Psalm 23:4​—“Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death”

The article Psalm 23:4​—“Though I Walk Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death” from Jehovah’s witnesses discusses the meaning and context of Psalm 22/23:4. It emphasizes the protective care of God for his worshippers, using the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep. As Catholic apologists, we can engage in a series of conversations with Jehovah’s witnesses to present the Catholic understanding of this verse and the teachings it encapsulates. Let us explore these conversations, addressing the claims made in the JW article and providing a Catholic viewpoint based on Scripture.

Conversation 1

JW: According to our article, Psalm 22/23:4 highlights the comforting presence of God when his worshippers face dire circumstances. It uses the metaphor of a shepherd and his sheep to illustrate how God looks after his people.

Catholic: I agree that God’s protective care is beautifully shown through the imagery of a shepherd and his sheep. In the Catholic tradition, this verse reflects how God, like a loving Shepherd, guides and protects his flock. Just as a literal shepherd uses his rod and staff to protect and lead the sheep, God instructs and comforts his people through his Word, the Bible (Romans 15:4). He listens to our prayers, granting us mental and emotional peace (Philippians 4:6-7). Also, God often uses fellow worshippers to encourage and support us (Hebrews 10:24-25). Would you like to discuss any specific aspect of God’s care for his people?

JW: It is interesting to see these additional perspectives on God’s care. Could you further explain how the Catholic understanding includes the concept of protection through the metaphor of the shepherd’s rod and staff?

Catholic: Certainly! In Catholic teaching, the rod and staff represent the loving protection and guidance of God. Just as a shepherd uses his rod to fend off predators, God shields us from spiritual danger. Our spiritual predators are temptations and evil influences that seek to harm us and separate us from God’s love. Through the Sacraments, the teachings of the Church, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, God safeguards us against these spiritual threats. It is comforting to know that God not only protects us but also guides us with his staff, like a shepherd gently pulling a sheep away from harm. His guidance helps us make choices that align with his will, leading us on the path of righteousness.

Conversation 2

JW: The JW article highlights that Psalm 22/23:4 emphasizes the intimate relationship between David and Jehovah. David’s trust in God’s protection is evident in the change from referring to God in the third person to the second person.

Catholic: Yes, the intimate relationship between David and Jehovah is essential to understanding the depth of trust displayed in this verse. David’s experience as a shepherd in his youth helped him grasp the profound care God offers his worshippers. In this verse, David expresses his unwavering trust in God, knowing that he is personally aware of his struggles. As Catholics, we also believe in fostering a deep, personal relationship with God. Through prayer and the Sacraments, we strengthen our bond with him, growing in trust and seeking his guidance in all aspects of our lives. This intimate relationship enables us to overcome any fear in the face of dangers, just as David did.

JW: But how can you be sure that this intimate relationship with God is possible?

Catholic: We find assurance of an intimate relationship with God through Jesus Christ, who revealed God’s love for us. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:14). He invites us to know him intimately and be part of his flock. Jesus demonstrated the depth of God’s love by laying down his life for us (John 10:11). Through Jesus, we can approach God as beloved children, no longer separated by sin but reconciled through the sacrifice of the Good Shepherd. Through the grace of Baptism, we enter into a new relationship with God, becoming his adopted children (Romans 8:15-17). It is this intimate relationship, made possible through Jesus, that gives us the confidence David expressed in Psalm 22/23:4.

In our conversations with Jehovah’s witnesses regarding Psalm 22/23:4, we have explored the Catholic understanding of God’s protective care and guidance. We emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with God, rooted in Scripture and upheld by the teachings of the Church. Through the shepherd analogy, Catholics see God’s provision and protection in various aspects of their lives. We can approach God with trust, knowing that he is intimately involved in our journey and offers us the strength to face any challenges.

Throughout our discussions, we drew on the broader context of Scripture to support Catholic teachings. By examining the teachings of Psalm 22/23:4, we have affirmed the Catholic belief in God’s loving care for his people, highlighting Scripture passages such as

  • Romans 15:4,
  • Philippians 4:6-7,
  • Hebrews 10:24-25,
  • John 10:14-17, and
  • Romans 8:15-17.

These passages show how Catholics interpret Psalm 22/23:4 and relate it to other key teachings of the Faith.

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