078. "They Comfort Me"

"They Comfort Me"

(Psalms 23:4) The heavy clubs carried by the shepherds are a means of defense, for the shepherd never knows what he may meet. They are the clubs mentioned in the Shepherd Psalm. Where would the "comfort" come in? The weight of these clubs would not feel comfortable. The watchful shepherd is always guarding his sheep that they may not be injured or killed by wild animals.

If a wild animal approaches, the shepherd comes and with all the strength he has, he brings the heavy rod down upon the enemy of his sheep and they are saved.

Then, sometimes the sheep or the little lambs are caught in the thorns or bushes or they may fall into a deep hole. The shepherd then takes his staff and tenderly lifts the lamb out of its difficulty.

He also leans on the staff when walking over rough, stony paths.

"Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me."