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Psalms 23:4
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Rod and staff are here not so much those of the pilgrim, which would be a confusing transition to a different figure, but those of Jahve, the Shepherd (שׁבט, as in Mic 7:14, and in connection with it, cf. Num 21:18, משׁענת as the filling up of the picture), as the means of guidance and defence. The one rod, which the shepherd holds up to guide the flock, and upon which he leans and anxiously watches over the flock, has assumed a double form in the conception of the idea. This rod and staff in the hand of God comfort him, i.e., preserve to him the feeling of security, and therefore a cheerful spirit. Even when he passes through a valley dark and gloomy as the shadow of death, where surprises and calamities of every kind threaten him, he hears no misfortune. The lxx narrows the figure, rendering בגיא according to the Aramaic בּגוא, Dan 3:25, ἐν μέσῳ. The noun צלמות, which occurs in this passage for the first time in the Old Testament literature, is originally not a compound word; but being formed from a verb צלם, Arab. ḏlm (root צל, Arab. ḏl), to overshadow, darken, after the form עבדוּת, but pronounced צלמות (cf. חצרמות, Hadra-môt = the court of death, בּצלאל in-God's-shadow), it signifies the shadow of death as an epithet of the most fearful darkness, as of Hades, Job 10:21., but also of a shaft of a mine, Job 28:3, and more especially of darkness such as makes itself felt in a wild, uninhabited desert, Jer 2:6. After the figure of the shepherd fades away in Psa 23:4, that of the host appears. His enemies must look quietly on (נגד as in Psa 31:20), without being able to do anything, and see how Jahve provides bountifully for His guest, anoints him with sweet perfumes as at a joyous and magnificent banquet (Psa 92:11), and fills his cup to excess. What is meant thereby, is not necessarily only blessings of a spiritual kind. The king fleeing before Absolom and forsaken by the mass of his people was, with his army, even outwardly in danger of being destroyed by want; it is, therefore, even an abundance of daily bread streaming in upon them, as in Sa2 17:27-29, that is meant; but even this, spiritually regarded, as a gift from heaven, and so that the satisfying, refreshing and quickening is only the outside phase of simultaneous inward experiences. (Note: In the mouth of the New Testament saint, especially on the dies viridium, it is the table of the Lord's supper, as Apollinaris also hints when he applied to it the epithet ῥιγεδανῶν βρίθουσαν, horrendorum onustam.) The future תּערך is followed, according to the customary return to the perfect ground-form, by דּשּׁנתּ, which has, none the less, the signification of a present. And in the closing assertion, כּוסי, my cup, is metonymically equivalent to the contents of my cup. This is רויה, a fulness satiating even to excess.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In the darkest and most trying hour God is near. the valley of the shadow of death--is a ravine overhung by high precipitous cliffs, filled with dense forests, and well calculated to inspire dread to the timid, and afford a covert to beasts of prey. While expressive of any great danger or cause of terror, it does not exclude the greatest of all, to which it is most popularly applied, and which its terms suggest. thy rod and thy staff--are symbols of a shepherd's office. By them he guides his sheep.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,.... Which designs not a state of spiritual darkness and ignorance, as sitting in the shadow of death sometimes does, since the psalmist cannot be supposed to be at this time or after in such a condition; see Isa 9:2; nor desertion or the hidings of God's face, which is sometimes the case of the people of God, and was the case of the psalmist at times; but now he expressly says the Lord was with him; but rather, since the grave is called the land of the shadow of death, and the distresses persons are usually in, under apprehensions of immediate death, are called the terrors of the shadow of death; see Job 10:21; the case supposed is, that should his soul draw nigh to the grave, and the sorrows of death compass him about, and he should be upon the brink and borders of eternity, he should be fearless of evil, and sing, "O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?" Co1 15:55, though it seems best of all to interpret it of the most severe and terrible affliction or dark dispensation of Providence it could be thought he should ever come under, Psa 44:19. The Targum interprets it of captivity, and Jarchi and Kimchi of the wilderness of Ziph, in which David was when pursued by Saul; and the latter also, together with Ben Melech, of the grave, and of a place of danger and of distress, which is like unto the grave, that is, a place of darkness; and Aben Ezra of some grievous calamity, which God had decreed to bring into the world. Suidas (w) interprets this phrase of danger leading to death; afflictions attend the people of God in this life; there is a continued series of them, so that they may be said to walk in them; these