Читать книгу The Psalms - Herbert O'Driscoll - Страница 30

Psalm 23

Surely your goodness and mercy

shall follow me all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The Wadi Kelt is a deep valley with precipitous sides that runs from a point north-east of Jerusalem, cuts through the edge of the escarpment, and opens out on to the floor of the Jordan valley. Because of its depth, Wadi Kelt loses the evening sun early and fills with shadows.

Most guides will at some time point into the shadows and remind people of the psalm verse where the poet says, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me.” It is a tribute to the greatness of this psalm that, centuries later, people feel impelled to give the image an actual geography, even though imaginary.

In the time of our Lord, shepherding was low on the scale of occupations. Shepherds were sought when a dangerous and lonely job needed doing, and they paid a price. For the most part they were looked on as misfits and loners. They moved on the edge of society, were usually mistrusted, and sometimes—probably because of their toughness—were feared. As with Samaritans, prostitutes, and tax gatherers, Jesus identified himself with shepherds, enhancing their role by giving it an image of caring and responsibility.

Commenting on this psalm is rather like reviewing the Mona Lisa or La Pieta or any other great work of art. The images speak for themselves across culture and time. They, and the form in which they are expressed, speak directly to the human heart.

The language of this psalm carries a healing and reassuring quality. “The Lord … makes me lie down … leads me … revives my soul … guides me … comfort[s] me.” Each of these phrases responds to a deep human need. The weary are promised rest, the lost are assured of guidance, the depressed are offered revival of the spirit, the hurt are given comfort. Every word calms the mind and soothes the spirit.

As if these things were not enough, the psalm now presents images of welcome and hospitality. “You are with me … You spread a table before me … you have anointed my head … my cup is running over.” Hope and confidence return. “Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.”

The traveller has come home. It is once again possible to engage life.

Recall an occasion when you experienced some trouble. Ask God to be with you. Share the anxiety with God. Recall a current trouble. Share the anxiety with God. Rest in God’s presence. Now thank God for sharing with you and supporting you.