Psalm
23:1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Defender's notes.(The shepherd of this best-loved psalm is the Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:11-16,27-30). In addition to the incomparable message of the psalm (there is no greater chapter in the Bible on the believer's security) there are remarkable internal structures helping to denote its divine inspiration. For example, note the following pattern of references to the Shepherd: One reference to "the LORD" in Psalm 23:1. Two references to "He" in Psalm 23:2. Three references to "He" in Psalm 23:3. Three references to "Thou" in Psalm 23:4. Two references to "Thou" in Psalm 23:5. One reference to "the LORD" in Psalm 23:6.)
23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
23:3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
23:5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
What do you understand by "Thy rod and thy staff" ? I have an uneducated personal idea, but I would be glad for some 'scholarly' input .