Psalm 23 is my favorite Psalm and verse four has always been a great comfort to me. Did you know that The Valley of the Shadow of death is a
real place in Israel? How do we know
that? Well because Psalm 23 was written by a very famous former shepherd boy – David. As a shepherd he would have led his sheep through this valley. He understood the dangers there so he equated God’s sovereign protection and
care for His people to that of a unique relationship between a good shepherd
and that of his sheep. People of David’s time – Biblical times would have
understood the customs of shepherding and the dangers facing the sheep as they
were being led to pasture. They could relate to what David was referring to but those of us who have no clue about shepherding need a little clarification.
In Israel to this day there is a wadi (valley) called the
Wadi Kelt which literally means the valley of the shadow. It’s between modern day Jericho and Jerusalem. It got its
name from shepherds because of its steep sides and sheer rock walls. This pass
enabled the shepherds to lead their sheep from one mountain to another to
pasture. But it was a terrifying place for skittish, defenseless sheep because
in the cliffs on both sides of the valley there were rocks and crevices where
wild animals and even human predators waited in the shadows to harm the sheep. The
sheep faced death at every turn in the shadows, hence the name. The scary
sounds would echo and be amplified in the dark shadows of the valley terrifying
the sheep. But the good shepherd gently
prodded and comforted the terrified sheep through the shadow of death with his
gentle rod and staff.
We often hear Psalm 23 quoted at funerals. But this Psalm
not only gives comfort to the dying, it’s also meant to encourage, give strength
and hope to the living.
Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd. No matter what dangers
you face in the shadows and the steep cliffs of your life -- He is there
shielding you from the scary dangerous things that are frightening you and
keeping you skittish. As Christians we will
with certainty travel on the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Yet in those terrifying times of tragedy,
loss, sickness, abandonment, betrayal, economic hardship, emotional stress, loneliness,
etc. We can take comfort knowing that our Good Shepherd is there guiding and
protecting us along the way leading us to greener pastures. Therefore, there is no need to fear, the staff and rod of our Good Shepherd are never far away.
