psalm 23:4 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.
2007-04-23 20:40:00 · 13 answers · asked by karma 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Shepherd's rod and staff are sources of comfort, protection, and guidance. Whenever necessary He may use the rod for correction also. Most sheep need this ministry from time to time.
2007-04-23 20:44:10 · answer #1 · answered by Ask Mr. Religion 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I think the shepherds used to have various ways of using their rods to train and direct the sheep. Sheep are very intelligent, as all animals are.
They don't get treated too well. I was at Melbourne Show a few years ago and a sheep was giving birth. Despite the fact that there was a fence around the sheep and people were watching, the keepers kept saying that they weren't going to interfere because it was better for it to be a "natural" birth. Anyway, the mother was in distress and was running the lamb's head which was half out of her rear end along the fence palings - konk, konk, konk, konk - as it went along. So this is what sheep are subjected to from their birth. (Human babies, too.)
Anyway, I'm pretty sure that trained sheep, as they are in the Middle East, do respond to the shepherd's use of the rod to show approval, organisation of the sheep, turn-taking etc. I'm not sure of the details. I wouldn't mind knowing. You'd have to have a shepherd that knew what they were doing for that. King David was a shepherd like that.
2007-04-24 03:48:24 · answer #2 · answered by Christian person 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rod is used by the shepherd against the attackers of the sheep. The staff is used by the shepherd to rescue and train the sheep. So the rod is used to defend and protect the sheep and the staff is used as an implement to care for and control the sheep.
2007-04-24 04:38:53 · answer #3 · answered by seekfind 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Exodus, Moses was told to hold up a rod to direct his followers. It is symbolic of "the way." It is also the rod he carried with him to perform all the miracles (remember the Ten Commandments movie). The staff is a shepherd's crook. A tool by which the "flock" are guided.
2007-04-24 04:01:09 · answer #4 · answered by reasonfaith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The rod and staff was used by shepherds to guide their sheep in the right direction. The "hook" or curved part of it was used to help pick up the sheep if it fell into a hole. When used in a religious sense such as in this verse, it is meant to give comfort in knowing He is guiding you.
2007-04-24 03:47:38 · answer #5 · answered by Beckers 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
thy rod and thy staff--are symbols of a shepherd's office. By them he guides his sheep. Almost denoting the same thing, and both designing God's pastoral care over you.
2007-04-24 03:48:53 · answer #6 · answered by aaron2000_aaron2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the shepherd fought off beasts with his rod or staff. they were the tools used to protect the sheep.
2007-04-24 04:55:16 · answer #7 · answered by freebubba 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 90% of things we think about never happen. I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. His rod is for correction. The shepherd will break the leg of a sheep that is continually running away; he then will put a splint on the leg and carry the sheep till he is healed. Therefore, he will never run away again. His stuff is to hold the sheep for inspection, to see if any foreign body has made there home in the sheep’s wool. I.e. demons or devils.
THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD---- WHO IS YOUR SHEPHERD ????????
Psalm 23:1-6 (KJV)
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: so I can relax and not be afraid of hidden snakes in the grass, he leadeth me beside the still waters because sheep are afraid of rushing water which they could drown in.3He restoreth my soul: I was blind but now I see, I was deaf but now I can hear, I was dumb but now I can speak, just one touch of the master and I am no longer afraid, O taste and see that the Lord is good. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. He restored my soul so I can worship him in spirit and in truth and have a personal relationship with him. 4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 90% of things we think about never happen. I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. His rod is for correction. The shepherd will break the leg of a sheep that is continually running away; he then will put a splint on the leg and carry the sheep till he is healed. Therefore, he will never run away again. His stuff is to hold the sheep for inspection, to see if any foreign body has made there home in the sheep’s wool. I.e. demons or devils. 5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: no good things will the shepherd deny those who love him. thou anointest my head with oil; the shepherd will pore oil on the head of the sheep to keep the flies away so they can remain healthy. Oil represents the Holy Spirit who will lead you into all truth. My cup runneth over because he fills me with joy and peace as I drink from the living water, the true shepherd of our souls. 6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
2007-04-24 03:54:27 · answer #8 · answered by Jediknight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means GOD's royal scepter and His shepherd's crook. One shows His authority. The other shows His discipline and gentle correction for His sheep.
2007-04-24 03:45:53 · answer #9 · answered by Hawk 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God's disciples are his 'tools'. So probably, those who help God is the definition of the rod and the staff..
2007-04-24 03:45:42 · answer #10 · answered by karlo1116 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