“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”
Psalms 23:2 KJV
While studying Psalm 23, I became fascinated with sheep. We are compared to sheep numerous times in scripture, so I decided to research information and facts about sheep.
In my studies, I came across four needs that must be met before sheep lie down and rest. These facts are according to Phillip Keller, as written in his book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.”
One: Sheep must be free of all surrounding fear.
Two: There mustn’t be any friction between other sheep in the flock.
Three: The sheep must not be tormented by insects, flies, or parasites.
Four: They must be free from hunger or thirst.
The significance of this scripture becomes even more apparent when you discover where sheep would typically graze in ancient Israel.
When thinking of green pastures, a vivid image of rolling green hills immediately comes to mind. This was not the case in ancient Israel though. Sheep were led to the Judean wilderness, which bears a stark difference from what we would call green pastures.
In this area, moist wind blows from the west and falls on rocks, which then causes little bits of grass to spring up around the rocks. These small tufts of grass were what sheep would eat. The landscape appears barren to the naked eye, but there is enough for the sheep for that day.
Shepherds do not drive sheep; sheep follow. Sheep know and trust the voice of their shepherd. The shepherd knows where to find food, water, and places to rest. Sheep don’t.
Finding water, food, and a place to rest in the wilderness was a sure sign of the shepherd’s skill and his understanding of the area. Because of the shepherd’s knowledge and skill, the sheep do not worry about tomorrow, for they has enough for today.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
We can trust that our Good Shepherd will lead us well.
Devotion by Caitlin Walker
