What is the difference between a shepherds rod and staff

Sheep are dependent on their shepherd for direction and protection. They are not independent creatures, They are not strong, nor are they survivors. They quickly wander away and can easily be led astray. So when a sheep stray, the shepherd will prod them back into the sheepfold and put wandering sheep back on the right path. In biblical times, a shepherd consistently used both a rod and a staff to tend the flock.

Both were used to protect the sheep, each in a very specific way. The rod was used to fight off wild animals and to count the sheep and direct them.

The rod prodded them during the day in the fields and at night into the sheepfold. A willing sheep would respond to the prodding, but a stubborn, strong-willed sheep would not. While sheep might not be as dumb as often suggested, they do have characteristics that give some merit to that claim. They endlessly wander, seemingly without direction. The shepherd uses the staff to more strongly exert his authority and to gently, but firmly, pull the sheep back to the fold and keep the sheep moving in the right direction.

He can also use the crook of the staff to pull the sheep from harm. So what is the rod and staff that our Good, Great, and Chief Shepherd uses? I would suggest, figuratively, it is His Word. The Holy Scriptures move us, direct us, guide us, and even correct us, to put us back on the right path and keep us in the sheepfold under the care of our Shepherd.

Therefore, ask yourself, does the Lord need to use His rod to direct you with gentle prodding? Do you respond? Browse Our Archives.

Also, send me special offers. Meet the World's Confessional Lutherans. What Is "Progressive Christianity? Roger E. My Book on Fascism Revisited. The Failure of the "Youth Group" Related posts from Christian Crier. Anglicanism and the Brothers K. Growing Pains and TBI. Late Monday afternoon, I left work and raced over to my son This photo shows the modern shepherd might add a gun to his equipment: Even so, you can see this fellow is holding a heavy stick in the near hand and a thin stick in the other.

Keller lists several purposes for the shorter, heavier rod: As a club or throwing stick to defend against predators. For disciplining wayward sheep.

To assist in examining and counting individuals in the flock. The staff serves different purposes: Rounding up sheep into a flock. Guiding sheep by applying pressure to an individual's flank. Extricating sheep from bad situations. On the other hand, most of the photos I see of traditional shepherds do show just one tool: My guess is that the dangers from predators and rival herders is less common these days so one tool can serve both purposes.

Improve this answer. Thank you very much for the detailed explanation. Have you seen any imagery of the staff and rod being one in the same? E1Suave: That sounds like the Irish shillelagh. I also found pictures pictures of shepherd staffs scroll down that are much sturdier and would serve as a weapon.

But I don't think that's what Psalm 23 has in mind. I have goats. When they were young I carried a rod and a staff. The rod was to defend the goats against dogs. Though the curved staff was as long, it was not as strong having been bent into a curve. The curve would break easily if used as a weapon.

I carried the staff so I could draw the goats to me. Now that the goats are older and can defend themselves against single dogs, and since they come to me when I want them, I carry a dog dazer, a pocket of shredded wheat and a. When I raised livestock I had both a rod and a staff The rod is useful in training the animal to give in to the lighter touch of the staff. Of course the rod is also useful for other things, such as defending the animals.

It is used in this answer: The shebat rod has the meaning of a 'tribe' or a 'sceptre'. Bob Jones Bob Jones 6, 1 1 gold badge 16 16 silver badges 54 54 bronze badges. The last letter is different. Sensus plenior is based on the premise that puns and riddles are the genre of prophetic riddle. Literalists shy away from punning. Dusky Dusky 21 1 1 bronze badge. Welcome to Biblical Hermeneutics! We're a little different than other sites.

Can you show some scriptural passages where staff and rod are used of mental and physical persuasion? That would help this answer greatly. Dusky Due to the nature of this site, a reference may be required to support your conclusions. Simply Susan. Staffs and rods feature prominently in shepherding exhibitions, where herding skills are judged for competition.

Livestock management will occasionally require keepers to move herds and catch single animals. A shepherd's rod is a crafted club whittled from solid wood, often featuring an enlarged knob at the end. To use the rod defensively, simply lob the club toward a predatory animal to scare it away. Practice with your rod to improve heft and control over the weapon.