are the way in which they walk heaven, and through which they enter the kingdom; for though they continue long, and one affliction comes after another, yet there will be an end at last; they will walk and wade through them, and come out of great tribulations; and in the midst of such dark dispensations, comparable to a dark and gloomy valley, covered with the shadow of death, the psalmist intimates what would be the inward disposition of his mind, and what his conduct and behaviour: I will fear no evil; neither the evil one Satan, who is the wolf that comes to the flock to kill and to destroy, and the roaring lion that seeks whom he may devour, since the Lord was his shepherd, and on his side: nor evil men, who kill the body and can do no more, Psa 27:1; nor any evil thing, the worst calamity that could befall him, since everything of this kind is determined by God, and comes not without his knowledge and will, and works for good, and cannot separate from the love of Christ; see Psa 46:1; for thou art with me; sheep are timorous creatures, and so are Christ's people; but when he the shepherd is them, to sympathize with them under all their afflictions, to revive and comfort them with the cordials of his love and promises of his grace, to bear them up and support them with his mighty arm of power, to teach and instruct them by every providence, and sanctify all unto them; their fears are driven away, and they pass through the dark valley, the deep waters, and fiery trials, with courage and cheerfulness; see Isa 41:10; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me; not the rod of afflictions and chastisements, which is the sense of some Jewish (x) as well as Christian interpreters; though these are in love, and the saints have often much consolation under them; but these are designed by the valley of the shadow of death, and cannot have a place here, but rather the rod of the word, called the rod of Christ's strength, and the staff of the promises and the provisions of God's house, the whole staff and stay of bread and water, which are sure unto the saints, and refresh and comfort them. The Targum interprets the rod and staff of the word and law of God; and those interpreters who explain the rod of afflictions, yet by the staff understand the law; and Jarchi expounds it, of the mercy of God in the remission of sin, in which the psalmist trusted: the allusion is to the shepherd's crook or staff, as in other places; see Mic 7:14; which was made use of for the telling and numbering of the sheep, Lev 27:32; and it is no small comfort to the sheep of Christ that they have passed under his rod, who has told them, and that they are all numbered by him; not only their persons, but the very hairs of their head; and that they are under his care and protection: the shepherd with his rod, staff, or crook, directs the sheep where to go, pushes forward those that are behind, and fetches back those that go astray; as well as drives away dogs, wolves, bears, &c. that would make a prey of the flock; and of such use is the word of God, attended with the power of Christ and his Spirit; it points out the path of faith, truth, and holiness, the saints should walk in; it urges and stirs up those that are negligent to the discharge of their duty, and is the means of reclaiming backsliders, and of preserving the flock from the ravenous wolves of false teachers: in a word, the presence, power, and protection of Christ, in and by is Gospel and ordinances, are what are here intended, and which are the comfort and safety of his people, in the worst of times and cases. (w) In voce (x) Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 9. 2. Jarchi & Kimchi in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:4 The shepherd used his rod and staff to fend off danger.
Psalms 23:4
The LORD Is My Shepherd
3He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. 4Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Gods Presence
By Kathryn Kuhlman23K11:37Presence of GodJOS 1:92KI 6:15PSA 23:4ISA 41:10MAT 6:33ROM 8:31HEB 13:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illustrate this point. The servant was scared and felt trapped, but Elisha had faith in God's protection. Elisha prayed for his servant's eyes to be opened, and when they were, the servant saw that the mountain was filled with horses and chariots of fire, representing God's power and protection. The preacher encourages the audience to have faith and not be afraid, knowing that God is with them.
2005 Missions Conference - Session 1
By Carter Conlon11K1:01:54Missions ConferencePSA 23:4PSA 84:3PRO 3:5MAT 6:33HEB 13:5JAS 1:27In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story about a young man named Tim who experienced a traumatic event with his father. Despite the pain and fear he went through, Tim attended a youth service and was visibly upset. The speaker and his son approached Tim to offer support and comfort. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being missionaries in our generation and reaching out to those who are hurting. The speaker also references Hebrews 13:5, reminding the audience that God will never desert or forsake us.
