| The Christian Life | July 1947 |
“They Comfort Me”
“Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”—Psalm 23:4
IN THE 4th and 5th verses of the 23rd Psalm, David expresses a more intimate relationship with the divine Shepherd of Israel than is apparent in the opening verses of this beautiful song of praise to the Lord expressive of trust in his gracious care. Instead of speaking of the Lord, the Psalmist speaks to him. Thus the psalm changes from a testimony to a prayer. At first David was content to testify that the Lord was his Shepherd, who led him beside still waters and caused him to lie down in green pastures. He was a Shepherd, moreover, who was willing and abundantly able to restore his soul, and to lead him in paths of righteousness, yea, even through the valley of the shadow of death—a wonderful Shepherd indeed!
Seemingly, as David thus gave expression to these great truths concerning his God, the thought of the Shepherd’s loving care gave him a sense of nearness that impelled him to pour out the remainder of his testimony to the Lord rather than merely to write about him, for he continues, “Thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Happy are we for whom this psalm was especially written, if we can see in our Good Shepherd’s “rod” and “staff” evidences of the Lord’s special presence with us, his nearness to us, and we can go to him in prayers of thanksgiving for the wonderful manner in which he is supplying all our needs.
In David’s prayer to the Chief Shepherd he indicates that both the “rod” and the “staff” are sources of comfort. In Oriental lands a shepherd carries these two pieces of equipment. He uses the rod, or crook, to guide the sheep while leading them through narrow and dangerous passes. The staff he uses to assist him in driving off wild animals which attack the flock. It was also apparently used by the shepherd as a sort of walking stick, a support, as it were.
The Hebrew word translated “rod” is the same as the one used in the prophecy of Christ’s kingdom, where we read that the Lord will break the nations with a “rod of iron.” (Psa. 2:9) The thought is that of using the rod to keep the sheep in the right way, and to protect them from danger of not holding to the path along which the shepherd leads. As the sheep are thus forcibly guided back into the right way—sometimes by hooking the crook of the rod around their necks and gently lifting them back to the path, and sometimes around the hind legs to steer them aright—so the nations will be held in line by an inflexible law, a “rod of iron.”—Rev. 2:27
Transferring the lesson of this symbol to the Christian life we see in it a beautiful illustration of the chastenings of the Lord; and these chastenings, the apostle assures us, are a special evidence of the Lord’s love—“Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” (Heb. 12:6) We are not to think of these chastenings as punishments which the Good Shepherd administers because he is angry with us, but rather as disciplinary in nature, designed to train or direct us to walk in the right way. And it is because the Lord loves us that he uses such measures to keep us close to him. Indeed, in the symbol it was essential for the sheep to be very close to the shepherd in order for him to use the rod to keep them in the path of safety.
It certainly could not have been very pleasant, for a sheep to feel the crook of the shepherd’s rod hooked around its neck. It would be unyielding and severe, and the sheep would have no choice as to the direction in which it walked. To the onlooker such treatment of the sheep would probably seem harsh. But when David put himself in the position of the sheep, and knowing the viewpoint of the shepherd—having served so faithfully as one—he realized that what seemed an unyielding attitude on the part of his God was in reality an evidence of his love. God loved David and would not permit him to continue in a straying path. David knew this, and explained, “Before I was afflicted I went astray.”—Psalm 119:67
Yes, sometimes the chastenings of the Lord come upon us in the form of afflictions. In such experiences we might get the discouraging thought that the Good Shepherd is angry with us and is administering punishment. In reality, however, behind that frowning providence he hides the smiling face of his love. The affliction comes because of the Good Shepherd’s loving care, and it is designed by him to train us to walk more circumspectly, more within the bounds of the right way in which he is leading us day by day.
It is said that when a shepherd in the East is leading his flock through dangerous mountain passes he frequently looks back to his flock, and if he notices one of the sheep going too near the edge of the precipice, gently draws it toward the other sheep and away from danger by applying the crook to its hind legs. Possibly David had this in mind when he wrote, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.”—Psalm 37:23,24
David fell into iniquity on more than one occasion, but the Lord did not permit him to be utterly cast down. Probably David knew of the wonderful promise God made concerning him, as recorded in II Samuel 7:14,15, which reads, “I will be his Father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men. But my mercy shall not depart away from him.” How wonderfully this was fulfilled in the case of David. When he did wrong God’s chastening rod was not withheld, but it was used in mercy, and with the object of keeping the Psalmist in the “paths of righteousness.”
