The shepherd’s rod was the primary weapon of defense for both the shepherd and his sheep. The rod was like a club which could be used like a hammer or be thrown. The rod was like an extension of the owner’s hand. It stood as a symbol of his strength, his power, and his authority in any serious situation. It was also the instrument he used to discipline and correct any wayward sheep that insisted on wandering away.
A Symbol of Authority
In other places of the Bible, the rod signified authority. When God sent Moses (a desert shepherd at the time) to deliver Israel out of Egypt, it was his rod that was used to demonstrate the power vested in him. It was always through Moses’ rod that miracles were made manifest, not only to convince Pharaoh of Moses’ divine commission, but also to reassure the people of Israel.
A Symbol of Care
Another interesting use of the rod in the shepherd’s hand was to examine and count the sheep. In Ezekiel 20:37, we find God making each of His individual children “pass under the rod” of His judgement. To me, this not only provides the image of coming under God’s authority, but also coming under His most careful and intimate examination. A sheep that passed under the rod was looked over to ensure that all was well. Because of their wool, it was not always easy to detect disease, wounds, or defects in the sheep. The rod was used by the shepherd to single out each sheep from the herd to examine it. The shepherd would examine the sheep not only visually, but would comb over him with his hands and examine every detail to ensure that all was well.
It is also a comfort to the sheep that any hidden problems be laid bare before the shepherd. This is what David wrote in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” If we will allow it, if we will submit to God, He will search us. He will expose the things that we need to make right. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has only our best interests at heart when He searches us. What a comfort in knowing that we are under His care.
A Symbol of Guidance
The shepherd’s staff was primarily used as an instrument to guide the sheep. A gentle touch from the shepherd would indicate where he wanted the sheep to go. The staff would be used to help the sheep navigate around danger and some very difficult routes. Sometimes a bit more pressure might have to be applied by the staff to get the sheep’s attention and direct them.
The staff often had a hook on one end, which was used at times to grab sheep and bring them back into the fold. This kept all the sheep together and going in the same direction. Spiritually, we take comfort in knowing that God will bring us back to Himself. In the Christian life, the gracious Holy Spirit draws us back on path and into fellowship with one another.
In our walk with God, we are told explicitly by Christ that His Spirit would guide us and lead us into all truth (John 16:13). This same gracious Spirit takes the Word of God and makes it plain to our hearts and minds. He can do this gently or harshly, depending on the level of stubbornness of us sheep. He does this because He cares for us and wants only the best for us. He sees the dangers ahead and guides and directs us for our good and His Glory. Don’t you find this comforting? David did!
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