a)What does the 23rd Psalm try to communicate? b)What echoes of the 23rd Psalm are to be found in Earle Birrey’s poem “23rd flight”? c)What does “23rd flight” communicate through the allusions to the 23rd Psalm?

The Twenty-third Psalm and the Twenty-third Flight

PSALM 23

Psalm 23 is a Biblical song of peace and tranquility . It is often heard at funerals or in times of great stress because of its calming and soothing influence . It is basically an understanding of God 's promise to protect and nurture all men

The psalm opens with a metaphor commonly found in the Bible and other literature : the Lord as a shepherd . The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want (Psalm 23 :1 . The speaker is using the metaphor to show

the relationship between him and God he is the lamb ready to be herded in a particular direction while the Lord is the shepherd who does the herding and the protecting of the lamb . The speaker notes that he is perfectly safe and happy while in the shepherd 's care

The second verse continues the metaphor of the shepherd herding , or leading , the speaker to places normally associated with peace and the countryside . These pastoral images include green pastures and still waters . Verse three elevates the metaphor of the caring shepherd to a higher plane as the speaker notes that God restoreth my soul : he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name 's sake (Psalm 23 :3 . Here he understands that God provides him with and inner peace and shows him the ways he should live and behave in to be pleasing to God

The next verse is one of the most popular of the psalm . 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 (Psalm 23 :4 . This verse refers to times when the speaker singularly finds himself in perilous situations . These situations might be times of persecution , natural disaster , or great tragedy . However , the speaker notes that he is fearless because he has God with him . The images of the rod and the staff are generally those of battle and violence , yet because here they are found in a context of the battle between good and evil , the speaker finds comfort in them . He is certain that good will prevail

Verse five presents three images of power , wealth and respect . The speaker remarks that God is preparing him a table before me in the presence of mine enemies (Psalm 23 :5 ) which is a sign of power respect and faith . God anoints his head with oil , which is another Biblical image of respect and worship . My cup runneth over (Psalm 23 :5 ) is a line that is symbolic for being blessed with great fortune of all kinds , both material and spiritual . The speaker is basically saying that with God as his shepherd , he will never be at a loss for anything

The conclusion of the psalm is an affirmation by the speaker of his undying and unwavering faith in God who has been his provider and protector throughout his life . Surely...