When I walk through the valley of the shadow of death?

Psalm 23:1–6

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

What does it mean to walk in the valley of the shadow of death?

This key verse of the 23rd Psalm transcends religion, and its wisdom is available to all of us. I walk through the valley of the shadow of death gives us permission to use our awareness of the shadow of death to immerse ourselves in the illuminating light of life.

What is the central metaphor of Psalm 23?

The psalm's chief poetic device is the metaphor: God is portrayed as two different archetypal figures in ancient Near Eastern culture, the shepherd and the host. As the shepherd, He guides and protects his flock, which is humankind. As host, God provides for humans, allowing them to celebrate His blessings.

WHO said even though I walk through the valley?

David had an understanding of the Lord being his shepherd. He knew God as his protector. As a matter of fact, David was so confident in his God that he said “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear NO evil.”

What is the meaning of the shadow of death?

Definition of shadow of death

: deep darkness : gloom.

The Valley of The Shadow of Death, Jerusalem

What is the meaning of valley of death?

valley of death (plural valleys of death) (idiomatic) Death; or a place or period where death is impending. quotations ▼ (idiomatic) A place of great danger.

What are the 3 main points of Psalm 23?

Interpretation of themes

Psalm 23 portrays God as a good shepherd, feeding (verse 1) and leading (verse 3) his flock. The "rod and staff" (verse 4) are also the implements of a shepherd. Some commentators see the shepherd imagery pervading the entire psalm.

What is the poem Psalm 23 is about?

Psalm 23 is a song of gratitude to a loving God in a painful world. In this ancient poem, a speaker asserts their faith in God as their protector, the “shepherd” who both guides and blesses them. To this speaker, God's goodness means that they have nothing to fear: whatever happens to them, God will be with them.

What was David going through when he wrote Psalm 23?

David wrote Psalm 23 having a good understanding of the life of a shepherd. However, he wrote this song from a perspective of a sheep. The land of Judea is a great reminder of how desperate any sheep would be for a shepherd.

Why was it called the valley of the shadow of death?

Now, this Valley is a very solitary place. The prophet Jeremiah* thus describes it: A wilderness, a land of deserts and of pits, a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, a land that no man (but a Christian) passed through, and where no man dwelt.

What is the rod and staff?

The rod conveys the concept of authority, power, discipline and defense of the sheep. The staff represents all that is long suffering and kind. A staff is a long, slender stick, often with a crook or hook on one end. The owner selects the stick with care and shapes, smooths and cuts it to best suit his personal use.

What does the rod symbolize in the Bible?

Biblical references

In the culture of the Israelites, the rod (Hebrew: מַטֶּה maṭṭeh) was a natural symbol of authority, as the tool used by the shepherd to correct and guide his flock (Psalm 23:4).

Why is Psalm 23 used at funerals?

What Is Psalm 23 About? "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." These inspiring words have become incredibly popular for Christian funeral services and Jewish funeral services. The famous Psalm uses a shepherd's care for his sheep as a metaphor to describe the wisdom, strength, and kindness of God.

What is the meaning of the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want?

Be careful with the phrase, "I shall not want." The speaker's not saying "The Lord is my shepherd, but I don't want him." Instead, he means that with God as his protector, he won't lack anything he needs. The word "want" means "lack."

What does I shall not want mean?

“I shall not want” means I shall have something that eludes most people today. I shall have contentment, security, fellowship with God, and that is enough. When the Lord is my shepherd, I always have enough.

How do you explain Psalm 23 to a child?

The shepherd makes sure his sheep has everything he needs like nice green grass and clean water. God gives him peace and rest because he can trust Him. God keeps him on the good path. Even when there's rough times he doesn't have to be afraid.

Who wrote Psalm 23 in the Bible?

David, a shepherd boy, the author of this psalm and later to be known as the Shepherd King of Israel, writes as a sheep would think and feel about his/her shepherd. “The Lord is my Shepherd” implies a profound yet practical working relationship between a person and the Creator and Savior.

What does he restoreth my soul mean?

The replenishing of our inner selves occurs as we come to know the Savior through keeping his commandments and serving him.

How do you read Psalm 23 at a funeral?

Psalm 23. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake.

Is the 23 psalm a prayer?

Psalm 23 is an iconic prayer that is recited at many funerals and is known as a Funeral Prayer. Believers find the reference to death, fearing no evil, and God being with them very comforting. The famous Psalm is ideal for a loved one's funeral service.

Where is the shadow of the valley of death?

The Wadi Qelt is a deep gorge in the Judean Wilderness that runs from Jerusalem down to Jericho. The area is one of the places likely considered to be the setting for 'The Valley of the Shadow of Death' in Psalm 23:4 mentioned above.

Who wrote about the valley of the shadow of death?

The Valley of the Shadow of Death, as described in The Pilgrim's Progress by poet John Bunyan.

What is a good Psalm to read at a funeral?

Psalm 90 is well-known for funerals, but other traditions, such as the Shabbat, will also use it.

What is a good Bible verse for losing a loved one?

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever.” Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”