Psalms 23:4

The figure of the shepherd is still continued. "The sheep districts [in Palestine] consist of wide open wolds or downs, reft here and there by deep ravines, in whose sides lurks many a wild beast, the enemy of the flocks" (Tristram, Nat. Hist. p. 138). Even in such a dismal glen, where unknown perils are thickest, where deathly gloom and horror are on every side, he knows no fear. Cp. Jeremiah's description of Jehovah's care for Israel in the wilderness (Psalms 2:6). Bunyan's development of the idea in the Pilgrim's Progressis familiar to everyone.

the shadow of death The word tsalmâvethis thus rendered in the Ancient Versions, and the present vocalisation assumes that this is its meaning. But compounds are rare in Hebrew except in proper names, and there are good grounds for supposing that the word is derived from a different root and should be read tsalmûthand explained simply deep gloom(cp. R.V. marg.). It is not improbable that the pronunciation of the word was altered at an early date in accordance with a popular etymology (like our causeway, originally causey, from Fr. chaussée).

for thouart with me God's presence is His people's strength and comfort. Cp. Genesis 28:15; Joshua 1:5 ff.; &c. &c.

Thy rod and thy staff The shepherd's crook is poetically described by two names, as the rodor club with which he defends his sheep from attack (Mic 7:14; 2 Samuel 23:21; Psalms 2:9); and the staffon which he leans. The shepherd walks before his flock, ready to protect them from assault; they follow gladly and fearlessly wherever he leads.