Psalm 23:4 "Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way"
David conveys the idea of the shepherd providing safety and protection. Sheep are extremely playful and fearful, but the shepherd was equipped to protect the sheep.
The rod, which was more of a club, was used to protect the sheep from wild animals and robbers. The staff, as we have seen already was used to protect from scorpions and snakes. But also, the staff is the for directions and leading
As a result, the sheep were safe, even walking through the valley of the Shadow of Death--literally the valley of deepest darkness.
~John K Amoah~
