Grace Baptist Church of Springs Valley

The word 'maketh" has no reference to compulsion, rather it has reference to the result of the shepherd's relieving his flock of their natural fears. He does, of course, provide them with an abundance of food, but that really is only one of the elements involved in the "green pasture" phrase. All students have learned that a hungry sheep will not lie down.

There are, at least, four natural fears which plague the sheep, and the shepherd must provide release from these fears ere the sheep will lie down.

1. Because of their timid nature, sheep refuse to lie down unless there is freedom from the fear of harm by its many enemies.
2. Because of their social behavior within the flock, they will not lie down until there is freedom from the friction with others within the flock.
3. If tormented by flies, or parasites, our sheep will not lie down. The shepherd must provide freedom from these pests in order that they may relax.
4. So long as they feel the need of nourishment they will not lie down. They must have freedom from hunger.

It is the wise selection of the feeding place which affords the needed nourishment so as to eliminate the hunger problem.

Since sheep are ill equipped for self defense, it is the presence of the watchful shepherd which provides the freedom from fear of their natural enemies.

Every animal society has an established order of dominance, or status, within the group. The presence and oversight of the shepherd is essential to the controlling of the rivalry, and self-assertion, which would keep each sheep on "edge".

The oriental setting requires the shepherd's careful observation for the summer distraction of ticks, nasal flies, bot flies, and warble flies. Repellents and dips must be applied in ample time to avoid such pests. Also, shaded areas are important to their freedom from these tormentors. Otherwise, the sheep will not lie down.

HE LEADETH ME BESIDE THE STILL WATERS

We urge our readers to note two very important words. "Leadeth" is the first one. A true shepherd leads his flock. He is not a "sheepherder" - one who drives the sheep. As he leads to green pastures, he also leads the sheep in quest of that all important commodity - water. Some animals in arid, or semi-arid, country survive on moisture derived from grasses and other forage. This isn't the case with sheep While they do seem to thrive in semi-arid country, water is extremely important to their health and survival. They are totally dependent upon their shepherd's ability to know where clean supply maybe found.

Thirst is an indicator that one's water supply must be replenished. Dehydration of tissues will quickly result and physical damage is sure to occur if neglected for long periods of time. If clean water is not discovered, sheep will drink from polluted sources resulting in serious illness, or disease.

Four general sources of water for the sheep are:

• the natural supply found in grass when heavy with dew.
• In the orient, deep wells are sometimes provided by the shepherd.
• Hand hewn caverns at a spring, or along a river may also be found.
• However, streams are the most common source of supply. Here the water is most apt to be clean and refreshing.

However, sheep are afraid of rapidly moving current, and for good reason. Rapidly moving water quickly soaks into the wool and is apt to drag the helpless animal to its death. Here is where the knowledge and skill of the shepherd comes into play. With his hands, he creates a dam like structure into which a reverse current of water flows making a quiet pool of safe clean drinking water.
The second important word is "still". This word is more properly translated "stilled waters" as a result of the care on the part of the wise shepherd. A fearful current is transformed into a quiet pool - "stilled" waters.
Thus, our shepherd demonstrates his shepherding skill in providing the all important refreshment for his sheep.

HE RESTORETH MY SOUL

As this story unfolds, regarding the excellent care this shepherd provides for his flock, it seems unthinkable that any member of the flock would ever wander away, or rebel at compassionate management. Our reader needs to come to grips with the shocking truth that wandering does occur, and it is a fair picture of the careless behavior of our Great Shepherd's sheep. It is no accident that the Scriptures refer to us as "sheep". None, among domesticated animals, is so prone to foolishly wander as is a sheep.

Preoccupation with the "good things," provided by the shepherd, may be found to result in the sheep's wandering. A sheep may become so engrossed in feeding on the bountiful provision that it simply wanders over the hill, and away from the protective sight of the shepherd - thus wandering into areas of danger. Coupled with such neglect is the lack of watchfulness, or lack of just plain common sheep sense.

There is an old English word, which David employs in Psalm 42:11, suggesting a very common sheep problem.

"Why are thou cast down, 0 my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me?..."

A "cast" sheep is a pathetic sight. It is one which has fallen and is lying on its back unable to get up. In a slightly depressed area, the sheep's feet are up in the air, and it is impossible for it to get up. Even healthy (fat and long fleeced) sheep are prone to "casting". The shepherd maintains a watchful eye for victims of casting, because the predators also watch for "cast" sheep. The shepherd quickly comes to the rescue "restoring" the "cast down" one. Otherwise this will result in the sheep's death.

As this shepherd restores his sheep, David knows that his Great Shepherd restores him when has become "cast down". We, too, need to recognize our Shepherd's care for us. Not only does He save us - He also keeps us.