Devil, You Can't Walk on Me Anymore
By David Wilkerson7.6K44:00Overcoming SatanPSA 23:4ISA 51:5ISA 52:5MAT 6:33ROM 8:31JAS 4:71PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of God-loving people being oppressed and discouraged by the enemy. He emphasizes that God is looking at this situation with disbelief and questions why His people are allowing themselves to be walked over and their names blasphemed. The preacher reminds the listeners that they should not fear man and should not allow others to bring depression, fear, and bondage into their lives. He assures them that God will deliver them from their afflictions and plead their cause. The sermon is based on Isaiah 51 and 52 and encourages the listeners to stand firm against the devil's attacks.
Through Jordan
By William Booth7.2K02:32Faith in TrialsClassic RecordingsDeliverance through ChristPSA 23:4PSA 46:1ISA 43:2JER 12:5JHN 16:33ROM 8:312CO 4:17HEB 12:21PE 5:7REV 21:4William Booth emphasizes the challenges faced in life, comparing them to running with footmen and contending with the swelling of Jordan, symbolizing trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to look to Jesus for strength and deliverance, reminding them that their troubles are temporary and that faith can lead to a glorious crown and kingdom. Booth warns against relying on false supports and urges a return to Christ for peace and pardon, assuring that with faith, one can safely cross the river of trials into eternal glory.
A Psalm of Remembrance
By C.H. Spurgeon6.3K39:04PSA 23:4PSA 102:27PSA 103:2MAT 11:28ROM 8:28HEB 13:51JN 4:16In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a foreigner describing the fruits of his land to emphasize the limitations of human description when it comes to conveying the goodness of God. The preacher then applies this concept to matters of grace, explaining that no words can fully capture the experience of God's love and the blessings received by believers. The sermon also highlights the transformative power of God's love, using examples from the Bible such as Jacob's life and the deliverance from trials. Overall, the sermon emphasizes that personal experience and testimony are more powerful than any description, and that God's love is the foundation of Christian encouragement.
The Making of a Worshipper
By David Wilkerson6.1K52:05WorshipperEXO 14:14EXO 15:2PSA 23:4PSA 46:10ROM 8:31HEB 4:91JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the common question of why God allows sudden disasters and tragedies to happen. He uses the example of the Israelites in the Bible who were freed from bondage but faced new challenges in the wilderness. The speaker emphasizes that even though they had experienced freedom and were rejoicing, they quickly began to complain and doubt God when faced with difficulties. The sermon highlights the importance of learning from hard times and storms, and reminds listeners that life will not always be easy, but God is still present and faithful.
Overcoming the Spirit of Fear
By David Wilkerson5.1K53:53PSA 23:4PSA 74:4ISA 41:10MAT 6:332TI 1:71PE 5:7REV 12:15In this sermon, the speaker addresses the causes of fear that are prevalent in society. They mention a flood that has occurred in Albania, leading to violence and death among the people. The speaker also discusses a child pornography ring that has been uncovered in France, causing shock and fear among the population. Additionally, the sermon highlights a disturbing incident in a charismatic church where people were seen crawling on all fours with dog leashes around their necks, claiming it to be a revival. The speaker urges the audience to anchor themselves in the Word of God and seek discernment to avoid being swayed by false teachings and fears.
Death Is Only a Shadow
By Carter Conlon4.0K59:17DeathPSA 23:1PSA 23:4ISA 46:10MAT 6:33JHN 10:27JAS 1:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of progressing in the Christian walk beyond the initial stages of faith. Many believers tend to stay in the shallow knowledge of verses 1, 2, and 3, where God's love, provision, satisfaction, and healing are experienced. However, verse 4 is a crucial part of the Christian journey that cannot be avoided. It is a valley experience where believers may face challenges and difficulties, but it is necessary for growth and for God's plan to be fulfilled in their lives. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace verse 4 and trust in God's leading and righteousness for His name's sake.
The Living Christ
By W.A. Criswell3.4K39:12PSA 23:4ISA 6:1DAN 6:22MAT 28:20JHN 12:41ACT 8:9ACT 27:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence and power of the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives. He references biblical stories such as the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the lion's den to illustrate how Jesus was with them in their trials. The preacher also mentions the Apostle Paul's experience of being shipwrecked and how an angel appeared to him, assuring him not to fear. He emphasizes that Jesus is someone who is always with us, helping and empowering us, and that serving and caring for others is a way to serve and know Christ.
