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Psalm 23:4- “Even 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.”

In last week’s sermon, my pastor showed the congregation a picture of The Valley of Jehoshaphat, otherwise known as The Valley of the Shadow of Death.

If you’ve ever lost a loved-one, experienced extreme sadness, or found yourself in a fearful situation, you can relate to what David was saying in this psalm. But, I never knew the “Valley of the Shadow of Death” was an actual place. I thought it was simply figurative language.

The Valley of Jehoshaphat (which means “God has judged.”) is a narrow furrow of land in the Kidron Valley between the Temple Mount and The Mount of Olives where it is said that one day the events of Judgement Day will take place. (Joel 3:12) and all nations will be judged. At its southern end is a series of tombs.

Although valleys, historically, have been fertile places for farming, they are also susceptible to attacks by invading armies. So, David’s use of this reference helps us visualize a place where ambushes might take place.

However, King David goes on to tell us that he isn’t afraid because he is comforted by God’s rod and staff. 

A royal scepter is called a rod. A staff is a ruler’s symbol of authority standing between his feet. What could be more fitting than this description of our Lord as both The Good Shepherd and The King of Kings?

Keep that in mind as you walk through your own Valley of the Shadow of Death.  Our Good Shepherd, Jesus, protects us against our enemies, guides, and rescues us just as a shepherd protects his flocks.