Psalms 23:4
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
Why did David say rod and staff? Aren’t they the same thing? Well, yes and no. A rod can be a staff, but a staff is not a rod. Now that I have you totally confused, let me explain.
Staff is nothing more than a walking and guiding stick. Think shepherd. It aids you in walking over rough terrain. You can lean on it when you get tired. It can be used to guide sheep and of course, you can defend yourself with it.
A rod is a staff with a symbol of power. Think royalty. They were designed specific to the bearer. It is used to signify someone of importance. In many ways, you could say it would tell others not to mess with this person.
So, back to why it is important that David used both terms. When walking through the valley of death God is showing His power with the rod. He shows His sovereignty. He is telling the enemy don’t mess with Me or my child. The staff He uses to guide us over rough spots, defends us against the enemy. He shows us His shepherding side. God is both our sovereign ruler and shepherd. He uses a rod and staff to comfort us.
Lord, I am so thankful for Your presence in my life as both a sovereign ruler and shepherd. ~amen
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