What Is My Authority
By Richard Wurmbrand3.1K58:04PSA 23:4MAT 6:33JHN 3:16ROM 6:182PE 1:41JN 1:9REV 3:21In this sermon, the speaker shares his experiences of preaching in communist countries and the persecution he faced. He emphasizes the importance of not hating the communists but instead loving them. The speaker talks about the hardships endured by Christians in communist countries, including torture and hunger. He also highlights the power of faith and the ability to find peace and serenity even in the midst of suffering. The sermon references the Bible, particularly Psalm 23, to encourage listeners to trust in God and not fear, even in the face of death.
True Success
By George W. Truett3.1K03:10SuccessPSA 23:1PSA 23:4MAT 6:33ROM 8:311CO 15:571JN 2:1REV 20:12In this sermon, the preacher reassures the audience that God will be with them throughout their lives, even in the face of death. He promises to make their path beautiful and fill their ears with music. The preacher emphasizes that there is no need to fear death, as God will be there waiting and will personally come to guide them. He also highlights the importance of putting trust in Jesus Christ as our advocate and attorney, who will forgive, save, and take care of us. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that true success comes from recognizing and following the will of God.
The Epistle to the Torontonians - Part 2
By A.W. Tozer2.6K12:30EpistlePSA 23:4PSA 51:12JHN 1:14ACT 1:8ROM 8:31EPH 3:191PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions. He shares personal experiences of witnessing to Catholics and how the Holy Spirit helped him in those encounters. The preacher also talks about the victory we have in Jesus and how we are covered by His blood. He uses the analogy of a log jam in a river to illustrate how conflicts and disagreements can hinder the work of God in the church, but the Holy Spirit can help resolve these issues. The sermon concludes with the preacher sharing a personal testimony of how he was set free from an inward burden by boldly praying to God.
(Through the Bible) Nehemiah 1-7
By Chuck Smith2.5K1:04:44DEU 4:29NEH 1:8PSA 23:4PSA 42:11In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of discouragement and fear that can hinder people from pursuing the word of God. He encourages the listeners to remember the Lord as the cure for fear and to not be afraid of the attacks and harassment they may face. The speaker shares examples from the Bible, such as David's trust in God in the face of danger, to illustrate the importance of remembering the Lord in times of fear. He also mentions the story of Nehemiah, who remained focused on the work of God despite attempts to distract and intimidate him. The sermon emphasizes the need to trust in God's protection and not allow fear to hinder one's faith and obedience.
2) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 3
By George Verwer2.4K42:24Spiritual ToughnessPSA 23:4ISA 41:10DAN 3:16DAN 3:18MAT 6:33ROM 8:28PHP 4:13In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that God sometimes chooses to deliver his people from difficult situations, as he did with these three men in the fiery furnace. However, the preacher also acknowledges that not everyone is always delivered, citing examples from Hebrews chapter 11 and historical accounts of martyrdom. He warns that Satan desires to defeat and destroy believers, but encourages them to rely on God's forgiveness, grace, and healing power when they fail or sin. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to resist conforming to the ways of the world and to seek renewal of their minds through time spent with God.
Renewing of Life
By Leonard Ravenhill2.1K1:27:51LifePSA 8:3PSA 23:4PSA 51:2PSA 51:10PSA 51:12PSA 139:23JER 17:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his experience as a pastor during the Great Depression in England. He recalls a time when his church experienced a revival and how even a small number of salvations would lead to doubts and criticisms from the congregation. The preacher then shares a personal anecdote about being invited into a woman's home for tea and how it reminded him of the biblical story of David and Goliath. As he takes a sip from the cup, he is reminded of Jesus' sacrifice and the weight of sin that he bore on the cross. The sermon concludes with a reflection on God's holiness and omnipresence as described in the Bible.
