Though you lie down among the sheepfolds, you will be like the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold. (Psalm 68:13)
In the previous devotion, we proposed that David alluded to the fact God’s people are tasked with proclaiming the Word of God to the nations. This is to say that, not only are we to stand fast for the truth in the midst of falsehood, we are also to guide others in that truth. We must be prepared to, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season to convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2) and “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). This being so, it stands to reason that we must be well trained in the Word so that we may be complete and “thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17). It is this objective that connects us to the words of David above.
At first glance, the words seem overly poetic and, frankly, a bit bewildering. However, when we look at this verse in Hebrew, an interesting concept comes to light. The word translated as sheepfolds is also found in a very conspicuous place. Speaking to his son, Issachar, Jacob said: “Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between two burdens; he saw that rest was good, and that the land was pleasant. He bowed his shoulder to bear a burden, and became a band of servants” (Genesis 49:14-15). The thematic connection between this prophecy and David’s psalm is found in these two phrases: “you lie down among the sheepfolds” and “lying down between two burdens.” The Hebrew word translated as sheepfolds in the psalm is the same word rendered as burdens in the prophecy. Okay, but what does this mean?
The Bible reveals that the tribe of Issachar excelled in studying and understanding the Word. It is written that “the sons of Issachar had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do … and all their brethren were at their command” (1 Chronicles 12:32). Jewish tradition suggests they sacrificed physical comforts in order to devote their time and energy to understanding the Word. Not only did they dedicate themselves to the task of learning, but being well equipped to teach, they also embraced the responsibility to guide their countrymen in spiritual matters — a chore not always appreciated and often requiring one to get their hands dirty.
In short, sometimes it can be unpleasant to lie down among the sheep in order to keep watch. It can be a burden to commit one’s self as a servant to the flock, but as David so aptly said, the reward is tremendous. Yes, ministering the Word to people can sometimes result in getting splashed with the world’s mud, but as David said, those who serve the Lord in this manner will emerge as clean and as white as a dove whose wings are plated with silver and gold. It is very rewarding to know that one has been diligent to proclaim His Truth and to see the impact it has on the lives of His sheep, especially among those who had been lost. And to know that He is pleased — well, there is no greater reward than that.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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