Bible Study-Psalms 23 (The Shepherd Psalms) PART 4

Text: Psalms 23:4

The Valley of Shadow

• The great shepherd once went alone through the valley and now he conducts all his flock through it to their home. This comforts us because the valleys aren't a permanent or abiding place. We don't pitch our tent here; it is a passageway, a transition through which we walk. (Job 12:22, 16:16, Psa 44:19, 107:10, Mat 4:16)
• Death is only a shadow because Christ encountered the substance (he conquered death) 1 Cor 15:55 shadow only exist where light is. 1 John 1:5 (God is our light)
• This imagery of the valley of the shadow can also be applied to other experiences besides dying.
• If we have a sense of unease in our souls, we must check to see if we have neglected something or sinned if there is no sin, we have to hang on and go on trusting god because he wants to teach us to appreciate the rod and the staff.
• We learn to be fearless because there is no fear in love. (1 Joh 4:18, Psa 46:1-3, 7, 11, Psa 56:3, Isa 12:2)
• Note the change in the pronoun. It has changed from the third person (he) to thou. When times get tough, God's children draw closer to him. Romans 8:35-39 tells us the various valleys we encounter but Heb 13:5 assures us God is with us Isa 43:2.
• God comforts us with his rod and staff. How can these two badges of the shepherd comfort us when they represent discipline?
• The rod is the symbol of GOd's defending power. He uses the rod to strike down our adversaries and sometimes to chastise/chasten us (Prov 1:33, John 10:28)
• The staff also known as the shepherd's crook is used to number/count the sheep, restrain the sheep, pull the sheep out of holes when they fall and to correct the disobedient sheep. We are so valuable to God that he numbers our hairs. (Luke 12:7, Mat 10:30)
• The Staff pulls us out of trouble we get ourselves into: He is "very present help in time of trouble." Psa 46:1, Eze 34:11-12, 2 Chr 16:9, Psa 34:7, Psa 91:4, Luk 21:18.
• The good shepherd uses the staff to correct (Chastise) us. (Prov 3:12, Heb 12:6)
• Our experience with God makes us tender towards the failures and sorrows of others. (2 Cor 1:4)

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