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forbidden places.

Explain the next line. As the shepherd goes
before and leads his sheep by the right paths,
avoiding all dangers, so the Lord leads His
people into "the paths of righteousness".

What does "for His name's sake" mean? He has
undertaken to guide His people safely and will
do it for the honour of His name.

In the next section, whom is the Psalmist
addressing? He is speaking to the Lord.

What words show that he is still using the
figure of the shepherd and the sheep? "Through
the valley"; "Thy rod and thy staff".

What does the first line mean? Some paths that
are right paths for us to walk in still lead
through perilous places; and this is the way
the Psalmist refers to this fact in shepherd
life.

How should we feel? The Lord accompanies us,
and we should "fear no evil". The sheep follow
the shepherd with absolute confidence, and our
attitude toward "the Good Shepherd" should be
the same.

What words show that danger is sometimes close?
Death sometimes comes so close that it almost
seems to cast a shadow.

What does the "rod" represent? The rod is the
sign of authority, and represents the defence
and protection afforded by the shepherd to the
sheep, when in danger from robbers or wild
beasts.

What does the "staff" represent? The staff
denotes support and guidance, and is used for
aiding the sheep in places of need, even along
peaceful ways. The expression "Thy rod and thy
staff" covers the whole round of protecting
care.

Here the figure is changed. In the second metaphor God is represented as
a host with the Psalmist as a guest at a banquet.

"Thou preparest a table before me." The Lord
makes provision for man's needs. He does so
openly, publicly ("in the presence of mine
enemies").

In what other way does the Lord show His care
for His people? The Psalmist says: "Thou hast
anointed my head with oil."

To what does this refer? In the East, it was
the custom to pour an ointment of great
fragrance on the heads of the guests of honour
at a feast.

How does the Psalmist further picture the