Psalm 23 (or the 22nd Psalm in the Septuagint) is dear to the heart of millions of faithful Christians. This psalm has a very human character and applies to our existential relationship with God the Creator Who brought us into being and provides for our everyday care and spiritual wellbeing. Its teaching reminds
us of that which is most important in our lives, that we are God’s children and so we must love and trust in Him for all things. Christ is the "good shepherd" of mankind Who protects and cares for His flock. Even 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. (Psalm 23:4) Matthew Henry provides extensive commentary on the meaning of this Psalm, explaining the spiritual significance we should know: "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself," or rather, "though I am under the arrests of death, have received the sentence of death within myself, and have all the reason in the world to look upon myself as a dying man, yet I am easy." Those that are sick, those that are old, have reason to look upon themselves as in the valley of the shadow of death. Here is one word indeed which sounds terrible; it is death, which we must all count upon; there is no discharge in that war. But, even in the supposition of the distress, there are four words that lessen the terror:—It is death indeed that is before us; however,
This danger made light of, and triumphed over, upon good grounds. Death is a king of terrors, but not to the sheep of Christ; they tremble at it no more than sheep do that are appointed for the slaughter. "Even in the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. None of these things move me." A child of God may meet the messengers of death, and receive its summons with holy security and serenity of mind." Baptized in Death, Raised in Christ“It is necessary for you to be buried in death with Him by baptism. But it is not really death, but a shadow and image of death” (Gregory of Nyssa). “For we are baptized into the death of Christ, baptism is called the shadow and image of death, in face of which there is no longer anything to fear” (Cyril of Alexandria). The last part of this verse refers to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. “He comforts the believer, or guides him, with the rod and staff of the Spirit, for the One who guides and comforts is the Holy Spirit." (Gregory of Nyssa) "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17) "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come." (John 16:13) The Lord Is My Shepherd - Psalm 23
The psalm is closely related to Christ’s teaching about the good shepherd.
Christ is repeatedly referred to as the Shepherd of the faithful, Who heals and redeems mankind from the fallen nature of sin, corruption, and death.
Photo credit: © Getty Images/naruedom What is the valley of the shadow of death in the Bible?Now, this Valley is a very solitary place. The prophet Jeremiah* thus describes it: A wilderness, a land of deserts and of pits, a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, a land that no man (but a Christian) passed through, and where no man dwelt.
What is the meaning of shadow of death?Definition of shadow of death
: deep darkness : gloom.
What's the meaning of Psalm 23 4?Sheep guarded by a skilled shepherd are led to food and water, and protected from harm. In the same way, David praises God for giving him peace. The knowledge of God's protection and provision are a great comfort. This psalm incorporates themes of supply, defense, assurance, and care from God.
When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death?Psalm 23:1–6
4 Yea, 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. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
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