Psalm 23 is one of the most common funeral readings in America. And no wonder. Its soothing visions of green pastures and still waters, of a banquet table prepared for us, of our cups being so filled that they overflow, well, these are comforting thoughts and images especially in times of sorrow and grief.

But part of this well-known text isn’t quite so reassuring; in fact, at face value it’s questionable. “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” A rod and staff were the implements that Biblical shepherds used to assist themselves in herding sheep.

In case you haven’t given it much thought lately, a rod was a crafted heavy club with an enlarged knob at one end. Various sources suggest that a rod was a symbol of authority and could be used to fight off predators and to prod the sheep to take a desired action.

A staff (as pictured above) is better known to us. It’s a long, slender pole with a crook at one end which can be used to pull a sheep to safety. Or the pole portion could be pressed along a sheep’s side to guide it on a particular path that it may not be crazy about taking.

But still, what would make a rod and staff comforting to us?

As a former shepherd himself, the psalmist David was asking us to think from the viewpoint of the sheep.

Planning, critical thinking, and goal setting are not attributes that sheep possess. Infamous for wandering, they are easy prey. Creatures of habit, they tend to walk the same old paths. If not for their caretakers who lead them to fresh green pastures, they might stay in over-foraged fields and starve.

So, putting on my sheep’s thinking cap, I can see why the rod and staff would be comforting. We need them. They provide protection against danger and unsure times. The message from the Shepherd is this: “You are not lost. I’m here to pull you back onto a safe path. If you’re hesitant to try a new road or enter a gate, I’ll walk beside you and gently prod you. Even walking in the dark shadow of death, I’m here beside you with my rod and my staff.”

Walking a mile in someone else’s hooves can bring about enlightenment.

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A reading of Psalm 23

Sheep movement – an art form of modern-day sheep herding