Psalm 23

[Lightspirit]

Psalm 23 one of the most famous pieces of writing in the bible.



Does it mean anything to you?

PSALM 23 (NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE)

1The LORD is my (A)shepherd,
I shall (B)not want.
2He makes me lie down in (C)green pastures;
He (D)leads me beside (E)quiet waters.
3He (F)restores my soul;
He (G)guides me in the (H)paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
4Even though I (I)walk through the [a]valley of the shadow of death,
I (J)fear no [b]evil, for (K)You are with me;
Your (L)rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5You (M)prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have (N)anointed my head with oil;
My (O)cup overflows.
6Surely (P)goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will [c](Q)dwell in the house of the LORD forever.




Most people If asked about this psalm would describe the Valley of the shadow of death in verse 4 as a metaphor for difficult times only. The valley of the shadow of death is a real geological place in Israel a road between Jericho and Jerusalem that can be risky to walk through. I thought that might be worth sharing if you dont already know.

http://www.ffhl.org/2006/jericho.asp

http://www.olivebranch.com/isreal/mtemp.htm

[Gem]

The psalm is open to interpretation so I have no idea what it really means.

[Lightspirit]

Anyway back on track when i discovered that the Valley of the Shadow of death is a real place it made reading psalm 23 so much different, because i always thought it was a metaphor.

Yes even though the Hebrew nefesh does not mean soul but life breath or life. The image is of someone whose breath has stopped and is then revived, brought back to life. Death is real.

Originally Posted by Saladkiller

Are you challenging the staff? I would advice against it since it against the rules.

You're on the idiot ignore list buddy.

[Lightspirit]

When I discovered The valley of the shadow of death was a real geographical place, it really brought new understanding to that psalm. I really like that psalm.

ON THE TWENTY-THIRD PSALM

In "pastures green"? Not, always; sometimes He

Who knoweth best, in kindness leadeth me

In weary ways, where heavy shadows be.



And by "still waters"? No, not always so;

Oft times the heavy tempests round me blow,

And o'er my soul the waves and billows go.



But when the storm beats loudest, and I cry

Aloud for help, the Master standeth by,

And whispers to my soul, "Lo, it is I."



So, where He leads me, I can safely go,

And in the blest hereafter I shall know,

Why, in His wisdom, He hath led me so.

Author unknown

[Lightspirit]

Originally Posted by Gem

The psalm is open to interpretation so I have no idea what it really means.

Its like that with that psalm I was just trying to shine a bit of light on it from a great sermon from a lady pastor that visited us once. I thought for those that might not have known about the valley of the shadow of death a real place I might share it. If you do a google search its interesting :)

Let's pull up a geographical map and see if it's possible to walk around the the valley of the shadow of death It reminds me that if one is to begin reading a work allegorically one most continue all the way through as such, does the same apply with metaphor and simile? I can see how that would change everything in regards to the psalm being historical.

The Negro spiritual 'Them Dry Bones' is also a song about the vally of the shadow of death