The Song of Our Syrian Guest: Meditations on the Shepherd Psalm

This commentary upon the famous Shepherd Psalm is narrated by a sheep herder who lived in Syria; in describing caring for the animals, he reveals the full significance of the Biblical verse.

Published in 1904 at a time when Syria was still an agrarian society, this work juxtaposes Bible study of a legendary verse with the everyday life of a shepherd. Telling his story of tending the fields and observing the rhythms of nature, the narrator deftly weaves parallels to the scriptural verse, in a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world - God's creation.

Old Syrian cultural allusions, such as the reference to the 'valley of death', are explained in their context. The practice of tending to the sheep; keeping them warm, fed, and hydrated, and protecting them from wolves - all are discussed both practically and spiritually. Thus we grasp how salient allusions to shepherding were to those living in the era the Bible appeared.

Although the narration is quite short, it is a vivid and worthy read. So readers may visualize what is said, several illustrations are included within the text.