I grew up in Chicago, an urban concrete jungle of over three million people. I don't have any first-hand experience with shepherding and the only time I ever saw farm animals was when we went to the zoo or alongside the motorway on trips out of town. Before I came to Scotland I'd never seen sheep or met a shepherd, in fact, I hadn't even heard of shepherd's pie!
However, for the first readers of the 23rd Psalm the "Shepherd" was a very familiar person and provided a very appealing metaphor, conveying God's devoted care for the well-being of his sheep - the nation of Israel. They understood that a good shepherd is committed to the protection of his flock and ensures provision for their material needs (food, water, rest, and shelter) so that the sheep are satisfied, refreshed, and revived. They knew that the sheep depend on the guiding voice of the shepherd who leads the sheep in paths that lead to life and well-being. They were well familiar with the shepherd's tools and their purpose. They knew the shepherd's rod as a weapon of defence and offense, and the staff as a tool of guidance.
So when the psalmist refers to Jehovah as "my shepherd" it resonated with them in a powerful and personal way. It reminded them that Jehovah would provide for their needs, consequently they "shall not want"; and that they should "fear no evil" for Jehovah stands guard protecting them from harm. It reminded them that Jehovah would sustain them through the difficulties of life through the comforting presence of his rod and staff; and that Jehovah's ever abiding presence would bring restoration to their weary souls as he led them through the complex journey of life. Furthermore, with Jehovah as their shepherd they could approach the future with the hope of an anointed life filled with overflowing, abundant blessings which would last for all eternity!
You don't have to be familiar with sheep or shepherding to identify with the longing for peace, security and hope that this psalm expresses. It's something that transcends all cultures and generations and it's why this psalm continues to bless people today. It reminds us that we are not alone, that God is an ever-present help in times of trouble, and that he watches out for us, that he will provide for our needs and that his guiding hand is leading us toward the wonderful plan he has for our future. With faith in God's promises, we too can rest in the knowledge that God is our shepherd.
Darnell Starks is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Nazarene Church in Perth. He is originally from Chicago in the US, where he did his theological training at Moody Bible Institute. He moved to Scotland in 2003 and has been Pastor at Trinity Church since 2008.
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