“ He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, — nourishment, rest. He leadeth me beside the still waters,
— the scene changes and so does the meaning. You think here of quietly flowing streams; so you get one more picture of rest; but you miss one of the finest scenes in shepherd life and one of the rarest blessings of the soul that is led of God. All through the day’s roaming the shepherd keeps one thing in mind. He must lead his flock to a drinking-place. The refreshment of good water makes the coveted hour of all the day; the spot where it is found amid the rough, waterless hills and plains is the crowning token of the shepherd’s unfailing thoughtfulness. When at last the sheep are led beside the still waters, how good it is, after the dust and heat of the sheep-walks!
“Would you get the shepherd meaning here? Then remember that streams are few in the shepherd country of Bible lands. The shepherds do not rely on them. Even where streams are found, their beds and banks are usually broken and their flow rough. Sheep are timid and fear a current of water, as they well may for they are easily carried down stream because of their wool.”
“Poor things, how do they ever get a good drink?” exclaimed one of the two little maids, whose heart was always open lovingly to animals.
“The shepherd sees to that, doesn’t he?” said the other timidly, with earnest eyes set on our guest.