This is interesting insight on sheep.
I saw this post on Facebook; with all its drawbacks, there is still an interesting fact or two to learn from social media:
This provides great insight as to what this part of Psalm 23 meant. I thought “He anoints my head with oil” was figurative language for God keeping the Psalmist healthy. I never knew this parallel.
“Sheep can get their heads caught in briers and die trying to get untangled. There are horrid little flies that like to torment sheep by laying eggs in their nostrils which turn into worms and drive the sheep to beat their heads against a rock, sometimes to death. Their ears and eyes are also susceptible to tormenting insects. They do not have much immune (defense) system. So the shepherd anoints their whole heads with oil. Then there is peace. That oil forms a barrier of protection against the evil parasites that try to destroy the sheep.
It makes us ask ourselves: Are there worldly evils that try to destroy us? Do we have times of mental torment? Do worrisome thoughts invade our minds over and over? Do we beat our heads against a wall trying to stop them? Have we asked God to anoint our heads with oil? He has an endless supply! His oil protects and makes it possible for us to fix our hearts, minds, and eyes on Him today and always! There is peace in the valley! May our good Father anoint your head with oil today so that your cup overflows with blessings! God is good and He is faithful!!”~ Heart Prints
Katarzyna Bialasiewicz (iStock)
God is always good, but we especially notice it in troubled times.
I think it is fascinating that, of all the animals created, God uses the metaphor of likening us to sheep and himself to the Shepherd. Sheep are one of the most enjoyable domesticated farm animals. The lambs are fun to watch, as they playfully frolic in the fields. Natural sheep varieties come in many different colors and hues, which provide the best fleece for wool fibers and fabrics. Sheep are friendly, they can learn their names, and will respond to them, whether they are pets or wild stock.
In the Bible, the Good Shepherd’s sole focus was on His flock, and His priority was to attend to their needs and safety. In John 10:2-4 (KJV), He declared, "...he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep... and the sheep hear his voice... he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them... and the sheep follow him for they know his voice." Jesus always called his "sheep" (his disciples,) reached out to them, and gathered them back into his secure watch. Similarly, He is still calling us, reaching out, beckoning for us to return and refocus on him because He can calm, comfort, and protect us, even in these turbulent times.
There are so many dangers and uncertainties but, just as the Facebook post indicated, if we allow him to anoint us with his oil - his guiding love, care, and protection - we can be guarded from the evils and torment swirling around, and we can experience peace, even amid anarchy and turmoil. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid," John 14:27 (KJV).
Colton Duke on Unsplash
So, carry some peace with you.
Wherever you go, I pray peace will follow, and you will enjoy many blessings of hope, happiness, healing, and protection, as you recharge you relationship with God! And always, all the best wishes to you on your journey of continued success.
