

What do you think was meant by the rod and staff comforting the author. I know that the staff would relate to God being the good shepherd that uses the staff to bring a sheep back to safety.

In your opinion, how does a rod comfort the writer? How does the staff comfort the writer?

Answer 1

These are both instruments used by shepards.

The "rod" is referred to as a "goad" (NKJV) in the New Testament. It was a stick used doubly as a walking stick, with a point on one end used for urging an animal to move along.

The "staff" is also referred to as a "crook." It has a curved end and was used to pull a fallen animal to safety.

In this context, the Psalmist is saying that God is his shepard; when he is hesitent to do the right thing, God pokes him with the "goad;" when he stumbles and falls, God rescues him with the "staff." Isn't it comforting to know we have a Good Shepard who cares enough about us individuallly to save and encourage us?

Peace.

Answer 2

Have you ever seen the valley they are talking about here. A preacher once showed us a picture of this valley. Animals could hide easy and wait for there chance to attack the sheep. The rod was the shepherds defence aganist such attacks. Also that rod was used to make those sheep listen and learn not to stray from the fold. Sometimes God uses that rod on us. Yes God does chastise those he loves. Then I say more time than not God uses the staff to bring the sheep back into the fold. It is the goodness of God that leadeth man to repentence.
In that valley that rod and that staff was a comfort to him because the shepherd loved his sheep, and he would do anything to protect them.

Answer 3

Rod and staff represent God's written Word and laws. The rod and staff was used by a shepherd to guide his sheep and to defend them from harm.

Answer 4

I don't know for sure but it has been said that in those days the staff was highly valued in that it had carvings of the family linage, the law of God and His promises to His people. The rod of God might also comfort one in knowing that God is the protector of those in His flock. The author is comforted by Gods promises.

Answer 5

The imagery here, of course, is that of God being a shepherd to his sheep. The rod and the staff represent discipline and regulation which comforts David as he realizes that without them the sheep would stray too far away and never return.

Answer 6

The shepherd's rod and staff are viewed as comforting instruments of protection and direction, respectively.

Answer 7

By knowing that God is holding His rod and staff, that means He is there with us always.

Answer 8

the rod and staff are just terms to describe something to lean on like the Lord is going to hold you up through bad times

Answer 9

It's not the "writer" that is being comforted, but the Chrsitian who lives according to the word and will of God.The writer is the messanger of God's word.

Don't you realize that we are slowly dying every day of our lives? We constantly walk in the vally of the shadow of death every day.
We find continuous comfort in God's word which guides us, and can also help us find out way back to Him if we should stray from Him.

Psalms 64:3 Who whet their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words:

Our tongues are not swords, but the words we use can cut and hurt like arrows. The word of God can protect us like God's rod and staff when we obey it and follow it every day. That is what faith in God and in His word does for us. It leads and protects us, as well as comforts us. Us meaning anyone who believe, in God and in His word and accepts His Son Jesus as thier savior.

Answer 10

Strength.
The same way a father would protect his children, the sheperd protects the sheep.
The children can feel safe, and even though sheep dont "feel", they are safe with the sheperd.