As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death | Psalms 23 4

Even for someone who doesn't know about this verse, the words "as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death" is a very vivid, and probably relatable scenario to many of our lives.

Just the other night, I was walking home at an hour where the loudest sounds were the chirping of crickets and the croaking of a stray bull frog that seemed to be following me the whole way home (it did sound like the same one all the way). And as I walked through a part of the path where, on both sides, great trees of oak-like size stretched their wide canopy over me, what little moonlight I had disappeared just a few steps ahead of me. I felt like I was walking into darkness itself. Naturally, the words of Psalms 23 4 echoed in my head:

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalms 23 4

This is the second article on Psalms 23, the previous one being on Psalms 23 6. It also includes a short summary of the context and explanation of Psalms 23 as a whole. Do check it out after reading today's verse of the week!

What is the valley of the shadow of death?

The valley is usually used as a metaphor of trouble, or a "low" place. Physically, it is also a place of trouble. When one travels in a valley, you would be surrounded by high places: high places perfect for predators or enemies to hunt you while you can't see them. And even while the shadow cast by the cliffs may shield you from the sun, it is also a veil over your vision, hence, probably where the image of "shadow" came about. Even in a battle, the side who has the high ground has the advantage; and the side in the valley is vulnerable to ambushes and attacks from unseen places all around. The valley is a perfect picture of a place of fear.

Furthermore, the Psalmist describes it as the valley of the shadow of death. Everyone has this fear of death. Not just death of the body, but the death of anything in our lives. It may be the death of a relationship, or the death of a dream, or the death of a loved one. The shadow of Death looms across Man's life, and I don't think we need much expounding on to see that our valley of the shadow of death is a commonality in the human experience.

What does Psalms 23 4 mean?

In the context of Psalms 23, the Psalmist talks about the Lord as our shepherd, who leads us to green pastures and still waters. In the context of a Shepherd bringing his sheep through the valley, it can be a journey of danger and anticipation of predators. And the Psalmist, who we believe is a shepherd himself, understood that the shepherd is what gave the sheep comfort. Therefore, he declares, "I will fear no evil, for You are with me".

It is of utmost joy that I see the words that the Psalmist chooses in this verse: "for You are with me". This verse is the turning point of Psalms 23, where the Psalmist switches from a Third-person perspective of addressing the Lord, to a personal and direct addressing. "You are with me".

This change in address signals almost like a change in the perspective of the writer, as if suddenly the Lord was right beside him as he was writing this verse. And it is a beautiful, beautiful picture. To know that as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord is close enough to me for me to address Him directly.

If that is not enough, this is also aligned to that picture of the Shepherd. It is common practice for the shepherd to lead the way in front of his sheep in the day when vision is clear and the path is certain. However, in the night, or when the sheep is unsettled, the shepherd travels in the midst of his sheep. Both shepherd and sheep can literally have a conversation without even lifting their voices!

Beloved, as you go about your week today, know that your Shepherd never leaves you nor forsakes you. In fact, in your valleys, He is close enough for you to whisper and He shall hear you and sweep you into His arms. Therefore, go into this week saying:

As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.