A Prisoner in China True Story
By Geoffrey Bull2.1K1:23:22ChinaPSA 23:4PSA 119:11PSA 119:105ISA 40:31MAT 6:33MAT 26:41LUK 4:14In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being imprisoned and how God worked in his life during that time. He describes the conditions of the prison and the materialistic atheism that was prevalent there. Despite the darkness and loneliness, the speaker found solace in his faith in Jesus Christ and the knowledge that God had resurrected him. He encourages the listeners to surrender their lives to Jesus and trust in Him for eternal life.
So Do Not Fear
By Alistair Begg1.9K43:41FearPSA 23:4ISA 41:10JER 29:11MAT 6:33JHN 14:27ROM 8:28PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that believers should not hide or be silent in the midst of chaos. Instead, they should proclaim the good news of God's grace to their friends and neighbors who are living in chaos. The speaker encourages believers to acknowledge their own weakness and rely on the power of God to transform their lives. The sermon also highlights the uselessness of idols and the plight of the pagan world. The speaker reminds believers that God is in control of every event and ruler in human history.
The Coming Final Persecution
By Steven J. Lawson1.9K1:02:57PSA 23:4ZEC 4:6MAT 10:34MAT 24:14MRK 13:9PHP 1:6This sermon delves into the prophetic warnings of persecution and betrayal in the last days as outlined in Mark chapter 13. Jesus foretells the intense animosity believers will face, even from their own families, emphasizing the need for spiritual alertness and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Despite the escalating opposition, the message encourages believers to endure faithfully to the end, trusting in God's sustaining grace and the assurance of salvation.
Gods Order in Christ - Part 8
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K40:27Order In ChristGEN 3:1PSA 23:4MAT 6:33JHN 10:271PE 5:8REV 21:2REV 21:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Christian and Hopeful from John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress." Christian and Hopeful were initially rejoicing and having fellowship with each other, talking about the Lord and His ways. However, their journey took a turn when they reached Douting Castle, the residence of giant despair. They were captured and thrown into a dungeon because they had strayed from the main road and were trespassing. The speaker emphasizes the importance of faith and the dangers of giving in to doubt and unbelief, as Satan constantly tries to undermine our trust in God.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 5
By Richard Wurmbrand1.8K08:26PSA 23:4ISA 41:10ACT 3:19ROM 8:181PE 4:12This sermon emphasizes the power of the spirit over the body, illustrated through the story of Victor Bilysh who endured 24 years in Soviet prisons, facing extreme conditions and isolation. Despite unimaginable suffering, his faith and resilience were evident as he found ways to endure and even bring light to others in the darkest of circumstances. The sermon also touches on the theme of forgiveness and redemption through belief in Jesus, highlighting the transformative power of faith and repentance.
Eating the Bread of Opposition
By Carter Conlon1.8K43:46NUM 14:5PSA 23:4PSA 84:5JOL 2:28MAT 5:44MRK 9:24JHN 4:31ACT 4:29HEB 9:22This sermon emphasizes the concept of 'eating the bread of opposition,' highlighting how challenges and enemies can actually nurture and strengthen us in our faith journey. It encourages gratitude for opposition as a means to drive us closer to God, ignite prayer, increase boldness, and foster divine compassion. The message underscores the importance of facing opposition with faith and seeing it as an opportunity for God's power and provision to manifest in our lives.
Stand in the Holy Place
By Carter Conlon1.8K50:43PSA 23:4PSA 139:23ISA 4:5MAT 24:15ACT 2:1ACT 2:38HEB 13:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing in the holy place, which involves obedience to God, turning away from sin, and being yielded to His will. It calls for courage to put away unholy things, live for others, and seek God's guidance. The message highlights the promise of beauty, glory, vision, protection, and joy for those who stand in the holy place.
I Don't Know How to Go On
By Carter Conlon1.8K48:28Finishing WellEXO 14:13PSA 23:4PSA 27:14PSA 34:17PSA 118:6JER 20:7MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and strength of God in overcoming challenges and obstacles. He encourages the audience to thank God for the victory and to trust in His ability to keep them. The preacher references the story of the Israelites in Exodus, highlighting how they were pursued by the Egyptians but ultimately walked out with a high hand, symbolizing their assurance of victory. He also mentions the struggles faced by believers today and assures them that God has a plan and will bring them to the end of that plan with joy. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer and a belief that the audience will experience victory in their lives.