"For thou hast delivered my soul from death; wilt thou not deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?" (Psa. 56:13)

HE LEADETH ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

To qualify as a good shepherd, one must be skilled in the knowledge of the natural, and destructive, habits of sheep. Being creatures of habit, they would over graze their pastures, pollute their watering places, and disease themselves. They would follow the same trail until it became a gully, and the slopes becoming considerably eroded.

An expert manager will have carefully studied the best available pastures, the cleanest watering place, and the safest courses (paths) where he proposes to lead his flock.

He has carefully observed to ascertain the would-be dominate rams or ewes, and has a scheme by which he maintains proper control of (his) leadership.

Some paths would lead the flock through thorny bushes, damaging their wool, or would lead through areas where predators lurk. Some paths may furnish good grazing, but would also endanger the sheep. He has checked them all out, and knows the right paths over which to lead his flock.

All this is done with the realization that he will eventually be called into account for the welfare of the sheep. So, his expert care is not only for the safety of the flock, but also that his reputation (name's sake) is safely guarded.

THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

Spring is coming to an end, and time is approaching when the shepherd will be leading the flock away from the "ranch headquarters" for the long trek into the high country and unto better, and cooler, summer ranges. Up to this point, our "David sheep" has been addressing a neglected "next door pasture sheep" relative to the expert care of his shepherd. At this halfway point in his "song," our sheep now turns to address the shepherd directly. We need to note the personal pronouns employed in this conversation.

In David's area, summers are spent in close companionship and solitary care of the shepherd. This normally entails a long trek from the home range. We will recall that when Samuel was sent to anoint the new king, David was a great distance from home, and also when Jacob sent Joseph to his brethren he, too, had to travel a great distance. In leading his sheep, the shepherd gradually works his way up the mountain - eventually above the area of the scorching sun. As fall approached, they would make the trek back down to the home range. During this period, the sheep are entirely alone with the shepherd. Daily intimate personal attention is imperative. All that now occurs in David's song occurs against this dramatic background in the wilder area in the mountains. There will wide rushing rivers to cross, and here is where the poisonous plants are apt to be found, and where the predators lurk in abundance. A good shepherd would have gone ahead and inspected the trails and all of the expected dangers. He would never take his flock into an area where he had not personally gone before. He has further prepared himself to safeguard his sheep and skillfully tend to them under the most critical circumstance. In full confidence, our "David sheep" says, "I will fear no evil, for THOU art with me." Every dark trial, every dismal disappointment, every distressing situation is thus faced with complete confidence in the expert management of his shepherd.

As today's believers in our Shepherd, we long to live above the lowlands of life, and move onto "higher grounds" with God. We speak of "mountain top" experiences with the Lord, and we envy those who have ascended the heights, and know that sublime sort of life. This means moving beyond the common crowd, and entering into a more intimate walk with our Lord. However, the average believer seems to harbor numerous false notions as to how this occurs. No one is "air lifted" onto higher grounds. This is gained only by climbing up through the valleys, through the deep ravines, gulches and draws. The best route is generally along these valleys. Towering cliffs may line each side, casting dark shadows - yet grassy glades thrive well here. Yes, predators lurk in abundance, natural disasters pose sudden calamities - YET this is still the best way, and the shepherd spares no pain, no trouble or time to keep an alert eye out for dangers.

We pause to note that these are not "blind alleys". Our Shepherd has no anticipation of our dying there. As David writes, "I walk THROUGH the valley...” So often, this picture is employed as a picture of the believer's death, but even then it is no dead end street. It IS the route to "higher ground". The one who learns to tread dark valleys apart from fear, with head still high, is the one who is a tower of strength and inspiration to companions here. All saints will know some dark valleys.

"....In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

(John 16:33b)

THY ROD AND THY STAFF THEY COMFORT ME

As any serious student has learned, the rod and staff is a two in one piece weapon and comfort apparatus. The rod end is for discipline, the staff end is a "crook" and is often used to rescue the sheep from dangerous places. The rod and staff isn't employed in any other profession. It is designed, shaped and adapted to the need of the shepherd.

1. The rod is a comfort to the sheep in the valleys and shadows, enabling the shepherd to maintain effective control of the sheep in every situation.

2. A second dimension in which the rod is employed, for the welfare of the flock, is that of warning or discipline. When a sheep gets too close to a poisonous weed, wandering too close to a predator, too near a cliff, or just plain straying, the rod is used to rescue, or return the sheep to safer quarters.

