Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4b)
What have we learned so far? The first verse, The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want, is the key verse. The rest of the psalm explains how the Lord provides for His sheep.
In the home pasture there is plenty (1-3). In the valley there is serenity (4). The sheep are now going through the valley to get to the summer range (5, 6).
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. We have seen the shepherd provide, protect, and propel His sheep. Now we see that he also punishes.
A shepherd carries a minimum of equipment. Even his shepherd’s shack often has only the bare necessities. In the Middle East a shepherd carries a rod and staff.
The rod is made from a young sapling. The knob where the trunk meets the roots is shaped into a smooth rounded head. The rest is whittled with care and patience. It becomes an extension of the owner’s right arm. He doesn’t go anywhere without it. It is a symbol of authority and strength. It is used to discipline, correct and protect the sheep.
The rod represents God’s Word. In this sense, it serves several functions. First, it brings consolation. With his rod in his hand, the sheep knows that the shepherd is in control. The Bible also brings great consolation. Many examples could be cited. Psalm 34:8 states, Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Second, the rod is used to bring discipline. From a youth, the shepherd learns to throw the rod with great accuracy. Many a wayward sheep has felt the sting of the rod to bring it scurrying back to the fold. God uses His precious Word to discipline the life of His own. Of the many examples that could be used, Ps 119:9, 11 state: Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. And, Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee.
The third use of the rod is for the purpose of examination. Perhaps you have used the phrase “passing under the rod.” A shepherd uses the rod to count the sheep at day’s end, and to give close examination to each one. He can look closely at the wool and the skin. In effect, the sheep is not able to “pull the wool over the shepherd’s eyes.”
If you are a believer, you should also allow God’s Word to examine your heart. David cried out to the LORD in another (Ps 139:23, 24): Search me O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Finally, it is used to protect. It drives off predators, and is especially useful in killing snakes. You might recall that David killed a lion and bear in his youth. No doubt the rod was helpful in these endeavors. The Bible is also used to protect. It is the sword of the Spirit. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Eph 6:17)
As the rod never leaves the hand of the shepherd, those who know the Lord need to have the Bible always at hand for consolation, discipline, and examination.
The shepherd also carries a staff. This we plan to take up next time.