Esther Dowie's Death, Pt 1
By John Alexander Dowie1.6K02:13GriefVictory in ChristPSA 23:4PSA 30:5ISA 43:2JHN 16:22ROM 8:281CO 15:57PHP 4:71TH 4:132TI 4:7REV 21:4John Alexander Dowie reflects on the life and death of Esther Dowie, emphasizing the profound beauty and purity of her spirit dedicated to God and humanity. He expresses sorrow over her sudden passing due to disobedience, yet finds solace in the victory given by God, reminding the congregation of His presence in times of grief. Dowie encourages the faithful to remember the joy and love that Esther embodied, even in her absence, and to trust in God's plan amidst sorrow.
The Presence of God
By Arthur Blessitt1.5K1:27:17Presence of GodEXO 33:14DEU 31:6JOS 1:9PSA 23:4ISA 41:10MAT 28:20HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about carrying a cross and meeting a general in a presidential palace. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the gospel and asking people if they are saved. The speaker also encourages the audience to come together in love and unity. The sermon concludes with a call to sing a song about getting together in love, with the repetition of the name of Jesus.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Rod and staff are here not so much those of the pilgrim, which would be a confusing transition to a different figure, but those of Jahve, the Shepherd (שׁבט, as in Mic 7:14, and in connection with it, cf. Num 21:18, משׁענת as the filling up of the picture), as the means of guidance and defence. The one rod, which the shepherd holds up to guide the flock, and upon which he leans and anxiously watches over the flock, has assumed a double form in the conception of the idea. This rod and staff in the hand of God comfort him, i.e., preserve to him the feeling of security, and therefore a cheerful spirit. Even when he passes through a valley dark and gloomy as the shadow of death, where surprises and calamities of every kind threaten him, he hears no misfortune. The lxx narrows the figure, rendering בגיא according to the Aramaic בּגוא, Dan 3:25, ἐν με ́σῳ. The noun צלמות, which occurs in this passage for the first time in the Old Testament literature, is originally not a compound word; but being formed from a verb צלם, Arab. ḏlm (root צל, Arab. ḏl), to overshadow, darken, after the form עבדוּת, but pronounced צלמות (cf. חצרמות, Hadra-môt = the court of death, בּצלאל in-God's-shadow), it signifies the shadow of death as an epithet of the most fearful darkness, as of Hades, Job 10:21., but also of a shaft of a mine, Job 28:3, and more especially of darkness such as makes itself felt in a wild, uninhabited desert, Jer 2:6. After the figure of the shepherd fades away in Psa 23:4, that of the host appears. His enemies must look quietly on (נגד as in Psa 31:20), without being able to do anything, and see how Jahve provides bountifully for His guest, anoints him with sweet perfumes as at a joyous and magnificent banquet (Psa 92:11), and fills his cup to excess. What is meant thereby, is not necessarily only blessings of a spiritual kind. The king fleeing before Absolom and forsaken by the mass of his people was, with his army, even outwardly in danger of being destroyed by want; it is, therefore, even an abundance of daily bread streaming in upon them, as in Sa2 17:27-29, that is meant; but even this, spiritually regarded, as a gift from heaven, and so that the satisfying, refreshing and quickening is only the outside phase of simultaneous inward experiences. (Note: In the mouth of the New Testament saint, especially on the dies viridium, it is the table of the Lord's supper, as Apollinaris also hints when he applied to it the epithet ῥιγεδανῶν βρίθουσαν, horrendorum onustam.) The future תּערך is followed, according to the customary return to the perfect ground-form, by דּשּׁנתּ, which has, none the less, the signification of a present. And in the closing assertion, כּוסי, my cup, is metonymically equivalent to the contents of my cup. This is רויה, a fulness satiating even to excess.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
In the darkest and most trying hour God is near. the valley of the shadow of death--is a ravine overhung by high precipitous cliffs, filled with dense forests, and well calculated to inspire dread to the timid, and afford a covert to beasts of prey. While expressive of any great danger or cause of terror, it does not exclude the greatest of all, to which it is most popularly applied, and which its terms suggest. thy rod and thy staff--are symbols of a shepherd's office. By them he guides his sheep.