3. A third use of the rod is to examine or to count the sheep.

"And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant." (Ezek. 20:37)

Defects and wounds are not always easily detected. As the sheep are "folded" for the night, the skilled shepherd uses the rod to pull back the wool for inspection. This is what David is requesting in Psalm 139:23,24.

"Search me, 0 God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

4. The rod is an instrument of protection. It is the shepherd's sole weapon for the defense against attackers. Poisonous serpents are discouraged, and predators are driven off. We will recall that David slew a lion and a bear with his rod.

THE USE OF THE STAFF

The staff presents comfort in the dark valleys and shadows. There are, at least, three areas in which the staff plays a most significant role.

1. It is used in drawing sheep together into an intimate relationship. If separated, a new born lamb is drawn to its mother. The odor of a human hand upon the lamb may result in the ewe rejecting it.

2. The staff is used in guiding the sheep. Along dangerous paths, the staff maybe pressed against the side. It is the rod that disciplines - the staff is employed to comfort and guide.

3. The staff is also used to rescue one which has fallen into a dangerous place. The "crook" is so designed so that the shepherd may lift the sheep from the perilous place.

THOU PREPAREST A TABLE BEFORE ME IN
THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES

While the half-starved sheep, on yon side of the meadow fence, is eking out a mere existence on the parched meadows, our David sheep is feasting on the lush grasses on a mesa-like "tableland". The word "table" is, in numerous languages, translated "mesa" which is descriptive of the high plain area onto which the good shepherd has guided his sheep.

The delighted sheep is not so much occupied with the valleys, the shadows, the lurking enemies or the threat of death, but rather with the person and provisions of the shepherd. Here we see the higher ground as a series of banquet tables, even in view of the devastating predators

THE KEY WORD "PREPARED"

David is remembering the many days spent in inspecting, and preparing, of each mesa, before leading his flock there. Numerous attractive plants are toxic and would result in the sheep becoming paralyzed. While it is tedious, and back breaking work, all these plants must be uprooted. An eagle eye is required to detect any and all such dangers. Sheep, like people, often become "tasters" and "samplers" of everything just to see what it is.
Preparation also requires cunning defense against predators. He must watch for signs and trails of the predators so as to discover their hiding places in the brush and rocks. Clever traps are employed for "catching" many of the predators.

THE PRESENCE OF THE ENEMY

This is a very real problem, one the good shepherd must recognize and against which he must be on constant alert. Cougars and jackals usually attack at night. In stampeding the flock, legs and bodies are broken, and promoting great havoc. The sheep must learn to keep close to the shepherd. Roamers and distant sheep are easy targets. David is recalling the imperativeness of remaining on the alert. Nothing is more satisfying to the shepherd than to observe his sheep grazing contentedly on these tablelands.

Since the sheep has no defense mechanism, their peace and safety is entirely in the hands of the shepherd. While grazing, an old ewe may spot a nearby jackal. Shall she run? Prepare for battle? No, her only reaction should be to look up so as to be certain of the nearness of the shepherd who will do all the battle that is required. David sings: "I will fear no evil, for thou art with me."

THOU ANOINTEST MY HEAD WITH OIL
MY CUP RUNNETH OVER

There is never a time when the shepherd can be certain that all enemies are under complete control. In shepherd terminology: "Summer time is fly time". Not only do we discover "anointing" the heads of his sheep for thorny tears, etc., but one of the principle reasons for the anointing of heads is for the various fly infestations which are so prevalent.

Warble flies, bot flies, heel flies, deer flies, black flies, mosquitoes and gnats are annoying problems, but none so bad and devastating as nasal flies. Our good shepherd has not failed to equip himself for this trial. A modern shepherd would use linseed oil, sulphur and tar. These would be the antidote applied to the sheep's head. Just what antidote David had learned to use we don't know, but one so wise to understand the starry heavens, and one who is an expert in the care and defense of sheep, would certainly know the best remedy. We do know that it involved "oil" of some kind. It is believed to be olive oil mixed with spices and something akin to sulphur. Nasal flies, if left untreated, would drive the sheep mad, but our shepherd hero would have been well prepared for this occasion.

Summer time is also "scab" time, an irritating and highly contagious sheep disease. It is caused by a microscopic parasite that proliferates in the summer time. Since sheep are affectionate, and rub heads in a friendly manner, this problem spreads easily and rapidly. This is a second reason for generous application (overflowing cup) of the ointment.

GOODNESS AND MERCY TO FOLLOW

The emphasis in this Psalm has been laid upon the shepherd's diligent efforts and labor for the overall well being of the sheep. His skill, wisdom and affection has not escaped the comprehension of our witnessing sheep. David has been recalling his shepherd's great care in his life, and he anticipates no lessening of that care from this point forward, so he continues his song:

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:"

The summer routine is fast coming to a close. Soon the shepherd will lead his flock back down the mountain, and to the "home ranch", where the owner will be waiting to inspect his sheep relative to their good health and excellent wool quality afforded by the good shepherd's care. He has seen the flock through all sorts of testings and trials, and a genuine "well done," on the part of the owner, surely is forthcoming.