He was chastened with the “rod of men.” This might indicate that God used human agencies of one kind and another to keep David from going too far astray. It also indicates that God considered the shepherd’s rod as being symbolic of the chastenings which he permits to come to his people in order that they might be properly trained to walk in the way which he outlines for them. In the case of the Christian, this chastening is far from pleasant. Indeed, as the apostle points out, it is “grievous,” “Nevertheless afterward,” the apostle adds, “it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”—Heb. 12:11
The Staff
The shepherd’s staff, as we have noted, was used to help him in protecting the sheep from an attacking enemy, and also as a support, a walking stick. The “staff” of the Good Shepherd “comforts” us in both these respects. The enemies of the Christian do not attack in a physical sense, but the attacks are against our faith. This is the reason we can resist these enemies only by being “steadfast in the faith.” (I Peter 5:9) Nor can we successfully resist our adversaries alone, apart from the help and wisdom given us by the Good Shepherd. It is his “staff,” not ours, that wards off the attackers.
However, if we are to be protected by the Good Shepherd’s staff it is essential that we remain very close to him. And if we do, we will be comforted by that staff. The attacks of our enemies being along spiritual lines, they are to be warded off, not by carnal weapons, but by the Word of God. In reality, the Word of God is the staff which is provided to sustain and protect us. As the Word of God is the “green pastures” and “still waters” of the Psalm, so it is also the “staff.” We can rest assured that we will be victorious over all our enemies as long as we use the means which he provides for our protection.
If we think of the “staff” as the Word of God, it is necessary to depart from the strict interpretation of the symbol in order to appreciate the full value of the lesson. Actually a sheep never takes the staff from the shepherd’s hand and wields it for his own protection, but the Christian thus uses the Word of God. The Good Shepherd provides the “staff” for us, but it is essential that we use it to combat our enemies, and to lean upon in our weakness.
We usually think of our enemies as the world, the flesh, and the devil, and we are to use the Word of God in combating all of these. But there are other enemies of the Christian. We are attacked by temptation, by discouragement, by pride, and by weariness. Against all of these the Word of God is the only sure protection.
When Jesus was attacked by temptations instigated by the Adversary, the Word of God was his defense. “It is written,” was the Master’s reply to every subtle suggestion made to him. So it should be with us. Whether we are tempted to depart from the narrow way, or to believe a false doctrine, the enemy can always be beaten off by a “thus saith the Lord.” This is a “staff” that never fails.
Is discouragement threatening us? Let us again use the Word: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee,” it assures us. (Heb. 13:5) Upon this blessed promise we can lean, and be assured of strength to sustain us until we reach the end of the way. Again we turn to the Word and find it saying to us as Moses said of Asher, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” (Deut. 33:25) With these and similar promises to reassure us, we can ward off discouragement and take our places among those who are following the Good Shepherd victoriously and in safety.
Pride may be lurking near our hearts, seeking an opportunity to strike us down or to lure us away from the “paths of righteousness.” Again the Word may be used to protect us. In it we are warned not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. (Rom. 12:3) We are also admonished to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God. (I Peter 5:6) “Pride goeth before destruction,” the Word tells us, “and an haughty spirit before a fall.” (Prov. 16:18) And again, “Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord.” (Prov. 16:5) These are but samples of the passages which may be brought into action, and should be, when we note the first symptoms of pride, the first suggestions that come to us that we are superior in various ways to our brethren.
“Let us not be weary in well doing,” writes Paul, “for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” (Gal. 6:9) How this text should help us to fight off weariness as we walk in the narrow way! “In due season,” says Paul. How essential that we recognize the Lord’s due time. To do this means to wait on the Lord, to recognize that oar times are in his hands. They that do wait on the Lord, we are assured, shall renew their strength, they shall run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.—Isa. 40:31
As our minds dwell upon all these precious and reassuring promises, we feel much as David did when, instead of merely testifying of the Lord, he poured out his heart in praise to him, saying, “Thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Through his Word the Lord does indeed make his presence with us a glorious reality. We know that he is near, and that by claiming the precious promises of his Word we are strengthened in the conviction that no evil will befall us; that even in our unintentional waywardness his “rod” of discipline will turn us back into the right way because the Good Shepherd loves us.
“They Comfort Me”
How wonderfully true it is that the “rod” and “staff” are sources of comfort to us. David wrote, “Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction; for thy word hath quickened me.” (Psalm 119:49,50) Yes, it is the “Word” of the Lord that comforts all of the Lord’s people in their times of need. The Good Shepherd permits us to have disciplinary experiences in the event the corrective instructions of the Word are not fully heeded, but these are allowed only because we may not at all times zealously follow the instructions of the Word.