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,.... Which designs not a state of spiritual darkness and ignorance, as sitting in the shadow of death sometimes does, since the psalmist cannot be supposed to be at this time or after in such a condition; see Isa 9:2; nor desertion or the hidings of God's face, which is sometimes the case of the people of God, and was the case of the psalmist at times; but now he expressly says the Lord was with him; but rather, since the grave is called the land of the shadow of death, and the distresses persons are usually in, under apprehensions of immediate death, are called the terrors of the shadow of death; see Job 10:21; the case supposed is, that should his soul draw nigh to the grave, and the sorrows of death compass him about, and he should be upon the brink and borders of eternity, he should be fearless of evil, and sing, "O death! where is thy sting? O grave! where is thy victory?" Co1 15:55, though it seems best of all to interpret it of the most severe and terrible affliction or dark dispensation of Providence it could be thought he should ever come under, Psa 44:19. The Targum interprets it of captivity, and Jarchi and Kimchi of the wilderness of Ziph, in which David was when pursued by Saul; and the latter also, together with Ben Melech, of the grave, and of a place of danger and of distress, which is like unto the grave, that is, a place of darkness; and Aben Ezra of some grievous calamity, which God had decreed to bring into the world. Suidas (w) interprets this phrase of danger leading to death; afflictions attend the people of God in this life; there is a continued series of them, so that they may be said to walk in them; these are the way in which they walk heaven, and through which they enter the kingdom; for though they continue long, and one affliction comes after another, yet there will be an end at last; they will walk and wade through them, and come out of great tribulations; and in the midst of such dark dispensations, comparable to a dark and gloomy valley, covered with the shadow of death, the psalmist intimates what would be the inward disposition of his mind, and what his conduct and behaviour: I will fear no evil; neither the evil one Satan, who is the wolf that comes to the flock to kill and to destroy, and the roaring lion that seeks whom he may devour, since the Lord was his shepherd, and on his side: nor evil men, who kill the body and can do no more, Psa 27:1; nor any evil thing, the worst calamity that could befall him, since everything of this kind is determined by God, and comes not without his knowledge and will, and works for good, and cannot separate from the love of Christ; see Psa 46:1; for thou art with me; sheep are timorous creatures, and so are Christ's people; but when he the shepherd is them, to sympathize with them under all their afflictions, to revive and comfort them with the cordials of his love and promises of his grace, to bear them up and support them with his mighty arm of power, to teach and instruct them by every providence, and sanctify all unto them; their fears are driven away, and they pass through the dark valley, the deep waters, and fiery trials, with courage and cheerfulness; see Isa 41:10; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me; not the rod of afflictions and chastisements, which is the sense of some Jewish (x) as well as Christian interpreters; though these are in love, and the saints have often much consolation under them; but these are designed by the valley of the shadow of death, and cannot have a place here, but rather the rod of the word, called the rod of Christ's strength, and the staff of the promises and the provisions of God's house, the whole staff and stay of bread and water, which are sure unto the saints, and refresh and comfort them. The Targum interprets the rod and staff of the word and law of God; and those interpreters who explain the rod of afflictions, yet by the staff understand the law; and Jarchi expounds it, of the mercy of God in the remission of sin, in which the psalmist trusted: the allusion is to the shepherd's crook or staff, as in other places; see Mic 7:14; which was made use of for the telling and numbering of the sheep, Lev 27:32; and it is no small comfort to the sheep of Christ that they have passed under his rod, who has told them, and that they are all numbered by him; not only their persons, but the very hairs of their head; and that they are under his care and protection: the shepherd with his rod, staff, or crook, directs the sheep where to go, pushes forward those that are behind, and fetches back those that go astray; as well as drives away dogs, wolves, bears, &c. that would make a prey of the flock; and of such use is the word of God, attended with the power of Christ and his Spirit; it points out the path of faith, truth, and holiness, the saints should walk in; it urges and stirs up those that are negligent to the discharge of their duty, and is the means of reclaiming backsliders, and of preserving the flock from the ravenous wolves of false teachers: in a word, the presence, power, and protection of Christ, in and by is Gospel and ordinances, are what are here intended, and which are the comfort and safety of his people, in the worst of times and cases. (w) In voce (x) Shirhashirim Rabba, fol. 9. 2. Jarchi & Kimchi in loc.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
23:4 The shepherd used his rod and staff to fend off danger.