In the first four verses of Psalm 23, David depicts the picture of a shepherd with his sheep to describe the relationship God has with us and we with Him. It's understandable of a shepherd leading his flock to green grass and calm waters. Until we get to v. 4, where the valley of the shadow of death raises thoughts of a dangerous situation where a sheep's life is in jeopardy. However, the connection between vs. 3 and 4 confirms that the path through the valley is also one of the paths of righteousness in which God leads. But why would a good shepherd who would lay down his life for his sheep lead a lamb into a valley filled with danger and death threats? There's only one possible answer: "To get to some better place!"
Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 23
Philippians 4:1-9
Matthew 22:1-14
