Members heartstrings Posted June 8, 2017 Members Share Posted June 8, 2017 (edited) I'm almost certain that a "rod and staff", as used by Old Testament Middle Eastern shepherds, was most likely a "comfort" to the shepherd instead of the sheep. This is me trying top walk in the pasture as my "lead sheep" (actually a pet) constantly crosses in front of me against my legs. I have to bump her with my knees to keep from tripping and falling. I will try to post another video later, to show you the difference it makes when I carry a staff. However, I have to admit; Sissy and Honeybun seem to enjoy using the staff for a scratching post. Edited June 8, 2017 by heartstrings Alan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Alan Posted June 8, 2017 Members Share Posted June 8, 2017 Hmmm. So maybe the rod, or staff, is not only meant to protect the sheep from enemies, but, the rod is to protect the shepherd from the sheep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members heartstrings Posted June 9, 2017 Author Members Share Posted June 9, 2017 1 Samuel 17 34And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. This, no doubt, was either a sick, weak lion and bear, or a supernatural event. I've always believed it was the latter. Naturally speaking, there is no way a human being can kill a lion, a bear with a stick. It just ain't happening. These type predators typically run faster than any human track star; so a non-superhuman shepherd isn't even going to get close enough to hit a lion, bear, or even a wolf with a stick. Bow and arrow, or sling quite possibly, but not a rod or staff. I just can't see it. I think the staff (meaning "support") was primarily used to steady the shepherd as he traversed the rough, hilly, rocky terrain. I believe the "rod" was used to goad the sheep and could also be used to, yes, protect the shepherd from the ram/s. If you're out in an open grassland, with no trees or anything the hide behind when the ram gets onery, it really comes in handy. I have had to use mine for that on many occasions but, usually all I had to do was look at him and raise it. They watch your eyes and respect the stick. Alan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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