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Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. A sudden transition and contrast, such as David loved. The quiet paths of righteousness and peace remind the poet of the exact opposite—the dark and dismal way through the valley of the shadow of death. Even when so situated, he does not, he will not, fear. I will fear no evil , he says. And why? For thou art with me . The same Protector, the same gracious and merciful God, will be still with him—leading him, guiding his... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death - The meaning of this in the connection in which it occurs is this: “God will lead and guide me in the path of righteousness, even though that path lies through the darkest and most gloomy vale - through deep and dismal shades - in regions where there is no light, as if death had cast his dark and baleful shadow there. It is still a right path; it is a path of safety; and it will conduct me to bright regions beyond. In that dark and... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 23:4

Psalms 23:4. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death Through a dark and dismal valley, full of terrors and dangers, as this phrase signifies, Job 24:17; Psalms 44:19; Jeremiah 2:6; that is, though I am in peril of death, though in the midst of dangers, deep as a valley, dark as a shadow, and dreadful as death itself: or rather, though I am under the arrests of death, and have received the sentence of death within myself, and have every reason to look upon myself as a dying... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 23:1-6

Psalms 23:0 Divine shepherd and hostGod’s relationship with his people is like that of a shepherd to his sheep. He provides what is best for them, refreshes them continually, and guides them in the way that he knows is right. In so doing he proves himself faithful to his own nature as the covenant God of his chosen people (1-3).Despite God’s provision and guidance, there will be dangers along the way. But as a shepherd uses his club (rod) to beat off wild animals, and his crook (staff) to... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 23:4

Yea = Moreover. through. Not into; but "through", and out of it, into resurrection life. valley, &c. = a valley of deep shade: may include (but not necessarily) death's dark valley. evil. Hebrew. ra'a'. App-44 . Thou art with me. JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH. App-4 . rod and . . . staff = club and . . . crook. The only two things carried by the shepherd; the former for defense, the latter for help. The club for the sheep's enemies, the crook for the sheep's defense. A lesson for pastors to-day. ... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 23:4

Psalms 23:4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death— Yea, though I should stray into the valley of the shadow of death; a valley overspread with the horrors of darkness and of death, being thickly shaded with trees, and infested by wild beasts. Dr. Delaney thinks this a noble reference to the dismal forests of Hareth. "Surely," says he, "the valley of such a forest, with all its gloomy horrors, inhabited only by bears, and lions, and tygers, whose dens are in the deepest... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 23:4

4. In the darkest and most trying hour God is near. the valley of the shadow of death—is a ravine overhung by high precipitous cliffs, filled with dense forests, and well calculated to inspire dread to the timid, and afford a covert to beasts of prey. While expressive of any great danger or cause of terror, it does not exclude the greatest of all, to which it is most popularly applied, and which its terms suggest. thy rod and thy staff—are symbols of a shepherd's office. By them he guides his... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 23:1-6

Psalms 23David reflected on God’s many blessings to him and concluded that God would continue to be faithful to him and grant him fellowship in the future. This is a psalm of trust and confidence in God’s goodness in the present and in the future."Depth and strength underlie the simplicity of this psalm. Its peace is not escape; its contentment is not complacency: there is readiness to face deep darkness and imminent attack, and the climax reveals a love which homes towards no material goal but... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 23:4

Protection is the fourth blessing for which David gave God praise. The promises of the Lord’s presence assure us of His protection in times of danger when we fear (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). The shepherd’s rod (a cudgel worn at the belt) beat off attacking animals, and his staff (walking stick) kept the sheep away from physical dangers such as precipices. [Note: See ibid., "The Imagery of Shepherding in the Bible, Part 2," Bibliotheca Sacra 163:650 (April-June 2006):158-75.] Likewise, God... read more

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