Psa 23:4 | MHM | STEP | The Courage of a Dying Saint Having experienced God’s goodness all his days, David is confident even in the face of death. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death —even in the greatest dangers, deep and dark as death itself, the believer need not be afraid. For God’s people, it is but the shadow of death—no real evil, only the appearance. The valley may be deep and dark, but it is fruitful, and the walk through it is gentle, not a chase. It is a walk through, not into, the valley; the believer will come safely to the other side. I will fear no evil: for thou art with me —Death is a king of terrors, but not to Christ’s sheep. The believer can meet death with holy calm, knowing that God’s presence is with him. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me —God’s word and Spirit, his guidance and protection, are a comfort in life and in death. The rod may refer to the shepherd’s crook, used to count and guide the sheep (Lev. 27:32 ), or to defend them from harm. The gospel is called the rod of Christ’s strength (Ps. 110:2 ), and there is enough in that to comfort the saints even in their final hour, for underneath are the everlasting arms.

‏ Psalms 23:4

The Courage of a Dying Saint

Having experienced God’s goodness all his days, David is confident even in the face of death. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death—even in the greatest dangers, deep and dark as death itself, the believer need not be afraid. For God’s people, it is but the shadow of death—no real evil, only the appearance. The valley may be deep and dark, but it is fruitful, and the walk through it is gentle, not a chase. It is a walk through, not into, the valley; the believer will come safely to the other side.

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me—Death is a king of terrors, but not to Christ’s sheep. The believer can meet death with holy calm, knowing that God’s presence is with him. Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me—God’s word and Spirit, his guidance and protection, are a comfort in life and in death. The rod may refer to the shepherd’s crook, used to count and guide the sheep (Lev. 27:32 ^a), or to defend them from harm. The gospel is called the rod of Christ’s strength (Ps. 110:2 ^b), and there is enough in that to comfort the saints even in their final hour, for underneath are the everlasting arms.