The Word of God is sufficient for all our needs if we apply ourselves to its study and practice. Paul wrote, “All scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Tim. 3:16,17) What a wonderful “rod” and “staff” the Lord has provided! How comforting to realize that all we need to guide, warn, and strengthen us as new creatures, is abundantly supplied in his Word!
The Old Testament, as well as the New, serves to keep the sheep of the Gospel age in the pathway of righteousness, hence is also a source of comfort. Paul wrote, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4) The particular “things” alluded to by the apostle as having been written for our comfort are the prophecies concerning the reproaches of Christ. Jesus could have avoided these reproaches had he been governed by selfish considerations, but he sought not to please himself. It is a comfort to us to realize that we have the privilege of sharing in these reproaches of The Christ, and that if we endure them faithfully we will receive a crown of life which fadeth not away.
Every part of the Word of God is a comfort to the Christian. As we look about us in the “valley of the shadow of death” we would be dismayed and discouraged if we did not have an understanding of why this “valley” is permitted, and the assurance that in God’s due time its mists of darkness will be dispelled by the healing rays of the rising “Sun of righteousness.” We see much all about us that is wrong, and we would be tempted to try, in our feeble way, to right these wrongs, did we not know from the Scriptures that this is not the plan of God for us. Instead of wasting our time in moral and social reform efforts, the Good Shepherd urges us to remain in the narrow way of sacrifice, that we may be prepared to share with him, by and by, the glorious work of actually restoring the world to perfection of health and life, and to give all the willing and obedient the joys of everlasting life. What a comfort it is to realize that this is the Lord’s way, hence the right way!
When the cares of life, with its sorrows and hardships tend to discourage us, how comforting it is to be reassured of the Good Shepherd’s love, as those reminders are so beautifully set forth in the “rod” and “staff” of his Word. We hear the divine Shepherd speaking tenderly to us, “I will never leave thee nor forsake,” and, feeling the strength of that promise, our courage is renewed and our hearts are comforted. We know that he who gave his life for the sheep will surely fulfill all his precious promises, and, trusting in him to do so, we redouble our efforts to follow him as he leads us in “paths of righteousness.”
At times the way may seem unduly long. There are many hills to climb, many obstacles to surmount, and we may be longing for rest. But we are reminded by the Word that the Good Shepherd’s plan is that we be faithful even unto death; that only by following him thus all the way into death may we hope to be with him on Mount Zion. This is as a glorious hope set before us—a hope which, when we contemplate it, fills our hearts with joy. It is this joy that enables us to continue on in the way of sacrifice.
The fruition of the Christian’s hope is realized at the second coming of Christ. The early church looked forward to this great event in the plan of God with fond anticipation. The hope of his coming was the mainspring of their Christian lives. Paul wrote to the Thessalonians about it, saying that the Lord would descend from heaven “with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God.” He then adds, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” (I Thess. 4:16-18) “These words” are indeed comforting to the Christian, and especially now when the “shout” can be heard, and when the “voice” is causing the earth to melt, and when the “trump” is resounding its joyful notes of encouragement throughout the earth, but the world neither sees, nor heeds these indications of the new day of his presence.
Knowing that he is here we have this added incentive to follow the Good Shepherd faithfully even to the end. How we are indeed comforted by the knowledge of the Good Shepherd’s presence—his parousia! And in addition to inspiring us to zeal in doing the Lord’s will, the knowledge of present truth serves to guide us in the way the Lord would have us walk. This also comforts us, for there is nothing more disconcerting and discouraging than uncertainty as to what the Lord’s will may be. The Lord’s people perish when they do not have sufficient knowledge to direct them in the right way, so what could be more comforting than to realize that through present truth the Lord is guiding us in this wonderful time in which we are living. Surely we should appreciate the “rod” and “staff” of the Lord’s Word now more than ever before.
It is indeed a wonderful time in which we are living, but it is also an “evil” day, a day when the enemies of God and of the truth are attacking the Lord’s sheep from every direction; hence we surely need the protection of the “staff.” Only those who are protected by the truth of the Lord’s Word will be able to stand against the “wiles of the devil.” If through complacency, pride, self-will, or confidence in the arm of flesh, we do not look to the Good Shepherd for help, we will surely be overcome by our adversaries.
But, comforted by the “rod” and “staff” we are refreshed, our strength is renewed and we continue on, rejoicing in the assurance that the Good Shepherd will keep us from falling. He may permit affliction, but if we are properly exercised thereby we are drawn closer to him and can discern the pattern of his footsteps more clearly. As we hear his voice, our hearts leap for joy as we realize the great privilege that is offered to us of following the Good Shepherd, who once as the Lamb of God laid down his life for us and for the whole world.