Grace to you and peace, dear brothers, in the name Jesus Christ in whom is contained all knowledge of things hidden and seen. Today I would like to talk about something lighter.
Everyone seems to like the 23rd Psalm. I personally love it, but I think there is some confusion on the meaning of the Psalm. Particularly verse 4 which says:
This sparks my interest. Let's take a look at this particular verse for a moment.
I know it's sounds strange to start there, but let's start with the part that says, "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
What does this mean? The Scriptures use the word "rod" for judgement or discipline.
In Numbers chapter 20 God told Moses to strike Israel with a "rod". Instead Moses disobeyed God and struck a rock instead and water gushed out. God was pronouncing judgement on disobedient Israel, but Moses didn't want God to strike Israel. In other passages Moses asked God to put blot out Moses rather than Israel. This is a picture of Christ. Instead of the rod of judgement striking Israel, it struck the rock. And instead of God pouring out His wrath on us, He poured it out on His Son (the Rock) and out of this produces living waters.
In proverbs we see the term rod used to represent discipline. The Proverb 22:15 says, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him."
So we can see that the word rod doesn't seem like a comforting thing.
I can come up with two interpretations to this passage with that in mind.
The first interpretation is that God's "rod" of discipline comforts David by giving him assurance that God loves him. As the scriptures say, "The Lord disciplines those he loves" (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6).
God's discipline brings us assurance of our salvation. The main way God likes to discipline us is by means of repentance (Revelation 3:19). God causes us to repent. Sometimes, God can even cause us sickness in discipline. Whatever it may be joy can be found for those who weep the tears of repentance.
The second interpretation better fits the context of the verse. The earlier part of the verse says, "I will fear no evil, for You are with me." The "rod" of judgement could well be God's wrath poured upon evil. David is trusting that God will deliver him from his enemies (see Psalm 3) even as he is in their midst. Seeing how David wrote many psalms on this very subject it could be the most accurate meaning to this verse.
Whatever the interpretation may be, I pray that now you have a better understanding of the language used in this Psalm, may God bless you with His Spirit, leading you to the truth in Him. Grace and peace to you in the Lord Jesus Christ who was a propitiation, not just for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
Everyone seems to like the 23rd Psalm. I personally love it, but I think there is some confusion on the meaning of the Psalm. Particularly verse 4 which says:
This sparks my interest. Let's take a look at this particular verse for a moment.
I know it's sounds strange to start there, but let's start with the part that says, "Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me."
What does this mean? The Scriptures use the word "rod" for judgement or discipline.
In Numbers chapter 20 God told Moses to strike Israel with a "rod". Instead Moses disobeyed God and struck a rock instead and water gushed out. God was pronouncing judgement on disobedient Israel, but Moses didn't want God to strike Israel. In other passages Moses asked God to put blot out Moses rather than Israel. This is a picture of Christ. Instead of the rod of judgement striking Israel, it struck the rock. And instead of God pouring out His wrath on us, He poured it out on His Son (the Rock) and out of this produces living waters.
In proverbs we see the term rod used to represent discipline. The Proverb 22:15 says, "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him."
So we can see that the word rod doesn't seem like a comforting thing.
I can come up with two interpretations to this passage with that in mind.
The first interpretation is that God's "rod" of discipline comforts David by giving him assurance that God loves him. As the scriptures say, "The Lord disciplines those he loves" (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6).
God's discipline brings us assurance of our salvation. The main way God likes to discipline us is by means of repentance (Revelation 3:19). God causes us to repent. Sometimes, God can even cause us sickness in discipline. Whatever it may be joy can be found for those who weep the tears of repentance.
The second interpretation better fits the context of the verse. The earlier part of the verse says, "I will fear no evil, for You are with me." The "rod" of judgement could well be God's wrath poured upon evil. David is trusting that God will deliver him from his enemies (see Psalm 3) even as he is in their midst. Seeing how David wrote many psalms on this very subject it could be the most accurate meaning to this verse.
Whatever the interpretation may be, I pray that now you have a better understanding of the language used in this Psalm, may God bless you with His Spirit, leading you to the truth in Him. Grace and peace to you in the Lord Jesus Christ who was a propitiation, not just for our sins, but for the sins of the whole world.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