Here, David speaks of twin graces that will continue, even though the major trials are over. A few important observations are needed here, lest the reader conceive some false notion as to the shepherd "following" the sheep. A Biblical shepherd is NEVER spoken of as "following" his sheep - he always leads them. The "goodness" and "mercy", of which David sings is something which will continue throughout the life of this flock.

A second, and important, lesson is that the one which we have already noted. In caring for the sheep he is never spoken of as a "sheep herder". That is strictly an invention in our Western world. Sheep herders drive sheep - shepherds lead them.

A third point is that there are no references to sheep dogs in this Psalm. While it is a very beautiful sight to observe well trained dogs as they "herd" sheep, this would have been completely foreign to David, and to David's day.

GOODNESS

Romans 2:4 informs us that it is the "goodness of God" that leads us to repentance. God's "goodness," as such, is manifested to all His creatures, but to His children in particular. Daily, the goodness of God is bestowed upon us, even in times when we may conclude otherwise.

A missionary family, in the late 1930s, had been under house arrest by the Chinese Communists for two years. Much persecution had been endured, husband Jay had been stoned while preaching resulting in blindness in one eye. Threat of execution - accused of being an American spy. Being released, they were traveling by bus through the rugged mountains. Their exit took several days. The second morning, the bus left without them, the family, including two children, was left standing in deep snow for two hours awaiting a second bus. The wife Dorothy broke under the stress and poured out her complain against the Lord in the failure of His goodness toward His own. A few hours later, in the mountains, they passed the first bus. The brakes had failed and the bus went over a precipice killing nearly all on board. The "goodness" of their Great Shepherd had not failed. His goodness was faithfully following them.

HIS MERCY

Mercy is God's withholding from His own that which they rightly deserve. David fully realized that his shepherd's mercy was experienced time and time again. Indeed, "mercy" followed him throughout all the days of his life.

Our young missionary couple's first missionary effort ended as they were expelled from China. Many years later, they directed a ministry in Hong Kong where they are enabled to reach many Chinese for Christ. Upon compulsory retirement age, Jaymes and Dorothy Morgan settled near San Francisco and, for years, were involved in a very successful Chinese ministry. When advanced age, and failing bodies, required them to live in Austin, Texas near their daughter, they continued ministering in Chinese churches until the Lord called them home - Jay at age 91 and Dorothy age 90. His mercy never failed. The Chinese Christians, in Austin, established a memorial to the Lord's faithful servants.

"AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF
THE LORD FOR EVER"

The sweet singer of Israel visualizes climbing his last hill, trodding through the final dangerous valley, and arriving at the resting place for all who are called by God's grace.

Our Psalm begins with "The LORD", and closes with an equally positive buoyant affirmation - "And I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever." Here is a sheep so utterly satisfied with its lot in life, so fully content with the care it receives, so much "at home" with the shepherd that there is not a shred of desire for change. The shepherd is so pleased with this kind of sheep; they are his delight and profit that nothing shall ever part them. It is a "from now on" relationship.

WHAT IS MEANT BY "THE HOUSE OF THE LORD"?

We must keep in mind that the Psalmist is writing from the standpoint of a sheep. For devotional reasons, "the house of the Lord" is often interpreted as a sanctuary or meeting place for God's people. And, in some of David's experiences he did long for the House of God, even to the point of envying the sparrows and swallows that built their nests there.

But looking at this through the mind's eye of a sheep, this would not be the case. The Psalmist has recounted the full round of a year's activities. From pleasures and cares of the home ranch, passing onto the high tablelands, and now headed back to the home ranch for the long quiet winter.

During all this, it has been the shepherd's alertness and energetic management that has brought them through, and in excellent condition. With sublime feeling of both composure and contentment, he states, "I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." The "house of the Lord" seems to simply refer to the presence of the one who has been responsible for his safety and care. There is no wish to change whatever.

BACK TO THE MEADOW FENCE

We leave our contented sheep where we met him, standing at the meadow fence, boasting concerning his dear shepherd and the wonderful year under his care. But ere closing, we need to again behold the "other sheep". This poor abused and neglected creature belonging to a heartless one. Such are they to whom our Great Shepherd has commissioned us to witness. Daily we rub shoulders with men and women on the "other side" of the meadow fence. We need to measure our impact upon them. Are they made to desire to know our Shepherd?